22 October
recent and decent
What’s more decent than a new series to celebrate the people and places that make our decent community what it is.
Recent and decent is about sharing the good stuff. The progress, creativity, and impact happening across the wider hospo world, and of course, the people making it all happen.
We’re kicking things off with a few stories we’re excited to share, and there’s plenty more where that came from.
On a night organized by Metro Mag to celebrate the best of Tāmaki Makaurau hospitality, Cazador was named as the National Candles Supreme Restaurant of the Year for 2025.
But they didn’t stop there. They took out first place for best service, best dish, and ode to Auckland; and we’re runners up for best restauranteurs and best neighborhood.
Keen to see why they won so many awards?
Restaurant hours: Wednesday-Saturday, 5pm-late
Deli hours: Monday-Sunday, from 8am
Instagram // @cazador_akl @cazador_deli
Brought to you by the powerhouses behind the Picton’s iconic Toastie Lords, the Cookie Trader is Christchurch's newest bakery, serving up a range of delicious chunky cookies.
Whether you're into strawberry matcha, funfetti, or chocolate brownie, there's sure to be a flavor to make your taste buds tingle.
Not in Christchurch but want to try them out for yourself?
Order online from their website here.
Instagram // @thecookietrader
Our friends over at Coffee Embassy have been up to some pretty epic stuff recently. Eight months ago, they launched the HuskeeSwap system at their coffee shop, Cellar Door. Since then, they've swapped 721 HuskeeCups and refilled 723 other reusables which equates to over 11kg of cups diverted from landfill.
How does it work? Customers purchase a HuskeeCup from Cellar Door (and get their first coffee free!) Each day they bring back their HuskeeCup, they get 30c off. Even if the cups aren’t clean, the team make the coffee in a clean cup from their inventory and wash the one that’s been brought back.
Interested in stocking Huskee in your cafe?
Learn more here.
And to top that off, they just achieved their B Corp certification!
Here’s what it means to them: “This achievement reflects our team’s passion and dedication for Better Coffee in every sense. More than just a stamp or a title, becoming a B Corp business shows our commitment to continuous improvement across all we do, considering our impact in every decision we make.”
Head to their website for more about their B Corp certification.
Instagram // @coffeeembassy_nz @coffeeembassycellardoor
In 1995 Café Melba opened in the iconic Vulcan Lane location, instantly becoming a favorite for locals and visitors alike. This year, the team is celebrating 30 years of MELBA. That’s three decades of coffee, connection, and community. What started as one location has now grown to eight successful cafés across Auckland.
To mark this milestone, we worked with the team to create a custom Hot Cup that hero’s the special mural that they designed to represent the personality and charm of each MELBA location.
To support Melba and join in on the celebrations, check them out on Instagram.
Atomic Coffee Roasters opened its doors on Ponsonby Road in 1992, and recently, the team opened their newest spot. Located on Mills Lane, you will find their brand-new espresso bar.
It’s here that you’ll find their new taps, boasting cutting-edge tech where you can get great coffee in less than 10 seconds. Simply pop your (decent) cup under the tap, and watch it fill up. Atomic’s single origin lineup is pouring daily, but these new taps can do both hot and cold, so keep an eye out for some cool(er) drips as we head into summer.
Open Monday-Friday, 7-3
50 Albert Street
Instagram // @atomiccoffeeroasters
Not only is Tosca a go-to for good coffee and sweet fixes, but they are also known for their range of iconic barista courses that cater to all capabilities. Whether you’re a beginner wanting an introduction to coffee, or someone with prior experience looking to gain confidence and perfect your latte art.
In addition to their popular beginner and advanced courses, over the school holidays Tosca ran four courses for students under 18 to learn coffee basics, milk steaming, and even get an introduction into the world of latte art. Pretty decent if you ask us!
Check them out on Instagram for upcoming course dates and information.
Instagram // @toscabaristacourse @tosca_remuera
Keen to feature in our next blog?
Send us a message over on Instagram @decentpackagingnz!
