Sarah M.'s
A taste of the U S of A
- 124Late Night DinerPonsonbyHave you ever imagined yourself as a 1950’s film star, sitting in the booth at a diner sipping on a shake while you admire your Cadillac parked outside? Ok, so perhaps I’m a bit of a dreamer but I think I may have found the next best thing. Right in the heart of Ponsonby you will find the sweetest little American style late night diner. You can admire the super cute waiters wearing crisp white shirts and black suspenders as you tune in to the soundtrack of an all American roadtrip. There is much more to the menu then sloppy burgers and fries, think American diner style with a hint of Ponsonby Road class. Burgers and fries yes, but without the added heart attack. Did I mention it is open all hours of the night – yep that’s right, you have just discovered your new go-to after a night out on the town.
- 25Pizza is an absolute guilty pleasure of mine and Sals have won me over with their New York style classic cheese. This is pizza by the slice at it’s absolute best, pizza how it was meant to be eaten, oozing with cheesy goodness. I’m going to have to say that if you are a vegetarian like I am I would forget about trying to get all fancy with the mushroom and capsicum. It’s good but really it just takes away from the flavour of the cheese and why on earth would you want to do that? I’m drooling just thinking about it, so less talking, more walking, I’m off to pick up a slice.
- 32Peachy KeenAuckland CentralImported straight from the states, this is where you need to come to find all of your vintage threads. Peachy Keen is where all the cool kids go to get that effortless old time look that you so desperately wish you could pull off. This is the real deal, think rockabilly swag and decadent 1930’s luxury. Ever wanted your very own pair of cowboy boots? Well look no further! If you have ever wanted to know where that super trendy bass player got his sweet leather jacket, chances are he is a Peachy Keen fan. I’m telling you, this place is the epitemy of cool.
- 430OrleansAuckland CentralI had heard about this little place a few weeks before it opened and let me tell you now, I had really high expectations. A friend and I swung by on the second night they were open and my oh my I have found my new favourite Saturday night spot. I have never been to New Orlean’s but if the bars are anything like this then put me on a plane because I need to check them out. This place has a vibe that you will find no where else in Auckland, there is everything to love about Orleans.
Sarah M.'s
Living the student life
- 13Looksharp StoreAuckland CentralSo you are throwing a flat warming party and not only do you have to pimp out your new crib with a blow up paddling pool, pinata and an inflatable palm tree but you need to find something to wear that goes with your theme - characters from movies that happen to die in the first scene. Never fear, all of your ridiculous problems will be solved with a trip to Look Sharp. Super cheap and full of amazing party supplies, you must check it out! Forget about that big screen TV your mates have, your flat warming is bound to make all of the rival flats jealous.
- 25Jo's StallGrey LynnNow that you’ve found yourself the perfect flat and you’ve managed to score yourself the biggest room, you are going to need some furniture and bric a brac to fill all of the space. Look no further then this Grey Lynn institution. Second hand stores are trendy, I’m talking hipster trendy. Jo’s is the most humble store around, filled to the brim with pre loved treasures, this is the old school garage sale at its best, 7 days a week. If you find something you are keen on don’t hesitate to buy, it won’t be there on your next visit, this stuff fly’s out the door!
- 3101Ponsonby International FoodcourtPonsonbyOh the Ponsonby Food Court, the perfect place to fill your every food related desire. This is the best place around for a flat dinner, not only is the food reasonably priced but there is so much of a selection that there is something for everyone - even the fussiest of flatmates. You know its got to be good when your Twitter feed is full of food court anecdotes every Saturday night. My favourite is the indian, who can go past a hearty vege korma and fresh naan bread!
- 45Lim Chhour SupermarketAuckland CentralI happen to be one of the lucky ones who works on Krd and can make a daily trip to Lim Chhour to pick up fresh fruit and veges before heading home. You should be jealous. You will not find better value for money anywhere in the central city. Forget about the Pak n Save stick man and his price compare commercials, Lim Chhour blows the competition right out of the water. I mean where else can a vege loving vegetarian buy their weeks worth of veges for under $10?
- 56SaveMart NorthcoteNorthcoteWhen you are a student you have to balance that fine line between having money and looking trendy. Chances are you have come to uni straight from school, hormones raging and looking to meet the girl or boy of your dreams. Before I shatter that little fantasy for you, let me tell you about a place to fill your wardrobe and leave you with enough money to take that Mr or Mrs right out on a date. Jump on a bus and head over the bridge to SaveMart. Wearing secondhand threads is ridiculously trendy at the moment so get amongst it.
Sarah M.'s
How to occupy a 5 year old
- 118The Fairy ShopAuckland CentralIf your little tike loves all things pink and sparkly then let their imaginations run wild at The Fairy Shop. This store is magical and not only do they cater for your little fairy but they have a range for all of those pirate loving rough and tumble littlies too. My niece absolutely loves her fairy dress and is adamant that it is the perfect dress to wear for EVERY occassion. This is an amazing store but beware, you may be bought out of house and home unable to feed yourself for the next two weeks… the little one will look super cute though.
- 252Auckland Botanic GardensManurewa, WiriDo you have a little one who has endless energy? The botanic gardens will solve all of your babysitting problems. Not only is there huge fields for them to expend all of that pent up energy, but they have an amazing children’s garden that will transport your little one to another world. Before you make the drive out there remember to put a loaf of bread in your day pack. Trust me, you don’t want to have to explain to your little five year old niece that these are special ducks that only eat at dinner time. White lies will never get you far.
- 36Animates North ShoreWairau ValleyPuppy and kittens and rabbits oh my! Once you step through those doors you will be oozing with emotion, your heart will feel so heavy that you may just shed a tear or two. All of those tiny fluffy animals! Forget those cute photos that your workmate emails you, imagine how you feel in that moment and multiply all of those emotions ten fold. A trip to Animates is definitely one of that will tug at the heart strings. Prepare to make room in your car for a puppy or two, a cage, a box full of soft squishy toys and don’t be surprised if you get home and find a lop eared rabbit in their somewhere.
- 45Every little kid should have those magical moments when they discover their first book, dive into those pages and find themselves battling pirates on the seven seas. They can taste the sea salt in the air, feel the scrap of a hook against their skin, hear the clunk of the peg legged man as he walks along the ships deck. The children’s bookshop is where imaginations run wild, shaping the dreams of little ones since yonks ago. Children’s books are thing of wonder and this shop is Ah-ma-zing!
- 54Glenbrook Vintage RailwayGlenbrookDo you have a little one who wants is obsessed with Thomas the Tank Engine or perhaps is dreaming of becoming a train driver when they are older? Take them for a day trip to the Glenbrook Vintage Railway and help to fulfill their dreams with a ride in a vintage steam train. Be prepared to answer a million difficult questions though, littlies sure do know how get your brain ticking over.
Sarah M.'s
A room full of books
- 129Hard to Find BooksOnehungaHard to Find is a dream come true for the ultimate book lover. There is something ridiculously romantic about a rickety little book shop which is packed to the rafters with books from bygone eras. Don’t be surprised if you get lost amongst the shelves, there are over 90,000 books to tempt you. If you are a sucker for that new book smell then this is not the place for you. There is nothing like opening book, knowing that you are not the first to have fallen deep within its pages. The books, just like the store they call home, have character and that’s just what is so special about this place.
- 29Cook The BooksGrey LynnModern cookbooks, with their glossy pages and beautiful photography are extremely seductive and Cook the Books have an amazing selection to whet your appetite. Before you fall into the neverending world of food blogs, take a visit to Cook the Books and check out what they have on offer. There is no denying that the sign of a well used cookbook is its pages splattered with batter and curry sauce, and if you are anything like me I’d hate to see your laptop screen. Some things just don’t translate well on a screen and cookbooks are something to pass down through the generations. Stop in find your next family favourite. Word of advice: this is probably not the best place to visit if you are hungry
- 39Mag Nation - PonsonbyPonsonbyAs you can probably tell from the name, Mag Nation sells an amazing selection of magazines from near and far. Perhaps what they are least known for are their array of hardcover books. There is no denying that it is the magazines that make this place a must visit, but before you head there next remember to keep in mind that little shelf to the right. There are most definately some treasures waiting to be discovered.
- 438Unity Books LimitedAuckland CentralThe day I discovered Unity Books was the day an already poor uni student fell deeper into the trap that is self inflicted poverty. I may not have been able to afford the latest trends but when you fall in love none of that superficial stuff matters. I am telling you now, you are going to fall in love with Unity Books. My favourite section and the one I make a B Line for is the aptly named shelf ‘Brain Stuff’, perfect for a knowledge thirsty twenty - something like myself. Just go.
- 568Real Groovy AucklandAuckland CentralWe all know that Real Groovy have an AMAZING selection of music, like ah-mazing. What I want to draw attention to is the equally awesome selection of books. These are books for the cultured; think tattoos, graphic novels, warzone photography and biographies of music legends. These are books for those who crave more, those who dream big and those who live life loud. Prepare to double the time you spend here once you discover the books on offer!
Sarah M.'s
Best pastries in town
- 133PyrénéesMt AlbertI absolutely love pan au chocolate, in fact I love them so much in the past I was known to eat one daily… hey if the French do it then it’s got to be good right? Pyrenees make the best pan au chocolate in town. End of story. Think decadent chocolate covered in indulgent crumbly pastry. The messier it is to eat, the better it seems to taste. Grab yourself a hot baguette straight from the oven, a selection of cheeses and a fresh pastry before wandering down to the park for a relaxing weekend picnic brunch.
- 220Rosie CafeParnellRosehip is a surprising little cafe right across the road from the Parnell Rose Gardens. The draw card isn’t the coffee, although I hear they make a good brew, what brings us back time and again are the eclairs. Yes the eclairs; those oblong shaped pastries made with choux dough and filled with a cream, topped with icing. Eclairs often get pushed aside to make way for their american cousin, the doughnut, but they will be undervalued no more. Move over doughnut its time for the eclair to take centre stage.
- 318Clevedon Farmers MarketClevedonThis is the perfect destination for a Sunday drive through the rolling hills of rural Auckland. The market has the usual stalls selling fresh fruit and veges, handmade cheeses and delicious chocolates but the reason I would drive for miles to get here is a little stall named Sabores. When you think Argentina you probably think steak, sun and seductive tango. When I think Argentina I think pastries, empanadas to be specific. When you try Sabores’ empanadas for yourself you will understand why I would make the trip out here when I’m feeling a little worse for wear. Forget about pies, you will have yourself a new Sunday morning comfort food. They even make amazing vegetarian options - and that’s one thing that is lacking in the pie market! Empanada: 1 Pie: 0
- 477La Cigale French MarketParnellOh La Cigale, how desirable you are with your sexy name and your effortless charm. Oh and your pastries! Everyone knows how amazing your pastries are, I don’t think I’ve ever seen a line so long at a market before. Sometimes you sell out of my favourite sweet treat the trusty pan au chocolate but I’ve come to realise that this is not the end of the world because even the very last pastry left behind fulfills my every sweet desire.
- 529Bread & Butter Bakery PonsonbyPonsonbyLittle Bread & Butter is my favourite place to stop and pick up a fresh pastry on my walk to work. Ponsonby Central is a playground for the modern foodie but sometimes classic is best and you can never go wrong with an early morning indulgence. Not only do they hit the right note with their freshly baked goods but the modern industrial look is effortlessly trendy.
Sarah M.'s
Where to take a vegetarian for lunch
- 19Honeytrap CafeAuckland CentralHoneytrap holds a special place in my heart. It is the perfect little cafe to cozy up next to the love of your life and dream away the afternoon in their mezzanine hide away. Their menu is simple and oh so delicious but I’m warning you - they have red velvet cake. It has hundreds and thousands icing. You will end up buying it and there will be no turning back. They also have these amazing sandwich creations. My first time there they had run out of the vegetarian option and the chef kindly cooked me up a new creation. It was amazing and it’s now on the menu so make sure you ask for the beetroot and falafel!
- 255Cosset CafeMount AlbertCosset is so trendy you wont be able to resist taking your phone out to instagram your food. You may also spend the first five minutes after leaving perfecting a witty tweet about your visit. It’s ok,I won’t judge you, I mean who can blame you with a gorgeous set up like this. Serving up fair trade, organic, vegan and vegetarian food this is bound to become your new favourite haunt.
- 317Renkon Japanese Restaurant - Pitt StreetAuckland CentralHi, I’m Sarah and I’m addicted to teriyaki tofu. It was a friend who first put me on to Renkon and for the past couple of years it has become a weekly guilty pleasure. No one else can make tofu quite like they can - trust me they have been known to convert even my most carnivorous of friends. The Pitt street staff are always really friendly and never fail to have a smile on their face even as they have lines out the door. Renkon wins at life.
- 450Revel CafeAuckland CentralIf you are a fellow vegetarian looking for a central city cafe to fulfill your every need then let me introduce you to Revel my friend. Take a seat on one of the comfy nana chairs at the Space invaders table and order yourself something off the menu. For my animal loving friends I would suggest a vegan trammy, but for those of you who indulge in the odd dairy product I would recommend one of the delicious cabinet salads or pastas. A few years ago my favourite breakfast after a night out was the Revel beans and avocado, although it’s no longer on the menu if you ask nicely they are known to whip it up when you are feeling a little worse for wear. Revel know how to look after their regulars!
- 530Il BucoPonsonbyItalian’s are known for their smooth talking, passionate men who know how to woo the ladies. If that creeps you out a little, never fear because they are also known for their pizza. If you are used to vegetarian pizza looking like a cheesy mess with a few tomatoes thrown on then you need Il Buco in your life. This is pizza by the slice - Italian style. This cute little store will transport you the cobbled streets of Rome, you would be forgiven for forgetting you are on Ponsonby Road. There are a few options to win you over, the potato and rosemary is amazing so why not start there?