Food
Local chefs get culinary boost
Friday 31 May 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Food, Local, National
The first CITC Culinary Workshop Series drew around 40 food professionals from the hospitality industry on the island.
Highland Paradise Competition fights to keep traditions alive
Saturday 25 May 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Art, Culture, Education, Features, Food, Go Local, National
Apii Arorangi was crowned the overall winners of the 2024 Highland Paradise Cultural Competition held on Thursday.
Local hot sauce burns up Australia's Mr Chilli competition
Thursday 23 May 2024 | Written by CI News Staff | Published in Features, Food, Go Local
A locally made hot sauce has been ranked the third hottest in an annual competition featuring best of the best sauces from Australia and New Zealand.
Cafe revived, Italian-style pizzeria opened by two Cook Islands chefs
Monday 29 January 2024 | Written by Joanne Holden | Published in Features, Food, Go Local
Two Cook Islands cooks have teamed up to revive and expand a Rarotonga café by transforming it into a traditional Italian pizzeria at night.
Trader Jacks ‘party central’ for Vaka Eiva
Friday 24 November 2023 | Written by Joanne Holden | Published in Entertainment, Features, Food
Trader Jacks is “looking forward” to hosting Vaka Eiva competitors again as the Cook Islands’ premier outrigger canoe international regatta returns to Avarua Wharf for the first time in four years. With three-and-a-half hours added to opening time, a freshly-painted car park boosting ambulance access, and plans to cater for 500 people on closing night – the Rarotonga restaurant and bar is anticipating “a very busy week”, director Chris Douglas said.
Club Raro’s Jalapenos: A must-try for couples
Tuesday 17 October 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Features, Food, Go Local
Recommended for couples only, you wouldn’t want to miss out on the welcoming, friendly environment offered at Club Raro restaurant and bar.
Pit masters lock tongs for first foray on global steak circuit
Monday 2 October 2023 | Written by Joanne Holden | Published in Features, Food
The Cook Islands has joined an international steak-cooking circuit as interest in competitive barbecuing experiences a “massive growth curve”.
Offering ‘affordable’ VIP experience
Saturday 30 September 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Features, Food, Go Local
A newly opened bar offering ‘affordable’ VIP experience, vibrant atmosphere, amazing cocktails and food has taken the Rarotonga patrons by storm.
Dining Table: Outstanding experience at On the Beach
Tuesday 19 September 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Features, Food, Go Local
Spend the evening overlooking the blue horizon as the sun sets at OTB, On the Beach Bar and Restaurant at Manuia Beach Resort Arorangi and you cannot miss the friendly welcome and hospitality of not only the staff, but OTB’s very own top chef and owner Philip Nordt.
New cafe, old family recipes
Monday 18 September 2023 | Written by Joanne Holden | Published in Features, Food, Go Local
From family recipes passed down for generations to a Nikao-based bakery satisfying the sweet tooth of Rarotonga’s students for more than 40 years, Turamatuitui Bakery continues to grow as its cafe offshoot relocates to Avarua.
Tamarind House - compliments to the chef and team
Tuesday 29 August 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Features, Food, Go Local
It’s worth every dollar! Situated just on the main road at Tupapa, in Rarotonga, I must say, Tamarind House Restaurant owned by Sue Carruthers never ceases to amaze me.
Dinning table: Little Poly where expectations meet reality
Tuesday 1 August 2023 | Written by CI News Staff | Published in Features, Food, Go Local
Driving past Little Polynesian Restaurant (Little Poly) in Titikaveka, I always wondered the kind of dining experience they offered. So when the opportunity came to dine at this poolside restaurant, no was not an option.
Dinning guide: Sizzling Sunday Grill is back!
Tuesday 25 July 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Food
Indulge, sit back and unwind for a delightful dining experience, inside, beachside or poolside, at the Muri Beach Club Hotel’s SilverSands Restaurant.
Local hot sauce gets overseas rating
Monday 24 July 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Food, Go Local
Paul’s Raro Hot Sauce is bringing together a love of all things chilli and a desire to put hot sauce from our little island on the overseas market.
Restaurateur says ‘save’ the cooking oil
Wednesday 19 July 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Features, Food, Go Local
A long serving restaurateur is suggesting there is a market for tackling waste cooking oil in the Cooks.
Matariki dinner with Aotearoa Minister
Friday 14 July 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Food, Local, National, Weekend
The Aotearoa Society celebrated Matariki, the beginning of Aotearoa New Zealand’s new year in the Māori lunar calendar with the presence of Minister for Māori Development, Broadcasting and Media Willie Jackson.
Cook Islands chefs prepare for global challenge
Thursday 25 May 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Features, Food
Cook Islands chefs will feature in the Global Chefs Challenge Pacific Rim Semi Final event at the Arena in Auckland, New Zealand during the Fine Foods Festival next month from Sunday, June 25 to Tuesday, June 27.
NZ chilli-eating champ gets taste of Rarotonga
Saturday 8 April 2023 | Written by Joanne Holden | Published in Features, Food
The three-time New Zealand chilli-eating champion and former Oceania Belt holder connected with the “chilli heads” of Rarotonga during his first-ever trip to the Cook Islands recently, and sees potential for the sport to grow in the island nation. Joanne Holden reports.
Our food is fresh, not polluted and mostly organic: chef Nordt
Friday 27 January 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Features, Food
Rarotonga chef Phillip Nordt cuts straight to the point as he sharpens his knife in preparation for a third season of his TV show Chef’s Table.
Cook Islands chef heads to culinary celebration
Saturday 1 October 2022 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Features, Food
Cook Islands chef Rangi Mitaera-Johnson will mix it with the best in the region for what looks to be celebration of food and community to help strengthen relationships between the Pacific and Aotearoa New Zealand.
