The Kitchen Job

Titirangi West Auckland is gateway to the infamous Wild West beaches and a thriving artistic community. It’s the perfect spot for a relaxing dinner.

Invercargill, a town where dreams are possible, unless you’re in the Strathern Inn which is one big nightmare. Situated on the outskirts of town, it’s a café, restaurant, bar and gaming establishment all rolled into one.

Nestled in the Northern Waikato Region of Thames Valley is Paeroa, an attractive town at the junction of three state highways.

This week John Palino visits Bacchus in Blenheim, a restaurant competing with more than two dozen other restaurants, cafes and wineries in the region - and losing badly.

Five minutes down the road from the hustle and bustle of central Tauranga, is the small village of Greerton...

A short drive over the Rimutaka Hill, the stunning Wairarapa Valley opens up before you. Masterton is the commercial hub, where dozens of eateries compete, but Cafe Cecille in Queen Elizabeth Park, is losing the battle.

Just north of Wellington is New Zealand’s 10th largest city - Lower Hutt. It’s home to an eclectic range of eateries, the latest of which is American-themed diner, The Cadillac.

John visits Whangarei's Piece A Cake, a café struggling to get a slice of the action. If it doesn't start turning a profit soon, the owner's dream of owning a café could put her family at risk of losing it all.

John visits the stunning beach town of Mount Maunganui, where Main Street Café is fighting a losing battle to survive amongst the multitude of other eateries in the area.

In the series finale John visits 306 Bar and Bistro in Onehunga, where bad reviews and an inexperienced owner are causing customers to staying away.