Special Guest: Phil Gifford

Phil Gifford's new book: Looking After Your Nuts and Bolts – Phil Gifford's Kiwi Health MANual.

Francesca Rudkin: Movies

The Mummy, starring: Tom Cruise, Sofia Boutella, and Russell Crowe - Francesca's verdict: 2/5

And a rather gorgeous French film Rosalie Blum starring: Noemie Lvovsky, Kyan Khojandi, Alice Isaaz - Francesca's verdict: 4/5.

Allyson Gofton: Food

It's winter and time for slow cooking. Axoa de Veau, this casserole was our family's favourite in France and while I cannot always get white veal I NZ, I prepare the casserole with pork or lamb. Often Axoa will be prepared from coarsely minced veal, making a bolognaise like casserole. Either way mashed potatoes are a great partner.  The recipe for Axoa de Veau is on our website but for more inspiration visit Allyson's website allysongofton.co.nz.

Cameron Douglas: Wine

Wine of the week: Riesling

Bench mark NZ Riesling - Framingham Classic (Marlborough) $22.00

Reliable purchase everytime - Main Divide (North Canterbury) $19.00

On a budget, but still want something nice - Mud House (Waipara North Canterbury) $15.00

For more of Cameron's wine and beverage reviews go to: camerondouglasms.blogspot.co.nz.

Ruud Kleinpaste: Gardening

Garlic planting time is right now!

Brilliant varieties available from farmers markets: Printanor, Californian Red Turban, Macedonian.

Hard-neck garlic; gets little flowers/bulblets up the stem – edible as soft green salad component.

Elephant garlic is actually a leek, with a swollen stem – not a garlic.

Mike Yardley: Travel

Crazy about Tokyo - for more of Mike's experiences with Tokyo's urban enticements, check out the articles on our website: newstalkzb.co.nz/lifestyle 

Catherine Raynes: Books

Need You Dead by Peter James, Macmillan $30

The Husband Hunters: Social Climbing in London and New York by Anne de Courcy , Orion $38

Andrew Dickens: Music

Dan Auerbach Waiting On A Song - Andrew's verdict: 8/10.

In which Dan Auerbach proves he's one of the best producers around, who knows all the tricks for all the American genres. It's got overtones of the Travelling Wilbury's with some magnificent 60's pop strings.  In a bad mood you may think the pastiche is so perfect it's a parody but it's hard to be negative about a record that’s so full of joy.