Food
Rarotonga’s Filipino-Asian fusion restaurant
Monday 25 November 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Features, Food, Go Local
After being closed for years following devastating king tides that struck its Aroa premises, Kaena Restaurant and Takeaway in Arorangi has decided to reopen.
New Turtles Bubble Tea
Saturday 9 November 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Food, Go Local
The new airconditioned premises features eye-catching art work, comfortable trendy décor, cool music creating a modern trendy vibe.
Mama Ts delightful fusion of lamb curry and butter chicken
Tuesday 5 November 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Business, Features, Food, Go Local, National
Don’t miss the exceptional flavours of Fiji-Indian lamb curry and butter chicken at the local delightful restaurant, Mama Ts located in Arorangi.
Diwali celebrated in Rarotonga
Saturday 2 November 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Features, Food
More than 100 members of the Indian community in Rarotonga commemorated the Diwali festival yesterday, with the hope of spreading love and light, as well as forgiveness.
Passionate couple opens café to showcase Cook Islands flavours
Friday 25 October 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Business, Features, Food, Go Local, National
A Cook Islands couple is expanding their business from umu making and shows to opening a café, hoping to bring the authentic taste of local food to the modern culinary scene.
Wheels of fortune: 84-year-old grower finds success with mobile vending
Thursday 24 October 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Features, Food, Go Local
An 84-year-old grower, Ian Tupe Takau Short, who lives alone and grows an organic plantation, is now trying street vending for a change.
Children get a taste of sushi-making
Saturday 19 October 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Features, Food
Children as young as six years old participated in a World Food Day Potiki Makona Kai Sumaringa Sushi workshop at Terevete Park yesterday.
Chef turns humble pancake business into family lifeline
Monday 14 October 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Features, Food, Go Local
A former New Zealand chef with Cook Islands roots returned home over a decade ago to care for his aging parents.
Students dig deep into cultural roots
Saturday 5 October 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Culture, Education, Features, Food, National
Students of Nukutere College who participated in the traditional umu making and string band competitions this week were grateful for the opportunities to connect more deeply with the lifestyles of their ancestors.
Pa Enua vendors add flavour to Trade Days
Thursday 1 August 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Business, Features, Food, Go Local, Local, National
Close to 100 vendors, including some from the Pa Enua, showcased and sold a variety of crafts and food at the Punanga Nui Market on the first day of the Bank of the Cook Islands (BCI) sponsored Trade Days yesterday.
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.
