Charlotte R.'s
Where to shop for women
- 19Miss CrabbPonsonbyYou can always count on Miss Crabb for something just right with a twist. From drapey rompers, diaphanous sheer tunics to perfectly cut slip dresses. Also stocked is a great selection of shoes from Papershoes and the olfactory delights of Curio Noir candles.
- 24Children of VisionNewtonChildren of Vision stocks labels from the fashion fringe such as locals Jimmy D and Company of Stranger to imported gems from Bernhard Willhelm and Complex Geometries.
- 32Scotties - Auckland CentralAuckland CentralScotties is a boutique full of lust worthy labels such as Ann Demeulemeester, Comme des Garçons, Marni, Dries van Noten, Acne, Lanvin and more. The luxurious fabrics and accessories are begging to be touched but if the prices are out of range they have a recycle section in their Blake Street store which is always changing.
- 47FabricAuckland CentralFabric is a dangerous store for me, they have some of my favourite labels such as the very wearable Etoile Isabel Marant and perfect basics from Rag & Bone Jean. More temptation comes from J Brand, Iro, Comme des Garçons, Equipment, Current/Elliot and so much more. There is an equally impressive line up of men’s wear from Nudie, Gitman Bros Vintage, Margaret Howell, New Balance and I could go on.
- 51Workshop - NewmarketNewmarketAnother one of my favourite stores in Auckland is Workshop Newmarket. This store fully represents the companies ethos and has the largest selection of imports as well as the Helen Cherry and Workshop brand. Once again the store is large and packed with lust worthy mid century design classics but it is the clothes that are the stars. Truly well represented is Etoile Isabel Marant, Vanessa Bruno, Acne Studios, See by Chloe, Twenty8twelve, Wildfox, Marc by Marc Jacobs and Alexander Wang. The footwear and bag displays I can happily stare at and paw over for hours.
Charlotte R.'s
Where to shop for men
- 11Wunderkammer JewelleryPonsonbyThis shop lives up to it's name. Once you have finished looking at the incredible vignettes of taxidermy mixed with shoes and jewellery in the windows wander inside and spend another lengthy period of time exploring the contents of the cabinets and racks. There is the wonderful and mystical Wunderkammer Jewellery by Zara Bell-Boyd, women's shoes from Costume National, men's clothing from Ann Demeulemeester, Comme des Garcons and also Costume National and the heady scents of Comme des Garcons Perfume - a personal favourite.
- 215Crane BrothersAuckland CentralIf it is sartorial excellence you are after look no further than Crane Brothers. On the racks are the most elegant and classic suits that Auckland has to offer as well as shirts, knits and all the trimmings. They offer a bespoke service so you can order your dream suit in the perfect fit and fabric. My favorite items to browse are the ties which come in a complimentary range of colours and textures such as wool, silk and wonderful 60's style knit. Shoes on offer are from Joseph Cheaney and Sons which are the pinnacle in hand crafted English shoes - the double monks in a rich walnut colour are a sight to behold.
- 32Fifth Ave MenswearPonsonbyThe dapper gents in the window are a good indication of what you can expect inside. Colourful pants paired with floral and patterned shirts and a rainbow of knits. The Paul Smith range is full of luxurious textured wool and washed cotton jackets and coats and the Gibson range of suiting is razor sharp. They also stock street wear from Diesel and Gaudi as well as local label Cutler and Silverdale knitwear.
- 42Black Box Boutique TakapunaTakapunaBlack Box within The Department Store can cater for all your winter sartorial needs, for both men and woman. There is an expertly edited selection of garments and accessories from Ksubi, Stolen Girlfriends Club, Bassike, Therese Rawthorne, Chronicles of Never, Ellery, Beau Coops footwear, Cheap Monday and Dr Denim jeans, Dr Martens, Moscot sunglasses and the ethereal jewellery of Mania Mania and much more. Also great for home and as gifts are the dark offerings from DL & Co - enormous skull candles and claw candle holders would happily grace any fashionable abode. Worth a mention is newcomer, Georgia Alice, her simple yet sculptural pieces of clothing garnering a lot of attention from press and buyers alike.
- 510Barkers - NewmarketNewmarketBarker's has always been great for stylish men's clothing but I am loving the new collaboration with Swanndri. Celebrating the iconic NZ brands 100th birthday there is the familiar red and black check shirt, a great two tone vest and a distinguished looking tweed blazer. The Belmont Forks jacket looks set to be a new classic so get in there and pick up some pieces for winter.
Charlotte R.'s
Favourite restaurants
- 157Since it opened Coco’s has been our most beloved local. It is casual yet chic and has the best Italian inspired bistro food. The fish special is always delicious and the meatballs are robust. Polenta chips and aioli are a must every time and the chocolate tart and tiramisu are an indulgent way to end the meal. I love that the owner’s, sisters Damaris and Renee, are always on the floor along with a bevy of friendly staff.
- 235The Blue Breeze InnPonsonbyNow that I have discovered The Blue Breeze Inn I constantly have a craving for their food. In particular the mushroom hotpot, which is a bowl of exotic Asian mushrooms and silky tofu in a chilli spiked broth, which warms you from the inside out. I also had the delicious black pepper pickle cabbage salad which offered a complex tart contrast and a pot of jasmine tea which unfurled in the glass teapot and made for a very picturesque meal. There were many other items on the menu I would like to try including the banquet meal which seems good value at $55 for 10+ items and would be a fantastic way to sample all of the different tiers to the menu. Service was exemplary and the surrounds were laid back with great tiki bar style decor.
- 311Maldito MendezPonsonbyEverything on the menu is good here but particularly the ceviche, watermelon and tomatillo salad, mandioca chips, slaw…I could go on. There is a great wine list and it had a well worn Latin feel to the decor.
- 427Mexican SpecialitiesEllerslieMexican Specialities is one of the places I like to go as a special treat - as often as possible! Unfortunately due to it's location in Ellerslie it is not as often as I'd like. I am happy to sit down by myself and order the unctuous bean dip with house made corn chips and the sublime prawn taco. If I am feeling particularly indulgent I top it off with the spicy Mexican hot chocolate. Heaven.
- 521Epolito's PizzeriaOnehungaEpolito’s is run by the enigmatic Chicky and she makes the best pizza in Auckland. Authentic New York style, the Eastside with artichoke, lemon and Parmesan and Sonino with pesto, olives and feta are taste sensations.
Charlotte R.'s
Always fresh produce
- 124Ceres FreshMarketPonsonbyCeres is a go to for fresh organic and seasonal fruit and vegetables as well as nutritious superfoods and supplements.
- 223Bhana BrosPonsonbyBhana Brothers are a Ponsonby Road institution for fresh cut flowers, breads from Wild Wheat Bakery, a huge array of fresh fruit and vegetables and grocery items including artisan Italian dried pastas, organic cereals, Matakana chocolates and so much more. The frozen goods fridges reveal organic frozen berries, Kapiti and Kohu Road icecreams and there is a great selection of dairy products.
- 324Harvest Wholefoods Grey LynnGrey LynnHarvest is the best organic and whole foods store in Auckland. It has a large fresh fruit and vegetable section, the bulk bins are chocka full of nuts, seeds, legumes, dried fruit, cereals and grains and the shelves are always loaded with the finest organic supplies available. The tea selection is overwhelming but the staff are always on hand to offer advice. There is a naturopath on the floor than can give direction on what vitamins and natural remedies will best suit you and there is a range of organic skin and haircare to suit most needs. They have had organic wines and beers for a while now, which is helpful, as finding an organic Sav in the supermarket can be impossible at times.
- 49Ceres Wholefoods StoreEllerslieCeres Wholefoods is a must visit store for me when I am in Ellerslie. It has an enormous selection of wholefoods, fresh and packaged, and I particularly love the bargain bin which is full of well priced goods which you can stock up on. They have an extensive range of natural beauty products, vitamins and remedies and the service is always friendly. I often find products here that are unavailable at other organic stores and the prices are competitive.
- 533New World Victoria ParkFreemans BayFor fresh seafood and fish I go to Victoria Park New World. Not only are they the best supermarket in the city, their fish section is always abundant and fresh with a great selection and very good prices. I often buy the terakihi or gurnard, these being a more sustainable choice, but they always have great Marlborough salmon - and often a special on the tails which I prefer as they have no bones to extract.
Charlotte R.'s
Best brunch spots
- 143Kokako Cafe & RoasteryGrey LynnKokako is not only a vegetarian haven, with all meals on offer completely vege, organic and fair trade where possible, they are also very flexible with gluten free options. There are already gluten free dishes on the menu like the Mexican spiced organic adzuki beans with a corn tortilla, tangy cabbage salad and tomatillo and jalapeño sauce or the breakfast options - buckwheat ricotta pancakes with poached pear and creme fraiche and the spiced coconut and vanilla rice porridge. Anything with bread can be customised to include gluten free bread, such as the mushroom medley and avocado that i had, and the coffee and smoothies are delicious.
- 216Toru CafePonsonbyToru has a most unusual and enjoyable menu. One of my favourite dishes is the polenta with poached egg, goats cheese and roasted tomatoes. This is usually accompanied by bacon hock but they are always very happy to remove this and make it a meat free option. It is heaven on a plate. The wild mushroom and polenta toasted sandwich is also incredibly moreish and I love the crinkle cut chips and zucchini pickle that accompany it. Yum.
- 329Zus & ZoHerne BayGoing for breakfast, brunch or lunch at Zus & Zo is always a treat, even if you have been many times. The menu is sizeable as is the cheese omelette which I have indulged in many times. The coffee is superbly made and the sweet treats on offer are extremely tempting even when you are stuffed to the gunnels. I love sitting at the large table with a stack of magazines and relishing the atmosphere of this fine cafe, rain or shine.
- 470DizengoffPonsonbyI got so excited about my eggs that I was halfway through them before taking a photo, Dizengoff’s scrambled eggs are incredibly rich and delicious. Thankfully they come with a sharp green pesto to cut through the cream. Also great paired with the creamy mushrooms, which are a taste sensation!
- 537Queenies LunchroomFreemans BayQueenies Lunchroom have one of the most unique brunch menus in town which is one of the reasons I love to go there. Possibly my favourite is the Turkish Eggs which consists of smokey babaghanoush topped with poached eggs and chilli butter. The Kedgeree is also excellent - it's your classic smoked fish, spiced rice, egg and parsley and there is also Halloumi with puy lentils, quinoa, butternut, herb and baby spinach salad. For the traditionalist there is always eggs any way with toast and a plethora of sides and also porridge and granola. There is also an array of tantilising, old fashioned baked goods such as large, buttery sweet ginger and pomegranate cookies and huge meringues.