What’s Up

Trading Places

The Trading Post has lost “French Bistro” from its name, but gained “Osteria Italiana” — the eatery now owned by Italian chef Simone Saglia and his Waikato-born wife, Kylie. Simone has worked in Michelin-starred eateries in Italy and the UK, and top Melbourne joints too. Dinner is degustation only, currently with braised osso buco with polenta, and a chocolate and hazelnut lava cake. It’s à la carte by day, with casual offerings (eggs or a BLAT) as well as the makings of a lazy lunch with cured duck breast, truffle risotto (with Te Puke truffles), and cannelloni. Simone hails from Piedmont, an area famous for wines such as Barolo and Nebbiolo, so expect great Italian vino.

→ 1 Hall Rd, Paengaroa (10 minutes from Te Puke) thetradingpost.nz thetradingpostnz

Generally Speaking

One of Mount Maunganui’s favourite cafes has hitched a ride over the bridge and landed in The Lakes. The General at the Lakes has taken over the former Maude site at The Lakes Shopping Village (right beside the great little playground, and the walking and cycling paths around the picturesque Lakes area). The daytime menu (Mon Amour French toast, pictured) is similar to the Mount offering with good cabinet food. Come night time, there are cocktails, bar snacks and regular live gigs, plus a new dinner menu that ranges from dumplings and Coromandel mussels to ribeye and lamb shanks.

Go Underground

Learn all about the intriguing world of truffles at an experience offered by Kitchen Takeover and Te Puke Truffles. The two-hour truffle hunts with tastings will run Friday to Sunday, until 30 July. Maureen and Colin Binns have been cultivating some of Aotearoa’s best black Périgord truffles since 2015. After the farm experience, you have the option of a two-course Italian lunch at Sugo in Tauranga, where truffles will take centre stage.

→ kitchentakeover.co.nz

Food Lovers’ Kitchen

A husband-and-wife team, Food Lovers’ Kitchen offers traditional handmade dumplings and pork buns, and an excellent pure chilli oil. The oil stars in its delicious signature dish of Sichuan Spicy Noodles. You’ll love it!

@foodlovers_kitchen_bop

Green Tiger Interiors

Green Tiger Interiors is passionate about colour, texture and great design. It believes in fair trade and only sources exceptional quality, handmade items. Check out the range and support traditional arts. greentigerinteriors.co.nz

@greentigerinteriors

Neufound

Neufound eyewear is found at selected boutiques nationwide and online. The frames are handcrafted for sunseekers who share an appreciation of premium and sustainable materials. neufound.com

@neufound_eyewear

Me & the Brave

Beautiful 100% wool, wide-brim fedoras, plus jewellery and apparel for all those brave, authentic and fearless souls. Showroom at 12b Kopukairoa Boulevard, Pāpāmoa. @meandthebrave meandthebrave.com

Kai Fusion

A boutique catering company specialising in gourmet street food around the Bay of Plenty. Kai Fusion caters weddings and corporate office events as well as get-togethers with friends. It’s food you won’t soon forget. @kaifusioncatering

Delicious Dosa

Food Point, aka Delicious Dosa, has more fans each market. Dosa is a fermented savoury crepe made from stone-ground rice and lentils, and has a range of fillings. Served with salad, peri peri sauce, coconut mayo and coconut chutney.

@foodpointdosa

Mon’s Flavors

Mon’s spices are handmade and have no artificial colouring, refined sugar, MSG or salt. Just ground and roasted, ready to make your food taste great. Ingredients are selected for their high nutrient values and are organic, where possible. monsflavors.co.nz

Defy

Defy is a New Zealand owned and operated brand that prides itself in creating high-quality and functional clothing with a distinct street aesthetic — think hoodies, tees, shorts and activewear.

defyclothing.co.nz

@defy_clothing_nz

Noxen

100% cotton hooded poncho towels, surf accessories and custom apparel for everyone in the whānau, from groms to grandparents. Call in to the showroom at 12b Kopukairoa Boulevard, Pāpāmoa.

noxen.co.nz @noxensurf

Dr Bucha

Dr Bucha’s craft kombucha is made locally and delivers full-bodied natural flavour with real fruit pieces you can see. Made the traditional way, it will satisfy the kombucha lovers in your family. Visit TLBM or your local farmers’ market to taste. drbucha.co.nz

Stick Hunters

Stick Hunters is a local clothing range for adventurous kids who live an outdoorsy lifestyle. From puddle jumping to beach play, it’s all about exploring and having the most fun. Join the hunt.

stickhunters.co.nz

@stick.hunters