Asher W.'s
In the mood for meat
- 14Neat Meat PonsonbyPonsonbyLocated in Ponsonby Central next to the Ceres Fresh Market you’ll find a meaty little butchery called Neat Meat. The family run meat lair has a great range of 1st class lamb products, premium beef products and other meaty delights. I opted for some of their classic sausages and they were some of the tastiest I had come accross in Auckland.
- 213Frankies WurstbudeAuckland CentralWhen I was younger my mum made a watery, tomato based sausage casserole nearly every week. I was a fan, and the dish instilled within me a love of sausages. You can imagine how excited I was to come accross Frankies Wurstblade, a shop dedicated to quality sausages. I opted for the sausage meal and chose the special of the week, a hot and spicy griller. The spicy stick of meat was accompanied by a generous portion of fries, cheese, salad and sauerkraut. The plate was huge and everything on it was tasty especially the sausage. The service was helpful and the food was speedily delivered. If you’re a sausage fan, this is the place for you.
- 312El Sizzling ChorizoPonsonbyThe first thing that hits you when eating at El Sizzling Chorizo is the amazing smell. Piles of smoking meat on the grill give off a scent that could be tagged as ‘The Carnivore’s Dream’. We grabbed a seat at the bustling ‘meat bar’ and I tucked into a sirloin steak, with salsa verde and greens. The meat was smoky, tender and well seasoned and the sauce was a great accompaniment. I’ll be back.
- 457When someone has had a particularly bad week it makes sense to take them to Coco's Cantina. At least this is my logic. As this is the case after a particularly big week the girlfriend and I headed to Coco's on a Friday night. Heads up, you can't book so be prepared to wait for a table. We had a drink at their bar next door and waited for a table to come up. When the time came I ordered the pork belly (with some kind of sausage, a pickled red cabbage, poached apples and pesto) and she ordered the ravioli (vegetarian friendly) with a sharing platter to start. Everything was exquisite, the ambiance cosy and the staff amazing. Kudos to whoever did the hiring. I know it's a big call but I would go as far to say as this is perhaps my favorite place to eat in the whole of Auckland.
- 51Grey Lynn RoastGrey LynnI’m going through a particularly piggy stage of my life. Three days this week I have had swine for dinner and today’s lunch carried on the trend. I finished work and Kokako was closed so I went to the Grey Lynn roast shop and picked up a pork roll and some potatoes. The potatoes were crispy and golden and the roll complete with tender meat, crunchy crackling, coleslaw and apple sauce was tasty. By no means is this place fine dining but the roll sure did hit the spot.
Asher W.'s
Find something for the house
- 110Flotsam & JetsamGrey LynnFlotsam and Jetsam is one of my favourite shops on Ponsonby. The shop, which was formerly located on Richmond Rd, stocks a mixture of small furniture, ceramics, taxidermy, glass and other amazing curios. The shop holds some very unique items that would add character to any space. I’ve coveted many items in the shop but items can get pretty pricey so if you are planning on purchasing prepare to spend some coin.
- 243Smith & Caughey'sAuckland CentralAs a 24 year old male buying homeware isn’t on the top of my priority list. I'm pretty happy to use my parents tired outcasts but that's not to say that I can't appreciate a well crafted whisk or a Bodum coffee machine. When the turning point comes and homeware becomes a priority in my life Smith and Caughey's will be one the stores I will shop. The upmarket department store has pretty much a whole floor dedicated to kitchenware, appliances and linen. They stock quality brands and it can get a bit pricey. At the end of the day though you get what you pay for what you get so sometimes it's better to spend a little more.
- 32Burrell Demolition LtdMorningsideYou never know what treasure you might stumble accross when rummaging through the salvage yard at Burrell Demolition. It’s a treasure trove of lovely old doors, sinks and fireplaces. If you’re mid renovating or looking to add character to your abode this is one place to start!
- 45Art and Object LtdNewtonThe problem with working at home is that it is super easy to get distracted. I'm the first to admit this. I was plugging away at something or other when my buddy rolled up and told me we were heading to Art + Object. I'd never been there before and when we arrived I was astounded at what was inside the auction house. Taxidermy was hung above ancient samurai armor. Great New Zealand artists work was leaned against stacks of old dusty reference books. Apparently the prices are reasonable and depending on what auction is happening at Art + Object you never know what gems you might find. Even if you're just going in for a look, it's still a lot of fun.
- 51Angela Scott PhotographersGrey LynnLocated in Grey Lynn, Angela Scott Photographers is a photography studio that specialises in creating timeless art pieces. They specialise in portrait, wedding and pet photography! The shoot process is professional and the staff are efficient and friendly. Get your pooch snapped.
Asher W.'s
Off the beaten track but worth the trek
- 17The Dutch Delight BirkenheadBirkenheadWhen I heard about The Dutch Delight, an authentic Dutch pancake house, in Birkenhead it sounded like the perfect day mission. The cafe/diner was a slice of Holland in the the Auckland suburbia. The decor was authentic, down to the porcelain windmill salt and pepper shaker. The cheerful (Dutch) staff were very helpful in choosing dishes. We opted for fries with Dutch mayo and a tiramisu pancake. They were both great, if anything just a tad rich. The place is worth the visit for the experience alone though.
- 248The Delicious Food StoreTe Atatu PeninsulaTe Atatu Peninsula is an area on the rise and leading the charge is The Luscious Food Store. Located just before the main strip of shops, the cafe is defenitely worth the trip as a destination. Relax under the leafy trees, in the large outside area, while the kids play in the sandpit and choose something from the extensive menu. We opted for the snapper cakes that were served with perfectly poached eggs and chilli jam. It was all delicious, and the coffee (Supreme) was great too.
- 329Hard to Find BooksOnehungaThe Hard to Find Book Shop in Onehunga is my favourite book store in the world. Crammed into the small space is a labrynth of sections spanning from classics to the occult and everything in between. Here you’ll find many treasures and curiosies that will excite even the most jaded of book buyers! If you love books, this is your place.
- 49SaveMart New LynnNew LynnIf your a fan of op-shopping then it’s hard to go past Savemart. This Auckland staple for bargain foragers is warehouse sized and brimming with treasures. There are A LOT of clothes to look through. It may take a while to find something you love but it’s worth a look. The stock is constantly being topped up so you know you’re not going to be constantly rummaging through the same stuff.
- 51Arkh Food and SpiceHendersonI was in Henderson at a cat show (as you do) and decided to pop into Arkh Food and Spice to grab supplies to make dinner. It was decided that we were going to make paneer tikka masala and Arkh had all the ingredients we needed. We picked out all we needed from the spice bins and couldn’t resist grabbing a Fanta in an oldschool bottle. The service was efficient and there was a wide range of goods to choose from. The price point seals the deal, everything is super cheap!
Asher W.'s
Best Asian in Ponsonby
- 14Kuta BaliPonsonbyKuta Bali is one of my favourite options when at the Ponsonby Foodcourt. I’ve been making my way through the sumptious Balinese dishes and I’m yet to be disappointed. Pictured is the Soto medan, which was on point! The crumbed prawns are out of this world, and are a great starter (available on request). The staff are super friendly and the prices really reasonable. Defenitely worth a try!
- 211Mutiara MalaysianPonsonbyMutiara is the bees knees when it comes to eating Malaysian. We sat outside and tucked into the beef rendang (pictured) and the nasi goreng. Both were delicious and the portions were generous (we had to take ours away). On the menu is a wide selection of noodle dishes, curries, seafood and other Malay treats. Mutiara makes a mean roti, so make sure these are an addition. If you’re not around at dinner stop in at lunch as they do great lunch specials aswell.
- 32St Pierre's Sushi PonsonbyPonsonbySt. Pierre’s is by no means a flash sushi joint. It’s a run of the mill, sushi arrives in a plastic container kind of place BUT it is reasonable and consistent. I normally order a six pack of teriyaki chicken, a miso soup and some octopus balls (takoyaki). Sushi for the masses that pleases the tastebuds.
- 435The Blue Breeze InnPonsonbyOn paper new kid on the block the Blue Breeze Inn shouldn’t work. An eatery that serves up Chinese in a pacific island themed establishment, say what? When we arrived the place was already buzzing. We were met by an extremely helpful and friendly maitre d' who showed us to our seat. We ordered some BBQ pork buns, the bang bang chicken and half a crispy duck. It all tasted amazing. It may seem odd on paper but gosh it works. We’ll be back.
- 5101Ponsonby International FoodcourtPonsonbyIt was after having been to the Ponsonby International Foodcourt twice in one day that I figured out how important a role the Ponsonby International food court plays in my life. It's pretty close to my house so on average I eat there two to three times a week. Quality food, friendly staff and competitive prices. Generally I'll opt to have Malaysian or Japanese but the beauty of the place is that there are so many varieties of flavor under one roof. Sometimes I'll dip my my taste buds into a butter chicken or I've even been known to sample a kebab. The spectrum of food means that it's great for groups and it's extremely unusual to find someone unhappy with their decision.
Asher W.'s
Best gift stores
- 129Hard to Find BooksOnehungaThe Hard to Find Book Shop in Onehunga is my favourite book store in the world. Crammed into the small space is a labrynth of sections spanning from classics to the occult and everything in between. Here you’ll find many treasures and curiosies that will excite even the most jaded of book buyers! If you love books, this is your place.
- 29Mag Nation - PonsonbyPonsonbyI really like magazines. There’s something about there glossy pages, exciting content and somewhat throwaway nature that enthralls me. Mag Nation has an extensive range of magazines, from fashion, culture, woman’s interests to cars and hunting they have it all. Keep a look out for air freighted volumes as the shop gets a bunch of products not found elsewhere in Auckland. I’m also a sucker for Moleskin notepads which they stock in abundance!
- 35TessutiHerne BayIf you’re looking to treat your mum to something a little bit luxurious this uear then look no further than Ingrid Starnes and Tessuti in Herne Bay. The shop, which is a collaborative store has a great selection of NZ made jewellerry, quirky homeware qnd high end New Zealand made women’s fashion. Go on, treat Mum, she deserves it.
- 430Iko Iko AucklandNewtonWhenever I need to buy a gift and am feeling a little stumped on the matter I head to Iko Iko. It's here in this haven of brightly colored plastic and painted wood surfaces I know that inspiration will strike. The shop, which has been there for as long as I can remember, stocks a great selection of quirky items. If you want a novely gift, a unique piece of jewellery or an eye catching coffee table book they have you covered with options to spare. It's not just for buying gifts either, feel free to treat yourself.
- 525Conch Records Kitchen and BarPonsonbyConch Records is one of Auckland’s best spots to pick through popular and rare vinyl. It’s also got a great collection of clothes, collectible toys and they make a dam good coffee. Their backyard has recently been opened as Boteco, a South American eatery, that’s on my list to try.
Asher W.'s
Outdoor adventures
- 1293Auckland ZooWestern SpringsWhen I was three I was given a year long pass to the Auckland Zoo. It was perhaps the best gift I was ever given. Each week without fail I’d trek around the zoo and check in on all of the animals. It still is a pretty magical place, my nephew seconds this (the meerkats were a highlight). With a wide range of animals and great layout it’s a perfect day outing, especially for families.
- 25Herne BayHerne BayIf you’re in the city fringe and looking for the perfect spot to watch the sunset I would recommend heading down to Cremorne Bay. At the bottom of a step set of stairs you’ll find a small sandstone ledge with foot holes. Navigate your way to one of the plateaus and grab a seat. From here you’ll have one of the best views in the city. Romance? Guaranteed.
- 312Western ParkFreemans BayWestern Park is my favourite inner city outdoor area. When I need to switch off from big smoke life, I head to this park located in the suburb of Freemans Bay. It’s a midsized park with several walkways, a kids playground and a small performance space amongst the scenery. If you need an escape Western Park’s well worth checking out.
- 42Riba Fish & ChipsDevonportWe decided to do something a little different with our Saturday and caught the ferry across to Devenport. On the way up to the Devenport lookout we picked up a deep fried package from the Riba Fish and Chip shop. Their was a good menu of options and the staff were friendly and helpful. The fish, chips and fritters, which were ready within ten minutes, were all crispy and well cooked, and boy the view was exceptional!
- 540Eden ParkKingslandThis week I headed to Eden Park for three days to watch the Black Caps vs England test match. It was a nail biter to put it lightly. Aside from the actual test the stadium itself is world class, spacious and easy to navigate. The only department that could do with some improvement is the food, someone needs to sort out their burgers!