Behind the scenes at Rosie’s Red-Hot Cantina

Meet Andy Ruzich. The highly respected food entrepreneur who brought us the glorious Regatta Bar & Eatery has now graced Takapuna with another outstanding venue: Rosie’s Red-Hot Cantina. We caught up with Andy to discuss all things red, hot and yum.  Hi Andy, Rosie’s is looking awesome. Tell us what it’s all about! Rosie’s is the newest addition to the StarSocial hospitality network. We were looking for something else to fit into the North Shore, and we wanted to check out the Rosie’s Red-Hot Cantina concept in Wellington. So we travelled down there and as soon as we saw it, we knew this was exactly what Takapuna needed.  Who is this Rosie character? She’s fictional, a free spirit and super cool. She found herself on

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Where to go for the best foodie spots in Takapuna

With an outstanding range of hospitality venues, we know we’re pretty darn spoilt here on the North Shore. Taste of Takapuna month is here and it’s one of the biggest events on the Auckland food calendar. What better excuse to get your friends and whānau together and explore more of what’s on offer? We have a smashing list of where you can get the yummiest grub in Takapuna. We know you’ll love it and while you’re at it, keep tabs on your favs so you can vote in the People’s Choice Awards this October 2024. Enjoy the culinary odyssey, foodie friends. Where to go for… badass burgers We recently spilled the beans on many of our top burger joints in Takapuna and we know you

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Where to get dinner and a show in Takapuna

We’ve got the best spots to eat and drink when going out for a show in Takapuna! Takapuna boasts two quality performing arts venues with the Bruce Mason Centre and the Pumphouse Theatre keeping punters of all ages entertained.  With Matilda The Musical kicking off this week at the Bruce Mason Centre, be sure to make a memorable night of it by taking advantage of the best of Auckland hospitality right here in Takapuna. The centre even has its own two bars on the stalls and circle levels for your refreshment top-ups during the interval. The Pumphouse is tucked away in Killarney Park and has a lovely licensed cafe; the French Rendez-vous Café right next door. There is also a satellite bar, which is open

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The biggest & best burger bars in Takapuna

A burger a day will keep the hangry away and we’ve got you covered with enough suggestions to keep chowing down for at least a week. Elephant Wrestler (bottomless Fat Daddy burgers every Saturday) How many Fat Daddy burgers can you slam in 90 minutes? That’s right, every Saturday bottomless Fat Daddy burgers are available at the Elephant Wrestler. You can even wash it down with bottomless Export Gold or Prosecco. Check the Elephant Wrestler website for more details. Rosie’s Red Hot Cantina How about a burg from the hottest new spot in Takapuna, Rosie’s Red Hot Cantina? With four smashing options, each burger is served in a milk bun and comes with shoestring fries, ketchup and aioli. Plant-eaters are catered for with a hemp

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Recipes of Taste of Takapuna

We’ve arrived at the end of October, and the end of Taste of Takapuna 2023. Hopefully you got out and tried some of the incredible food Takapuna has to offer! If you’d like to take some of the flavour home with you, we’ve got three top recipes from some of our favourite North Shore restaurants to try at home. Enjoy! Tuna “Sinuglaw” Ceviche – Nanam Nanam is top quality cuisine, in modern Filipino style. Fresh and zesty flavours galore. Executive Chef Jess Granada shares the recipe for her tasty flash-grilled tuna ceviche. Ingredients: Method: Simple Carbonara – Botticelli Botticelli is famous for its incredible Italian flavours paired with live music and good times. This simple yet yummy Carbonara recipe is one way to take a

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The fascinating story of Regatta’s ultra-fresh seafood

Andy Ruzich, owner and chief joybringer at Regatta Bar & Eatery, has a connection with the sea that transcends into the heart of his restaurant. Growing up as an avid free diver, scuba diver, and fisherman, Andy’s love of the ocean inspired the seafood-centric essence of Regatta Bar. As part of our Taste of Takapuna celebration, we spoke with Andy about Regatta’s incredible seafood, and how it gets from the sea to a table on Auckland’s North Shore. Locally sourced seafood The seafood story starts in the ocean to the west of Leigh, a small town just north of Auckland, close to the Goat Island Marine Reserve. Regatta Bar & Eatery has a relationship with local boutique fishing company, Lee Fish, which supplies daily catch

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The best of baking and sweet treats Takapuna

Do you have a penchant for all things sweet? Well, we’ve got plenty of sweet spots here in Takapuna to satisfy your cravings. Here is a morsel of favourites from around Takapuna! Richoux Patisserie Indulge in the finest French pastries at Richoux Patisserie, catering to every sugar lover’s fantasy with an enticing array of slices, cakes, brownies, and more. Prepare for a dilemma as you choose between the zesty Ginger Pistachio Slice, the classic Black Forest Slice, and the comforting Apple Strudel. Your sweet adventure begins here. Little & Friday Little & Friday is about dishing up homemade delights loaded with fresh, organic, and free-range goodness. It’s the go-to spot for epic sweet treats and a caffeine fix. Pop into their Hurstmere Road café and

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Best business lunches in Takapuna

Stepping out for the old eat ‘n’ meet, or treating a valued client? Takapuna boasts the North Shore’s finest lunchtime culinary gems. This month is Taste of Takapuna 2023 – the perfect excuse to take your meetings to the street and try something new. Here’s a lineup of must-visit spots for hashing out those last details. Takapuna Beach Cafe Takapuna Beach Cafe is a fantastic spot for a networking lunch. Dreamy beachfront location, laid-back atmosphere, and a diverse menu of fresh, light food that covers off even the pickiest eater in the office. Enjoy your meal on the sun-soaked deck with a view that’ll make your food taste even better. Or, and bear with us for a second here, we wholly endorse the concept of

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Gluten-free dining in Takapuna

Do you follow a gluten-free diet? No worries! Takapuna boasts a feast of fantastic cafes and restaurants catering to various dietary preferences. Here are just five of our favourite places with amazing gluten-free options, picked for Taste of Takapuna October 2023. Jam Organic Cafe Jam Organic Cafe isn’t just about serving delicious food; it’s also a hub of good vibes, friendly faces and super healthy brekky or lunch. With heaps of gluten-free options, we recommend the range of delicious omelettes, the good ol’ Sweetcorn Fritters, or the Chicken Breast Salad, complete with mango, grilled halloumi, avocado, wild rocket, toasted almond, aioli, and kumara crisps. And don’t forget to cap off your meal with a round of their irresistible gluten-free Peanut Brownie Bliss Balls. Street Organics

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