Tash and Vicki couldn't visit Wellington without inviting Lucy Corry to the group chat. Iconic food writer and noe RNZ's Lifestyle Editor, Lucy says the fix for NZ food writing starts with telling better stories about real people, real seasons, and real kitchens.

If you care about how we eat, what gets published, and why some food content connects while so much of it disappears into the scroll, this conversation will hit hard.

Lucy is known for her unmistakeable 'voice' behind The Kitchen Maid and her Sunday Fancy Butter Substack, and she joins us for a sharp, funny, and surprisingly urgent conversation about the state of food media in Aotearoa. Together we unpack why New Zealand food storytelling has often been stuck between recipes and restaurant reviews—and why that narrow view leaves out so much of the country’s actual food culture.

We explore seasonality, recipe writing, AI-generated food content, editorial judgement, and the difference between food writing that informs and content that simply feeds the algorithm. Lucy also explains why the most compelling food stories are really about people, not plates—and why voices outside the usual food-media lane are so urgently needed.This episode is for writers, editors, cooks, publishers, food lovers, and anyone who believes food stories should mean more than content.

Show the love by giving this episode a Like, a review or leaving a comment - we read every single one. Then head to http://www.thesaucenz.com to subscribe to our monthly newsletter.

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The Sauce is on the road! This week we went on an adventure to Wellington, to spend time with some behind the scenes hospitality professionals making a real difference. One of whom is Dominique McMillan, co-owner of Floridita's and Loretta and co-founder of Kitchen Day. Kitchen Day started as a series of events to bring hospitality industry in Wellington together and it's blossomed into a heartfelt and special community, as well as a podcast showcasing the incredible people who work in front of house and service roles.

When you're in Wellington - support our hosts for this episode Hawthorn Lounge (82 Tory St, Wellington) and be sure to check out https://www.kitchenday.co.nz/ wherever you listen to podcasts, and as ever, we couldn't do this without our remarkable sponsors: Gerry's and Barkers.

This week we unpack the real and true history of fish & chips: a journey of migration and how food, techniques and technology move around the world. We're so passionate about understanding how this dish evolved and has become uniquely Kiwi in it's own way - and different in every part of the world. To help understand it, we talk to Izzy from Rivers Catch in Rotorua. Izzy shares how she turned a suburban Rotorua fish and chip shop into a destination by treating it like a restaurant experience. The conversation covers her move from the Philippines to New Zealand, and the menu choices that make Rivers Catch stand out.

We discuss fish selection, chip cuts, sustainability, Filipino-inspired dishes like lumpia and adobo fish tacos, and how she educates customers without losing the comfort of a classic Kiwi takeaway.

Tash and Vicki also help frame the cultural place of fish and chips in New Zealand and the community value of a good local takeaway.

Key topics

• Izzy explains that Rivers Catch is an upmarket fish and chip shop in Sunnybrook, Rotorua, chosen deliberately for its suburban location and local customer base rather than tourists.
• She shares her journey from the Philippines to New Zealand, including her background as a nurse, her culinary training in Auckland, and the moment she realized kitchen work felt like home.
• Izzy talks about learning the realities of hospitality ownership through Fish Smith in Herne Bay, which taught her the business side of opening and running a shop.
• She describes how Rivers Catch was built on more than food alone, with attention to atmosphere, service, music, seating, reading material, and an overall restaurant-style experience.
• Izzy explains her sourcing philosophy, including nearby organic vegetables, sustainable fish suppliers from Napier, and a strong preference for quality and consistency.
• She breaks down her favorite fish choices, especially blue warehou, trevally, gemfish, and tarakihi, and why she avoids relying on snapper or hoki for battered fish and chips.
• The conversation explores how she uses menu cards at the counter to educate customers about different fish, helping locals become more adventurous and informed.
• Izzy shares how Filipino dishes have become part of the business identity, including fish and prawn lumpia and adobo fish tacos, which have found a strong audience.
• She explains her chip strategy, including thick-cut 18 mm chips, shoestring chips for kids and burgers, and why she stopped short of hand-cutting every chip.
• The hosts and Izzy discuss the cultural significance of fish and chips in New Zealand, especially its role as a suburban institution and a familiar family meal.

Winners of Best New Restaurant 2026 at the Cuisine Good Food Awards, Matt and Barbara Lambert join us to talk about opening Return Restaurant on Ponsonby Road in Auckland, what changed after years overseas, and why the new venue is more about people, family, and consistency than chasing trophies.

The conversation also digs into how they define intentional dining, build a hospitality team with genuine warmth, and what a sustainable success looks like in New Zealand hospitality.

• Matt shares that opening a restaurant was never going to happen at the "perfect" time because life, family, and the state of the world never really stop shifting.
• The couple explains that the historic Ponsonby Road space felt right because it had community meaning and personal history, including a connection through Melissa Morrow.
• Matt reflects on how his motivation has changed since the early Michelin years, saying the focus is now far more on guests than external validation.
• He talks openly about returning to New Zealand as a return home, a return to community, and a return to being present for his kids.
• Barbara and Matt discuss the tension between ambition and ego, and how having children changes the calculus around risk, time, and work-life balance.
• The restaurant’s model is described as genuine rather than capital-heavy, with quality coming from the people, the food, and the service rather than from big financial backing.
• Matt describes training staff as a way of making himself less necessary, so the team can grow and the business can be sustainable without him doing everything.
• Barbara explains the front-of-house goal as warm, familiar, and adaptable service that can handle everything from a formal tasting menu to a casual dinner with friends.
• The pair explain why they dislike the label "fine dining" and prefer "intentional dining", which they see as less pretentious and more inclusive.
• They talk about how Return offers multiple formats, including tasting menus and à la carte, so the restaurant does not become a once-only special occasion venue.
• A big thread of the conversation is what New Zealand food actually means, with Matt arguing that the country’s food identity is still being written and should be defined by intention, not PR language.
• The discussion turns to ingredient sourcing, homogeneity in the local scene, and the frustration of everyone using the same produce, tools, and presentation styles.
• Matt says success at Return is simple: seats filled, bills paid, quality of life, and memorable experiences for guests.

Thanks so much for your support of our incredible guests at Return Restaurant and of our podcast.

Show the love by giving this episode a Like, a review or leaving a comment - we read every single one. Then head to http://www.thesaucenz.com to subscribe to our monthly newsletter.

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If you've ever wondered if you're up for the challenge of judging hundreds of toasties around the country - this episode is for you! Vicki and Tash dive deep into one of the most important foodie competitions of the year - the Toastie Takeover. We talk to head judge, Kerry Tyack, about the judging criteria behind the competition, and why a great toastie is all about balance, story, and consistency. Bevan from The Offering shares the story behind his winning toastie, while Kerry Tyack explains how judges assess entries across the country. The discussion is practical, passionate, and very specific about flavour, texture, and the role of pickles in the final result.

Key topics

• In this episode: Bevan explains how he and his team spent seven to eight years refining their Toastie Takeover entry before finally winning.
• The winning toastie is built around housemade bread, cheese, pastrami from waygu brisket, pulled brisket, bread and butter pickles, super kraut, smoky barbecue aioli, bacon jam, and espresso barbecue sauce.
• Bevan says the team made 950 toasties since 24 June, showing how much volume and testing went into the final version.
• Kerry Tyack explains that a great toastie needs to be comforting, consistent, and still satisfying on repeat visits.
• Kerry says judges are looking for balance and ingredient distinction, not just a long list of toppings.
• The competition values local identity and place, so a toastie should reflect the venue and its customers rather than chase trends for their own sake.
• Kerry notes that this year’s entries showed a wider ingredient range, including paneer, fish, and Korean chicken.
• The judges are instructed to score on merit, not comparison to food outside the region, and to explain every point deduction in writing.
• The conversation highlights how the Toastie Takeover can create staff bonding, extra sales, and a stronger sense of community for participating venues.
• The episode also briefly touches on other food obsessions, including Kingston biscuit trend baking and the ongoing carrot gin award story.

Tash and Vicki cut through the noise around the latest macronutrient obsession and get honest about why we need to pay as much attention to what's coming out of our bodies as what's going in. From the surprising reality of how little fibre many of us get, to why protein has been easier to market than fibre, this episode goes straight at what our bodies actually need. And then we discover how much fun and fizz you can have along the way with Becs, from Good Sh*t Soda. If you’ve been wondering whether you need to eat more roughage, drink a probiotic soda, or just stop overcomplicating nutrition, this conversation is for you.

• Why fibre deficiency is so common, even in places where people think they eat well
• The difference between chasing nutrients and building a balanced, varied diet
• How gut health connects to immunity, brain function, and digestion
• Why whole foods still matter most, even if processed products can play a role
• What to watch out for if you suddenly try to “fiber maxx”

Don't forget to support our sponsors and use our discount codes for high protein (and fibre!) bread from gerrys.co.nz using THESAUCE20

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In this episode, we explore the art of butchery, the importance of nose-to-tail eating, and the skills needed to preserve this craft in a changing food landscape. And we welcome a new sponsor to our supporters family - hello Barkers of Geraldine!

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Featuring a candid conversation with Nick Thomson, author of "Marrow," we delve into the history, techniques, and philosophy behind traditional butchery, and how these practices can reconnect us with our food.

• The cultural shift from traditional to modern butchery tools, including the use of bandsaws versus old-school cleavers and saws.
• The importance of nose-to-tail consumption for sustainability, nutrition, and culinary diversity.
• The story behind Nick's journey from London to New Zealand, and his mission to revive high street butchery.
• How training the next generation of butchers and chefs in traditional skills can build a more resilient food system.
• The significance of scarcity in cuts, the concept of "the only two of anything," and how that elevates certain pieces like marrow bones, beef cheeks, or lamb hearts.
• Challenges faced by local butchers, including homogenization, loss of knowledge, and changing consumer preferences.
• Practical insights into butchery techniques, respecting provenance, and enhancing flavor through simple, skillful preparation.
• The cultural and family stories connected to offal, especially childhood treats, and the importance of reintroducing these cuts into everyday eating.
• The role of community, storytelling, and authentic craftsmanship in strengthening local food traditions.

Support those who support us by using our codes when you shop online at gerrys.co.nz (THESAUCE20) and barkers.co.nz (SAUCE15).

Celebrating Hamilton's wine and food community, this episode Vicki takes us to the heart of why she loves the Waikato so much... only 1 degree of separation, incredibly down to earth makers and a passion for connection and community. Join us for an authentic conversation capturing the essence of Hamilton life — its community spirit, culinary innovations, and the vibrant stories behind local wines and dishes. Discover how passion, culture, and connection turn everyday experiences into extraordinary moments.

• The stories and traditions behind Villagrad wines and their significance in Hamilton's cultural landscape
• How local wineries like Villagrad craft award-winning Pinot Gris and the secrets to their success
• The importance of authentic hospitality in creating memorable dining experiences
• The unique concept of "Love Bites" in Hamilton's vibrant food scene and the community celebration it fosters
• The innovative culinary collaborations at Little Honey, including the use of Pinot Gris in cured fish dishes
• The role of local storytelling in cuisine and wine, emphasizing heritage and regional pride
• Practical insights into wine cellaring, storage, and achieving perfect wine profiles with local vintages
• The importance of community connection, passion for craft, and celebrating local success stories

And don't forget to use SAUCE20 at gerrys.co.nz to support our sponsors, visit thesaucenz.com to subscribe to the monthly newsletter.

Unlock the secrets behind New Zealand's elusive and delicious truffles! If you're curious about how to turn a short-lived delicacy into everyday magic, this episode is your essential guide. Gus Tissinck, one of New Zealand’s foremost truffle experts, joins us to demystify the underground world of truffle farming, harvesting, and culinary use. From the science of soil and climate effects to the cultural evolution that’s transforming truffles from rare gourmet indulgence into a local staple, Gus offers a behind-the-scenes look at our burgeoning truffle industry. You’ll discover why our truffles are so short-lived, how their unique aroma compounds behave, and why understanding their biology is fundamental for growers and chefs alike.We break down the key challenges, including the impact of market saturation, the short season window, and the importance of public education. Gus shares practical tips for home cooks on how to incorporate truffles into everyday dishes—from butter and eggs to cheese toasts—and why scent and fat are your best allies for maximising flavour. Explore the parallels between the whiskey industry and truffle production, and learn what it takes to elevate New Zealand's truffle story from bougie export to accessible, homegrown luxury. Why does this matter? Because the future of New Zealand’s truffle scene hinges on innovation, education, and the right marketing. With better understanding and expanded use, we can make truffles as common as asparagus—setting the stage for a domestic industry that’s as rich and diverse as our soil.Perfect for food lovers, entrepreneurs, and anyone dreaming of a truffle-filled life, this episode invites you to see beneath the surface of this underground wonder. Whether you’ve never tried a truffle or are a seasoned connoisseur, you’ll gain new insights and inspiration to bring more of this mysterious fungi into your everyday cuisine. Tune in and join the movement to make truffles part of New Zealand’s culinary identity—because delicious discoveries are only a shave away.

Move those tins from your emergency food supply to front and centre! And then pour a glass of Two Paddocks as Tash remembers her last conversation with Sam Neill.

Then, whether you're a seasoned home cook or just looking to streamline weeknight dinners, VIcki and Tash have some innovative hacks, surprising facts, and inspiration to elevate your canned goods game. We dive into the magic of tins—tomatoes, beans, fish, and more—revealing which brands offer the best nutrition, flavour, and value. Ever wondered about the secret to perfecting a tomato sauce with tinned tomatoes?Tune in for practical tips on using common ingredients like onion soup, condensed milk, and chickpeas in creative ways that save time and boost flavour. You'll also get the lowdown on choosing quality tinned goods, supporting ethical sourcing, and understanding the science behind nutrition—like the benefits of lycopene or how to get crispy roasted beans that satisfy every time. Dive into the debate about whether fresh or canned tomatoes reign supreme, and explore ideas for adding flair to your pantry staples with fresh herbs, spices, and clever flavor hacks.