Stories

Chef Chanaka Jayabahu at 50 Bistro has a focus on creating simple and elegant dishes using locally sourced fresh produce. "I joined the Sri Lanka Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management after high school in Colombo to pursue a career as a chef, then moved to New Zealand in 2012. I continued to study and gain experience in hospitality and I’m very proud to have held positions managing kitchens at the iconic Galle Face Hotel and Palagama Beach Resort in Sri Lanka, La Brezza in Cyprus, and more recently at Terrace Downs in Canterbury, as well as one of New Zealand’s best ski resorts in Methven.” Three key ingredients to a tasty dish? Fresh produce, experience and love. What is your favourite guilty pleasure? Scrolling through Instagram. Yes, I can’t take my eyes away when I’m on Instagram. What is an interesting trend you’re seeing in food? I see that people...

We are lucky to have a huge array of choice eateries here in Christchurch, and let’s just say that if you’ve never struggled to pick which delicious menu to go for, congratulations – you’re a unicorn. For the more decisively-challenged among us, these dining destinations are like the food courts over the rainbow – magical, shiny, and filled with some truly stunning independent eateries. Don’t get us wrong, it’ll still be hard to choose, but these hubs are so belly-rumblingly cool you’ll probably just keep coming back until you’ve tried everything anyway. Riverside Market One of the crown jewels of Christchurch’s rebuild, Riverside Market is a seven-day-a-week indoor farmers’ market bursting with eateries, drinkeries, boutique shopping, artisan makers and more. Bringing international vibes to the Garden City, this bustling community hub is a true destination, for delicious food and drink, for fresh, organic, locally grown produce, for music and events, cooking...

With vines stretching from the mountains to the sea, we’re flush with options for leafy long lunches. Cityscape has rounded up a few favourites. Greystone Wines Greystone’s eatery boasts sharing plates made from locally grown, organic, and foraged produce. Settle in for an ever-changing four-course lunch with paired wines, and if you’ve got some energy left afterwards, explore the vineyard’s walking and biking trails. Black Estate Winery There’s not a lot that can beat a languid al fresco session at family-owned and operated Black Estate, complete with winery, tasting room and restaurant. Savour the sumptuous combination of fine, locally-sourced fare with exquisite wines while drinking in the equally impressive vistas across the rolling Waipara hills. Black Estate’s spectacular seasonal dishes earned the team a Cuisine magazine award for Best Winery Restaurant 2019 and two hats in the Cuisine Good Food Awards. Fiddler’s Green Vineyard & Bistro Pull up a pew and...

Famously enjoyed on long summer evenings, gin has a warm-weather reputation. Juno Gin’s Dave James gives Cityscape some ideas for enjoying a gin in the cooler months. It’s all about choosing the right gin, and serving it up in the right style, he says. “Traditionally it's served as gin and tonic, but we’re trying to say ‘move away from that and see the repertoire you’ve got available to you’.” Juno’s Autumn 2021 Seasonal Gin is going to feature cranberries and a hint of Vietnamese mint. It isn’t a full-blown winter comforter, but it’ll have a warmer hue to it than a typical summer gin. “You can mix it with a little cranberry juice for a rich flavour that really suits the autumn mood,” Dave says. The next gin on the release list will be a nutty number for winter. “There’s an opportunity to use it as a toast or a digestif.”...

We round up great films, reads, shows to bingewatch, new albums to treat your ears to and a couple of decent podcasts to enlighten. Watching Film picks thanks to Lumière Cinemas' Nick Paris. The Father Based on the award-winning play by Florian Zeller, who also directed the film, The Father stars Anthony Hopkins and Olivia Colman and is already generating Oscar buzz. A film both frightening and devastating in its familiarity, The Father follows the story of feisty 80-year-old dementia sufferer Anthony as he begins to lose his grip on reality, while his daughter Anne becomes increasingly more frustrated and desperate to find someone to help care for her father. Collective On October 30, 2015, in popular Bucharest club Colectiv, metal band Goodbye to Gravity’s set ends with a small pyrotechnics display which ignites the entire club, killing 27 people. This shocking and unflinching documentary is really about what came after:...

Ralph Hotere was a prolific figure in New Zealand art through the late 20th Century, charting his journeys around Aotearoa and the world and reflecting on his experiences, identity and politics through his art. This exhibition, produced in partnership with the Dunedin Public Art Gallery, is the first major survey of Hotere’s career, bringing together works from collections all over the country. These include works of political protest, such as the Aramoana series created in response to a proposed smelting site, as well as landmark works such as Black Phoenix and Godwit/Kuaka. Through Ātete, Hotere’s vision and artistic achievements will be introduced to a new generation. Christchurch Art Gallery, Sat 27 Mar – Sun 25 Julchristchurchartgallery.org.nz

There’s nothing like a bit of early 2000s throwback to get a dancefloor moving, and this March is bringing the party vibe as Kiwi legends Elemeno P take the stage to celebrate the vinyl release of all three of their classic albums. This is the first time that Elemeno P’s discography have been released on vinyl, and the band in all its original glory will be playing all the hits from each, including ‘Fast Times in Tahoe’, ‘Verona’, and ‘Every Day’s a Saturday’. Lead vocalist Dave Gibson has returned from New York to tour New Zealand, and is pumped to be able to shake off a mad year by revisiting their much-loved music. The Good Home, Sat 27 Mareventfinda.co.nz

The number one event on the calendar for pop culture fans, Armageddon Expo is Christchurch and New Zealand’s largest entertainment and fantasy event, with over 130,000 punters rolling up every year. The expo is an iconic celebration of all things geek, where fans of classic and current TV and movies, comics, games, animation and more converge to revel in the enjoyment of their favourites. Featuring famous media stars, voice actors and other creators, the latest game releases, collectibles, performances, contests, movie screenings and the famous Armageddon Cosplay Contest, this is the ultimate meeting place for fandoms of all persuasions. Christchurch Arena, Sat 29 – Sun 30 Mayarmageddonexpo.com

The world’s first opera band, Amici Forever, was founded by New Zealand tenor Geoff Sewell, and he now brings his group of international West End and Broadway stars on tour around New Zealand. Bravo Amici brings a sublime experience of the classical crossover music genre, with a moving and uplifting collection of classical, contemporary and musical theatre songs. This group of talented tenors and sopranos deliver a rich range of sound that has captivated audiences and notable figures around the world, including Sir Elton John, Nelson Mandela, and the Queen. Christchurch Town Hall, Wed 26 May premier.ticketek.co.nz

In this play by New Zealand writers Stephen Sinclair and Anthony McCarten, five mates find themselves outside a pub on a Saturday night, down on their luck and drunkenly joking about what they can do to get back on their feet. What they come up with becomes a challenge they can’t back out of – an all-male strip show. A raucous comedy about taking risks, the power of friendship and the classic Kiwi ‘can-do’ attitude, this production by The Court Theatre is a must-see. The Court Theatre, Sat 1 May – Sat 5 Juncourttheatre.org.nz

An iconic Christchurch music festival that turns Lincoln village into a pumping outdoor concert, Selwyn Sounds is more than brilliant music, it’s a fantastic day out and a great way to say goodbye to summer. With a range of international cuisines available from food trucks on site and two well-stocked bars, you’ll be well fed and watered enough to dance the day away. Selwyn Sounds is in its fifth year in 2021, and this year’s irresistible lineup includes Jon Stevens of INXS, Stan Walker, The Jordan Luck Band, Che Fu, Annie Crummer, Nathan King and Andy Lynch from Zed, and The Remnants of Hello Sailor. Lincoln Domain, Sat 10 Aprselwynsounds.co.nz

Hailing from Devonport, these indie rockers released their second album, Nux Vomica, in 2006, marking a darker, heavier and more emotionally weighted direction for the group and earning themselves an international fanbase. For the first time, the band will play this iconic album live in its entirety, as well as back catalogue favourites and possibly even some new material. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear such standouts as ‘Advice For Young Mothers To Be’, ‘Calliope’, ‘One Night on Earth’, and of course, the title track ‘Nux Vomica’, which was used to great effect in the soundtrack of Italian film Il Divo. Isaac Theatre Royal, Sat 10 Apr premier.ticketek.co.nz

A concert celebrating the creative hotbed and great songwriting tradition in Christchurch, Ōtautahi Proud features a stellar lineup of local performers singing a selection of their own works and some of their personal favourites. The event is conducted by Tom Rainey and presented by the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra as part of the events surrounding the 2020 Silver Scroll Awards, which was hosted in Christchurch for the first time in over a decade. Christchurch Town Hall, Fri 21 Maycso.co.nz

The quintessential romantic ballet, Giselle first toured New Zealand to sell-out audiences in 2012, and has captivated audiences and critics the world over. The masterpiece is returning to New Zealand in June as a new generation of dancers take on some of ballet’s most iconic roles. Mystical and lyrical, Giselle is an enchanting production that fuses all the elements of a truly special ballet: a romantic story, touching, human characters, beautiful choreography and a lovely setting. One of Royal New Zealand Ballet’s signature shows, this is an opportunity to see a timeless production of one of ballet’s greatest stories. Isaac Theatre Royal, Fri 4 – Sat 5 June rnzb.org.nz

If you're thinking of heading out of Christchurch this autumn, make sure these events are on your radar! Ripe: The Wānaka Wine & Food Festival A brand new festival for foodies and wine enthusiasts everywhere, Ripe is a celebration of the brilliant Central Otago viticulture industry and local culinary scene, taking place in the scenic surrounds of Wānaka. Wine makers and chefs from around the region will be available to talk to, with wine and food tastings going on all day. The Jordan Luck Band will be headlining a killer selection of bands and singer-songwriters providing entertainment throughout the festival. Don’t miss celebrity Chef Nadia Lim and Master Sommelier Cameron Douglas at the ‘Grand Central Woolshed’, providing cooking masterclasses and wine tasting sessions. Corbridge Woolshed, Wanaka, Sunday 21 March, ripewanaka.nz Dunedin Arts Festival Jam-packed with diverse performing and visual arts of the highest quality, the Dunedin Arts Festival celebrates the excellent...

Christchurch is blessed with views to all sides: the Port Hills, the Southern Alps, the Pacific Ocean and the Avon River. Here are Cityscape’s picks of the best spots in town to take in the views with your favourite beverage on hand. Pink Lady Rooftop See an unhindered outlook of the city skyline, the Port Hills, and the Southern Alps from the rooftop bar at the Muse Hotel. Drink Fortune Favours craft beers and Miami-style cocktails with a special Pink Lady flair. pinkladyrooftop.co.nz Beach See the sand, sea and sun from this idyllic restaurant and bar plonked right on Sumner beach. Drink a fine craft beer, a glass of bubbles, or on a warm day get into a speciality frozen cocktail. beachsumner.co.nz Sign of the Kiwi See extensive views of Christchurch and the mountainous spine of the South Island from the tippity top of the Port Hills. Drink a killer espresso...

Every time we think the Christchurch bar scene has peaked, it just keeps shooting for the stars. Nightlife in the city has never been as sweet as it is right now, and Cityscape has your guide. Headline heroes The rebirth of pre-quake hotspot Fat Eddie’s in Oxford Terrace offers toe-tapping live jazz and blues every night in an old-skool atmosphere and with some excellent snacks and drinks. You’ll find the slinky, speakeasy cool of O.G.B. resplendently housed in the Old Government Building, a favourite hangout for suits after 5pm and a buzzing spot that’s never quiet on the weekend. In Poplar Street, multi-bar venue Dux Central includes London-esque craft beer-topia Brew Bar, 1920s speakeasy-fuelled cocktails and swagger at neighbouring The Poplar Social Club and upstairs, Upper Dux’s funky sun-drenched space really takes off after dark. Bringing some super-slick sophistication to The Terrace is Terrace Tavern, with craft beers and cocktails galore...

Christchurch band There’s A Tuesday consists of Nat Hutton, Minnie Robberds, Angus Murray and Joel Becker. Co-frontwoman and guitarist Nat talks good days with Cityscape. We see you’ve been touring the country and recording new music this summer. Has it been hectic? Yeah it has been! Good hectic though. We’re feeling pretty mega lucky to have been able to play so many shows. We got to travel to a lot of places we’d never been to before and meet so many Kiwi musicians, a bunch we are huge fans of, such as The Beths, Bic Runga and Benee. What are you listening to at the moment? Lots of Soccer Mommy. We’re loving Christian Lee Hutson, Beach Bunny and The Japanese House. You’re trapped on a deserted island, what three things do you have? Hmm I’m going to have to say fried tofu with black bean sauce, a Tamagotchi, and Zack from...