Ella I.'s
Best pies
- 19Greenland Bakery & CafeBotany DownsDavid Liem really knows his pies. Go for his award winning mince and cheese, which Michael Meredith called "classic… brought me back to my old school days, the visits to the tuck shop." On your next pie pilgrimage be sure to head out to Botany Downs - we hear their vegetarian pie is top notch, too!
- 2119The Fridge CafeKingslandCentral Aucklanders know that the Fridge is where it’s at for a really properly plump and delicious pie. I love the classic bacon and egg pie but one of my besties promises me that the vegetarian option is also amazing. Be sure to sit down, order a top notch latte and enjoy the Kingsland sun - and your tasty pie! It should be noted too that the staff at this joint are complete babes - try not to stare.
- 33The Essential Deli LimitedMount EdenI can only think that it must be the somewhat un-memorable name that holds this place back from getting ALL THE LOVE on Localist. Seriously, this place encapsulates everything we love about small business in New Zealand - lovely coffee, perfect deli counter and the pies are unbelievably good. I have tried the butter chicken, steak and cheese, leek and chicken and mince and cheese and I think my favourite would have to be the steak and cheese. Proper ingredients, great size and lovely service. Go there now.
- 410Muzzas Pies - HowickHowick, Mellons & Cockle BayNestled in the sleepy suburb of Howick is Muzza’s pies, which is well worth a drive out to. The smaller pies are the most cost-effective on this list but I would say you should definitely go all out and get a family sized pie so everyone at home can experience the joy of pie. If it’s on offer when you go, grab the steak and oyster pie for the sake of exploration.
- 578Prego RestaurantPonsonbyPrego’s pie certainly takes the crown for the most prestigious pie in the ranks, being nearly ten times as pricey as a small Muzza’s pie. Putting that aside, with Prego, you are paying for the experience - and the quality of both ingredients and location. Baked to order in flakey pastry, this lord among pies is served on potato mash with a port wine jus and promises to take your pie eating to a whole new level of sophistication. Fillings change regularly, so I suggest you save your pocket change and head there with an open mind and an empty stomach in anticipation of what your pie destiny may serve you.
Ella I.'s
Where to buy cheap coffee in Auckland
- 115CoffixAuckland CentralJoin the cheap coffee revolution! All cabinet food and coffee at Coffix are $2.50 and beautifully made - you don't have to pay extra for soy or decaf either. Mirela and the bearded barista are lovely - and not at all fazed by their meteoric rise in popularity!
- 24Espresso Coffee SchoolAuckland CentralFrom Mon - Fri 7am - 1pm, you can get a coffee for koha from the Espresso Coffee School! Cheap as you like, hot and delicious. Belissimo!
- 31Zeal Coffee ShopHendersonIf you’re a student, get ye to new charitable coffee shop out West for 20% off your coffee with student I.D. If you’re a little older and wiser you will still be able to find an affordable brew at Zeal - they keep their coffees cheap to better compete in their neighbourhood. Not to mention the fact that they use People’s Coffee and all proceeds go to charity! What a neat idea.
Ella I.'s
Support groups to help you deal with bullying
- 14RainbowYOUTHNewtonThe Rainbow Youth drop-in centre is an amazing resource for queer and trans* youth, their friends and whānau. It’s open Monday to Friday, 11 – 5pm, however please contact them first on (09) 376 4155 or email info@rainbowyouth.org.nz to make sure someone is at the office to welcome you. Rainbow Youth is a fantastic, welcoming environment for queer, trans* and questioning youth to meet people like you in a safe and inclusive environment. When you’re having a hard time with bullying due to your sexuality or gender identity it is so nice to know you’re not alone! They also have an amazing website: http://www.rainbowyouth.org.nz/
- 23Kidpower Teenpower Fullpower Trust is a nationwide support network which helps young people deal with conflict and bullying without aggression. It also provides resources to help young people be aware of how to keep themselves emotionally and physically safe. Their website is a great resource; give them a call and see what they can help you with in your city (they currently serve Auckland, Nelson, Christchurch, Wellington, Marlborough and the Lower South.
- 31YouthlinePapatoetoeIf you are being bullied it can be hard to know what to call. Call Youthline for free on 0800 37 66 33 to discuss anything and everything that might be bothering you safely and confidentially. Youthline are actively working to reduce bullying and support young people in their day to day lives.
Ella I.'s
Have the sweetest Easter
- 13Fleur de LisHokitikaSay it with flowers this Easter with one of Fleur de Lis' gorgeous Easter bouquets. I have my eye on the 'Love and Laughter Easter Special' which comes with delicious Easter Eggs in addition to a fragrant, heartwarming bouquet!
- 26Bonzai PizzeriaGreymouthDon't be fooled by the name, this is the spot to get excellent Hot Cross Buns just in time for Easter. Sold by the pack or enjoyed on site, locals in the know know that it's the best spot for large, fresh and delicious Hot Crossies.
- 32Beck's Homewares & GiftsGreymouthBeck's Easter baskets are a wonderful gift for someone you treasure this Easter. They may contain anything from Easter egg moulds, to bunny cookie cutters, to chicken shaped candy jars, to Easter colouring in sets to fluffy toy chicks! Perfect for a little princess or prince.
- 43Sweet Dreams and InspirationsGreymouthSweet Dreams and Inspirations offer the best in Belgian chocolates for a super sweet Easter treat. Choose from Belgian chocolate bunnies, hens, eggs and half eggs filled with chocolate bunnies (yes you can have it all!). Individual Easter chocolate's start from just $1.20.
Ella I.'s
Where to go for Easter treats
- 15The Seriously Good Chocolate Company LtdInvercargillThe Seriously Good Chocolate Company is not a misnomer - their chocolate is seriously, seriously good. Their 2K14 collection is absolutely killer, with a selection of indulgent chocolates designed to get you feeling eggs-tra special . Blood orange, hazlenut praline, chocolate hot cross buns *drools lavishly*.
- 22de Spa Chocolatier InvercargillInvercargillde Spa has been providing Kiwis with choc for donkey's years and for good reason, they are great, authentic Belgian chocolatiers. I challenge you to buy your Easter treats locally this year, hand made chocolate is so much more delicious, more ethical and more awesome that anything you can buy at the supermarket.
- 33Colonial BakeryInvercargillColonial Bakery really knows their buns - their hot cross buns that is! Colonial Bakery makes award winning buns which are the best in the region - they have the awards to prove it, too.
- 43Three Bean CafeInvercargillIf you're in the mood for a fabulous Easter brunch you can't go wrong with Three Bean Cafe. The only downside with the Bean is you have to be quick to get a seat because it is always full and for good reason. The food is fabulous, the location is charming and the staff are wonderful. The sweet treats are off the chain and the menu is great (and very well priced). Being the whole fam and eat some eggs that are a little better for you than the Easter variety.
Ella I.'s
The best of British
- 12Come here for some seriously posh high tea. Booking at least 48 hours ahead is essential for a high-end adventure in that great British sport, tea drinking! Heartland Hotel is situated on 13 acres of verdant, park-like grounds on the edge of Gore. This is the perfect place to experience a genuine Southland retreat, surrounded by wide open spaces, looking out to the Hokonui Hills, and enjoying some seriously warm southern hospitality. Pure bliss.
- 24Paddington ArmsWaikiwiCome to the Paddington Arms for the very best in English pints and pub food with a Southern twist. They are seriously, seriously obsessed with their 'real gravy' but to be fair it really is very, very good. Rich, full of flavour with no added artificial powders, boosters, flavourings or anything else. Try it with Paddy’s roast of prime beef in a Yorkshire pudding, roast potatoes, creamy mash and peas. Proper English fare fit for a king.
- 35Hubbers EmporiumInvercargillHubbers Emporium is the perfect shopping destination when you need to make your home that little bit more tea-friendly. They stock a huge array of antique furniture but most importantly a glorious array of chinaware with which you can start an enviable collection of teacups and saucers for your British high tea.
- 46Queen's ParkInvercargillWhen living like a royal one must really have a proper English style park to stroll through. Queen’s park truly is fit for a queen, so don your Sunday best, grab your parasol and your new collection of china and head there for a right proper picnic.