Meet NZ’s Divine Hot Cross buns! –
A team effort is behind the best hot cross bun in New Zealand, and its biggest critic, Daily Bread head baker Patrick Welzenbach describes it as “perfect”. Daily Bread, Auckland took out the top place for a second consecutive year in Baking New Zealand’s Great NZ Hot Cross Bun Competition, which was judged in Palmerston North on March 17. With extra butter, a little more moisture and a faster proving of the sourdough, the winning entry is the fluffiest hot cross bun Daily Bread has created while continuing to produce a classical bun. “I have to say that this year’s…
Hospitality Excellence Awards open for entries –
Entries are open for the 25thth Hospitality New Zealand Awards for Excellence. The 2023 awards are steeped in history, recognizing businesses and people across the hospitality and accommodation sectors, celebrating industry success and excellence. The Hospitality New Zealand Awards for Excellence are the longest running, national awards that honor the achievements of the hardworking and talented people who make the hospitality and accommodation industries exceptional. Entries are now open to the public, closing on April 14. There are 25 categories to apply for, spanning hospitality, accommodation, gaming and more, with the overall Supreme Winner Award to be selected from the…
Active NZ market a beacon for hotel investors says JLL –
The momentum in the hotel sector has been carried through into 2023, with the value of deals that have gone unconditionally this year, already passing $100 million and are currently under negotiation. Having transacted the record $170 million sale of Auckland’s Stamford Plaza late last year, now refurbished and re-opened as the JW Marriot Auckland, JLL Director Hotels & Hospitality Nick Thompson says the active New Zealand market is once again a beacon for investors seeking stable, long-term performance. The most recent deals transacted by JLL include the purchase by Distinction Hotels Group of the 253-room Mount Cook Hotel Collection,…
Ready for the ultimate toastie taste test? –
Think your toasties taste top? The Great NZ Toastie Takeover is back and organizers of the annual competition are once again on the hunt for the country’s supreme toasted sandwich. With free entry, the popular competition has gained momentum year on year, with 2022 attracting more than 180 entries and a whopping 140,000 toasts served up over the duration of the search. Now in its sixth year, and after a big jump in entries last year, organizers Cook & Nelson and McClure’s Pickles have made the call to cap entries at 250. As always, the competition remains open to all…
A spoonful of olive oil in your coffee? –
Starbucks has launched an ‘innovative’ range of coffee beverages infused with extra virgin olive oil across its Italian stores. Interim CEO Howard Schultz said the Oleato – meaning ‘with oil’ – range of beverages represents the ‘next revolution in coffee’ that brings together an ‘alchemy of nature’s finest ingredients’. Starbucks cited an Italian family tradition of consuming a spoonful of extra virgin olive oil each day as an uplifting ritual as the inspiration for the concept and has partnered with premium Sicily-based olive oil brand Partanna for the product launch. Three products — Oleato Caffè Latte, Oleato Iced Shaken Espresso…
The Sicilian Hotel Where ‘White Lotus’ Was Filmed Is Currently Offering a 25% Off Deal
Head to the dreamy location for a bit of a discount — drama not included. Looking to experience The White Lotus IRL? Well, it just got a bit cheaper. The San Domenico Palace, A Four Seasons Hotel, which was the hotel used as the setting for season 2 of the hit HBO show, in Sicily, Italy, is running a promotion offering 25 percent off of certain rates and packages. Located in Sicily, on a hillside overlooking the Ionian Sea, the building was once a convent back in the 14th century, and has been welcoming guests as a hotel since 1896.…
RANZ reports positive meeting with new PM outlining immediate priorities –
The Restaurant Association, along with other members of the business community, met with the new Prime Minister, Chris Hipkins yesterday morning for the first time to discuss the impact of flooding on North Island hospitality businesses. Prime Minister, Chris Hipkins. Marisa Bidois, CEO of the Restaurant Association of New Zealand said the meeting, which lasted about an hour was “constructive and positive” and it was clear that the Prime Minister was aware of the many challenges faced by the business community, which was encouraging to see. The Restaurant Association raised immediate priorities with the Prime Minister: Business communications – Ensuring…