Charlotte R.'s
Great lunch spots
- 110The DairyPonsonbyThe first thing you will notice at The Dairy is the counter full of huge slabs of cheese and the next is the friendly counter person offering you a taste of one of the delicious rounds. I immediately bought a very tasty aged goats cheese and sat down to a delicious lunch of polenta coated goats cheese with grilled eggplant, capsicum and salad leaves on a walnut bread - a light, tasty and very satisfying lunch. While I was waiting a plate of Poutine - a hearty plate of golden fries, slathered in rich home-made gravy and topped with squeaky cheese curds went past that I will most definitely be back to try. They also sell rotisserie chickens with enticing sides such as polenta coated, deep fried gherkins and root vegetable crisps. Also on offer is Kapiti icecream in traditional scooped form but also available in nostalgic treats such as icecream sandwiches and spiders.
- 229Kohu Road LtdNew LynnI am a huge fan of Kohu Road's Cookies and Cream and Dark Chocolate icecreams but now also have discovered the spacious cafe out in New Lynn. Supreme Coffee made with organic milk(of course) and a bagel with smoked salmon is my perfect breakfast. The pastries and donuts in the cabinet look delicious and the cafe has a kooky area with a retro caravan and seating area which is endearing.
- 315Santos CafePonsonbyI spend a lot of time in Ponsonby but hadn't stepped into Santos, unbelievably. I was drawn in by the new menu and can highly recommend the Feta Salad - lots of crispy whitlof, avocado, parsley and creamy feta with dressing on the side and a fresh ciabatta bun. The coffee was great and there was plenty of space to sit quietly in and enjoy the meal. I will be back.
- 49Honeytrap CafeAuckland CentralHoneytrap has only just opened and I have fallen in love with the toasted sandwiches. To date they have had a creamy and delicious curried cauliflower and cheese in a sesame seed bun and a baked bean and pesto, both quite addictive. The salads are chocka full of healthy grains and vege such as farro, broccoli pesto and haloumi, quinoa and pumpkin or an Asian slaw with wild rice. They only serve filter coffee but it is a smooth Supreme brew and is a refreshing alternative to espresso.
- 533Best Ugly BagelsAuckland CentralBest Ugly Bagels is my new addiction. I have only been once and had the King - lox, capers, red onion and cream cheese - it's a classic and my favourite combination. It was glorious. A woodfired, crunchy on the outside but soft and chewy on the inside, bagel with the salty/creamy/tangy topping - heaven. I will be back in tomorrow to see if I can persuade them to do a non-meat version of the Yodi but if not will be happy to try the TAB with tomato, avocado and basil. It's a buzzing atmosphere with the open kitchen and service is friendly and snappy - in the best way.
Charlotte R.'s
Off beat clothing stores
- 14Children 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.
- 29Miss 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.
- 32Maaike + CoNewtonThe Maaike girls are the sweetest shop girls you will ever meet. Their domain is small but perfectly formed with clothing from their own label, Maaike, as well as Nom D t-shirts, Nyne and Kowtow as well as a selection of jewellery from Cheryl Sills and Holly Howe.
- 42GormanNewmarketGorman is a delightfully quirky store with fashion from it's namesake label in Australia. At first you will be struck by the colourful and unique prints which are so endearing, on blouses, dresses, skirts, trousers and jackets. There are also great shoes, socks, scarves, chunky knitwear and bold pieces of jewellery. The predominately wooden interior offsets the colour and prints and it seems a little like you're in a fashion fairytale woodland.
- 51Stolen Girlfriends ClubGrey LynnFor your fix of Stolen Girlfriends Club head straight for their Grey Lynn store. It’s a cool mirror and concrete bunker with racks either side full of their iconic clothing and accessories. The new season is just starting to come in and the flagship will have the best selection in the city. So if you have a hankering for a growling bear print tank or embroidered hoodie get in there.
Charlotte R.'s
Where to go for tasty pizza
- 121Epolito'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.
- 230Il BucoPonsonbyYou can't beat Il Buco for tasty pizza, there is a tantalising array of flavours on offer and they even do gluten free and vegan. I love the hole in the wall location, it is a great place to sit in winter and summer and enjoy a few piping hot pieces while watching the Ponsonby locals cruise by. Favourites include the Spinaci e Funghi - spinach, olive and mushroom, the Melanzane - eggplant, mozzarella, tomato, parmesan and the Primavera - caramelised onion, asparagus, mozzerella and brie. The genius thing about Il Buco is the pizza is sold by the slice so you can easily have more than one topping and if you are sharing with someone else you can try many.
- 318Dante's Pizzeria NapoletanaPonsonbyFor a wood-fired pizza head to Dante’s. Handmade pizza with simple toppings that are incredibly tasty. My favourite is the classic Margarita - a tomato sauce with buffalo mozzerella and basil- delicious.
- 426Brothers BeerAuckland CentralNot only do they have superb boutique beers but Brothers Beer have seriously tasty pizza. Try the spicy prawn - very addictive and perfect chased with one of the in house brews.
Charlotte R.'s
Where to get good Mexican food
- 111Maldito 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.
- 227Mexican 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.
- 338Mexico TakapunaTakapunaAs well as being one of the best eateries on the shore, it is so much easier getting a table at the Takapuna branch of Mexico. The food is excellent, a modern spin on Mexican cuisine, with so many tasty options on the regularly changing menu it is always hard choosing what to eat. Going with friends means you can sample more and it makes for a fun meal. The tacos are cheap and excellent, they do wonderful things with prawns, fish and squid and the salads are substantial. Today’s lunch was adobo prawns w/ black rice, burnt chipotle butter, grilled lime and the queso fundido w/ broccolini, black olive powder, corn bread. Perfection.
- 4110Mexico Auckland CentralAuckland CentralBe prepared for a bit of a wait on a busy night but Mexico in Britomart is well worth it. The food is incredibly tasty and you will want to try several dishes. The fried chicken is a favourite as are the fresh and innovative salads. Wait in the small bar out the back and enjoy a sangria and bowl of house made corn chips.
- 525Mexicali Fresh - K'RoadAuckland CentralFor a quick, fresh Mexican meal or snack pop into one of the Mexicali stores. More tex mex but still tasty with lots of fresh salad ingredients available and bean and meat options. They have all the usual fare - burritos, tacos, nachos and quesadillas as well as salads for a lighter option.
Charlotte R.'s
Great antique shops to explore
- 13Antiques of EpsomEpsomOh my god this shop is incredible. It is literally piled high with antique goodies and you almost have to make your way sideways through the shop at some points. There is more english silver cutlery than you can shake a stick at, cabinets and shelves heaving with china, glassware and curios. They have an impressive selection of virtually everything but I particularly love the old fishing bouys and the odds and sods in the back room including some curious looking chinese dogs and a solitary mannequin hand.
- 21Art and Industry is one of the most extraordinary shops in Auckland. It is home to a well curated and rare selection of Art Nouveau, Arts and Crafts and Art Deco era antiques that is unrivalled. Glass from Lalique, Etling and Jobling are on the shelves and there are wonderful pieces of decorative and practical metalware in silver, copper and brass. The furniture is breathtaking and I will never forget a studded and quilted mustard leather grandfather chair I laid eyes upon when I was in there years ago. The are great pieces of Orientalia, fabulous lamps and lampshades, statues and sometimes exquisite pieces of clothing,shoes and accessories from the Twenties.
- 31Upstairs AntiquesAuckland CentralThis shop tucked a the back upstairs in Queens Arcade has been around for years yet still seems like a hidden gem. It is full to the brim with china, jewellery, small pieces of furniture, ornaments - you name it. It takes dedication to check everything out, you have to stand in one spot and survey it keenly but you will be rewarded with a unique piece to take home. The day I went in I saw three black Sylvac elephants I feel promptly in love with and also several fabulous gold tone 70's collier necklaces.
- 42Romantique - Grey LynnGrey LynnRomantique is a serene shop with a great selection of vintage and antique gew gaws. There are lots of beautiful sets of tumblers, great linen, soaps, quirky decor items such as crystal draw pulls and a rack of beautiful cocktail frocks and day dresses which I am told is going to expand into half a shop come September. Exciting news for lovers of 40's, 50's and 60's clothing.
- 510Antique AlleyMount EdenI love stepping through the doorway of Antique Alley, already there is treasure mounting up around your ears straight away. It’s one of those shops that you need to stand in one spot and look for 5 minutes before you shuffle along a few steps and repeat. Taxidermy, German pottery, bone handled silverware, poker work folk art, English china, costume and fine jewellery, watches, militaria - it’s all here under one roof.
Charlotte R.'s
Independent bookstores
- 138Unity Books LimitedAuckland CentralThe best bookstore in the city, Unity is small and filled wall to wall with amazing titles. There is a superb selection of cookbooks, fashion books, design books, fiction and non fiction. Even when closed the window display can captivate with its alluring covers.
- 21NovelHerne BayNovel is the sort of bookstore you want to hover in for as long as possible. There is an impressive range of beautiful books, and they are given plenty of space so it is easy for a cover to catch your eye. There is also a huge range of DL & Co candles on the wall which was a surprise but welcome find. Perfect for gift shopping.
- 310Ariel Books LtdEden TerraceEvery time I step into Ariel Books I walk away with a gem. From fabulous 60's interior decoration books, Cartier pictorial style bibles, brilliant music biographies and picture books and an extensive NZ art section you are guaranteed to pick up something interesting.
- 46Dear ReaderGrey LynnDear Reader is another fine Auckland bookstore, in the heart of the West Lynn shops they offer a great selection of novels, cookbooks, coffee table tomes and kids books. Gift wrapping is a welcome bonus.
- 51This bookshop is one of the oldest members of the arcade and is still going strong. The unassuming window showcases the latest and best of the secondhand books to come in and there are often some that have never been leafed through. I bought a Lanvin tome for a mere $40 and a wonderful style book called The Look which was one of my best discoveries.