Latest news with #Reuben
NZ Herald
5 hours ago
- Entertainment
- NZ Herald
Best family guide to Christchurch, New Zealand
'Fading middle-aged celebrity spotted climbing in children's playground' is not a headline I want to see, so I send my kids up the tower instead. Afterwards, Reuben walks us to a pop-up outdoor dancefloor where anybody can hook up their music and boogie beneath the mirror ball. It's the sort of left-field project that comes when you have open-minded city planners and lots of empty lots to fill. Reuben, who wrote his doctoral thesis on Christchurch urban art, is an engaging communicator who demystifies the city's paintings and installations without ever dumbing down. The Margaret Mahy Playground. Photo / ChristchurchNZ The sparkling new CBD (best explored initially by tram) has had plenty of attention, but locals know there's also gold in the hills. Crater Rim Walks collects us from the hotel and takes us up towards the old road to Lyttelton, where dozens of walking tracks offer views over the city. A very gentle workout takes us through the bush and up to the summit of Sugar Loaf hill, where we can see the South Island's eastern coast stretch up towards Kaikōura. We stop for a round of iced chocolates at Sign of the Kiwi Cafe, then walk back to the carpark, passing dozens of happy dog walkers and cyclists along the way. New Zealanders can be reluctant to spend money on a walking guide – the DIY spirit in us is strong – but I must say that when you add up the door-to-door service, the local information, the packs stocked with food and drink and the fact that my wife and I didn't spend the whole time arguing over where we were on a smartphone map, a guide is great value. There's something really different about just enjoying the walk and letting somebody else soak up the admin. Taking in the views over Christchurch. Photo / ChristchurchNZ We split the family up at one point, sending the girls and their mother to the International Antarctic Centre while I take the boys to Willowbank Wildlife Reserve. We always enjoy a zoo but this one is a little special, with paper bags of food for birds and farm animals available to purchase upon entry. We love the freedom of being able to pat and feed almost all of the animals we saw, however, you'll need a special ticket to do what we do and enter the capybara enclosure, where these giant rodents (this makes them sound like a Princess Bride horror show, when really they're more like big, cuddly guinea pigs) eat apple and lettuce leaves out of your hand as you scratch them under the chin. Get close to the animals at Willowbank. Photo / ChristchurchNZ While my wife grills the poor Antarctic Centre guy on geopolitics, Hazel and Daisy escape to the storm room, where you can experience the feel and temperature of a bad day on the ice. They seek refuge in an igloo and learn something about relative heat exposure, which they are unwilling to expand upon for their father's benefit, though we do have a good chat about the penguins, who put on a show for human spectators at dinner time. I could probably sell tickets to watch our family eat dinner too, though it would be a comedy rather than a documentary. Getting four kids fed is a mission at home, but restaurant dining is another challenge altogether. I find children's menus to be a rare thing in Christchurch, but most restaurants were very welcoming. Recommended is Riverside Markets, a sort of fancy food court where everyone can order whatever they want; Bar Yoku, a lovely Japanese eatery that specialises in 'sushi tacos'; and Manu, a lush and friendly Asian-fusion restaurant suitable for older children. Child Sister is a brilliant brunch spot just a stone's throw from the famous Margaret Mahy Playground. Riverside Lanes in Christchurch. Photo / ChristchurchNZ Our final morning in the city is spent soaking in the hot pools at He Puna Taimoana, a stunning outdoor complex overlooking the beach in New Brighton. The surrounding suburb has had its ups and downs, but these council-owned pools have been a great economic boost – the manager tells me Eftpos receipts are up $200,000 a month since the He Puna opened. With multiple pools, a steam room and a sauna, the complex aims to democratise luxury. It's a wonderful place to be first thing on a cold morning, and afterwards we buy coffees from the adjoining cafe, watch our kids enjoying the playground, then walk out past the fishers to the end of the famous pier. New Brighton coast. Photo / ChristchurchNZ In the afternoon, we drive an hour north of the city to wine country. You will know better than I how well your kids will do at a winery, but ours are used to making their own fun while Mum and Dad swill. Black Estate is a more upmarket restaurant experience, but is family-run and family-friendly – you can usually get an off-menu pie or similar if you're not looking for the full bistro experience. Pegasus Bay takes a little more finding but is well worth the effort – huge grounds and beautiful gardens are worth the trip alone, and if you ask the staff at the deli they'll set you up to feed the eels and local salmon, an experience your children are sure to remember for a long time. Pegasus is less about fancy lunches and more about informality – a picnic spread on the lawn or, if you time it right, you can take part in their annual 'round the vines' fun run event, which raises money for charity. Black Estate winery in the Waipara Valley of North Canterbury. Photo / Supplied 'I hope our plane is cancelled', says one of my kids glumly as we drove out to the airport to catch our flight home. 'Maybe I could go to Canterbury University?' says another. 'I could imagine moving down here,' my wife agrees. Christchurch does that to you. Right now, it has an energy and momentum unmatched by any New Zealand city, and things are only set to get better. More and more major events are being announced in the region, a new covered stadium will open in less than a year and international visitors are staying longer – no longer just treating the city as a gateway to the snow. There is something here for everyone – having been through more than most, the residents of Christchurch deserve the beautiful city they've created. Details The writer stayed at Hotel Montreal and was supported by ChristchurchNZ.
Glasgow Times
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
Watford's Flourish Bakery goes TikTok viral for unreal eats
Flourish Bakery in Garnett Close was described as having the "best brunch" by content creator The TikTok video posted by the user has gained more than 50,000 views and over 700 likes. Flourish Bakery in Watford goes TikTok viral In the TikTok posted by Emily, she encourages viewers to "drive to this random industrial estate in Watford to try the unreal eats at Flourish Bakery", while sharing clips of the bakery's croissants, doughnuts, wide selection of bread, cookies and brunch items. Captioning the TikTok, the user wrote: "The BEST brunch, sourdough, fresh pastries and cakes. I wanted to eat everything." On its website, Flourish Craft Bakery shares that it's a "community-focused bakery, offering a personal touch to those who value quality over quantity". The bakery has a wide range of items on sale, along with its own on-site cafe open every day from 8am to 4pm. Describing the cafe, Flourish shares: "Tucked away on an unassuming industrial estate, our on-site café and pizzeria is a surprising little oasis. "Here, we serve delicious, thoughtfully prepared food in a warm and welcoming space." Food served at Flourish Bakery includes a full English breakfast for £14.35, a Reuben for £11.95, eggs Benedict for £9.95, and sliced avocado on toast for £9.85. The cafe also offers a selection of sandwiches and wraps like the Harissa chicken bap for £8.80, the sausage in a bap for £7.50 and the ultimate bacon sarnie for £6.50. From Wednesday to Sunday, the cafe's Loading Bay Pizzeria is open from 12pm, offering a range of pizzas, including the Portobello for £13.50 and the Americana for £12.50. On Tripadvisor, Flourish Craft Bakery has a rating of 4.3 out of 5 from more than 300 reviews. Recommended Reading One guest said: "The bread is just off the hook. Delicious food. Friendly, efficient service. "Tempting cakes - what's not to love about this gem in the middle of an industrial estate?" Another guest wrote: "Went in with my family, fantastic food, fresh and delicious, also great variety. The staff are lovely too."
Sydney Morning Herald
22-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- Sydney Morning Herald
How to make this classic New York deli-style mac and cheese at home
Mac and cheese is one of the most popular dishes on the winter menu at Ruben's Deli in Armadale, in Melbourne's south-east. 'It's not a family recipe and there's no origin story – but as a New York-inspired deli, it felt like a no-brainer to have on the menu,' says co-owner Amanda Ruben. 'We trialled a version, refined it, and it's since become a local favourite.' While the deli specialises in hefty NY-style sandwiches such as the Reuben, made with house-smoked pastrami, some customers come by just for the mac and cheese, sometimes pairing it with the deli's signature iceberg wedge salad or oversized beef ribs. 'We put it out warm on the counter at lunchtime, and it usually sells out within the hour,' says Ruben. She uses a mix of cheeses, which add a richness and depth you don't typically get from standard mac and cheese, she says. 'Each one brings its own character.' It can be made even more special by adding some red Leicester cheese to the mix, which gives a nutty flavour and vibrant colour. If you don't have time to make your own breadcrumbs, good-quality store-bought crumbs are fine. But either way, don't skimp on the crumb topping!
The Age
22-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- The Age
How to make this classic New York deli-style mac and cheese at home
Mac and cheese is one of the most popular dishes on the winter menu at Ruben's Deli in Armadale, in Melbourne's south-east. 'It's not a family recipe and there's no origin story – but as a New York-inspired deli, it felt like a no-brainer to have on the menu,' says co-owner Amanda Ruben. 'We trialled a version, refined it, and it's since become a local favourite.' While the deli specialises in hefty NY-style sandwiches such as the Reuben, made with house-smoked pastrami, some customers come by just for the mac and cheese, sometimes pairing it with the deli's signature iceberg wedge salad or oversized beef ribs. 'We put it out warm on the counter at lunchtime, and it usually sells out within the hour,' says Ruben. She uses a mix of cheeses, which add a richness and depth you don't typically get from standard mac and cheese, she says. 'Each one brings its own character.' It can be made even more special by adding some red Leicester cheese to the mix, which gives a nutty flavour and vibrant colour. If you don't have time to make your own breadcrumbs, good-quality store-bought crumbs are fine. But either way, don't skimp on the crumb topping!
Daily Mirror
18-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Our Yorkshire Farm's Reuben Owen 'doesn't want a career in TV' as he opens up on leaving farm
Our Yorkshire Farm star Reuben Owen has opened up about his future on TV as he admitted he doesn't want a career in the industry and doesn't have time for social media Our Yorkshire Farm's Reuben Owen has cast his gaze towards the future, revealing that a career in television isn't quite his cup of tea. The young star gained recognition alongside his family on the Channel 4 hit series. Post-show, Reuben has ventured solo with his own Channel 5 series, Life in the Dales. The recently concluded second series follows him and his mates as he aims to expand his machinery business. Additionally, Reuben features in Our Farm Next Door with his family, where they breathe new life into a dilapidated farmhouse known as Anty John's. Yet, speaking to the Telegraph, Reuben shared insights into his aspirations beyond the small screen. While he enjoys sharing his rural life with viewers, he also expressed a desire to be recognised for his work off-screen, stating, "I want to be known as the guy who digs holes." He remarked, "I don't have the time or the inclination to scroll through social media," reports the Express. "If you do ever see me on my phone, I'll be searching for machinery sales." Further elaborating on his ambitions, he said: "I don't want a career on television, I want to be known as the guy who digs big holes; my current ambition is to buy a 50-ton excavator. Now that really would be the realisation of a dream." In the closing moments of Life in the Dales, Reuben hinted at a potential departure from his family's abode at Ravenseat Farm. He revealed: "It's been a hectic time. Three years in business, I'm 21 now. We've got plenty of diggers, plenty of work on, couple of bunch of team and staff on with me, got Jess [his girlfriend] with me, who's an absolute star. "Think the next thing we need to think about is getting somewhere a bit better to keep all these machines, and hopefully somewhere for me to live as well. "That's the dream next. Get myself a yard and a house. We'll have to see what the future holds," he concluded.
