Asher W.'s
Dessert frame of mind
- 157MoustacheAuckland CentralMa Higgins ran the city cookie scene for quite some time but it is possible that younger kid on the block MoustacheMilk and Cookie Bar could be gunning for first place. From what I've read there is an emphasis on quality ingredients in the product, and you could taste this in the cookie. I opted for a chocolate chip cookie with plain milk to dunk it in. was the best. It was great and at! $3.50 rather reasonable. Next time I'm back I'm looking forward to trying one of the milkshakes, the flavours looked pretty exciting! Apologies there isn't a picture of the cookie, it was gobbled too quickly on purchase :(
- 254MilseAuckland CentralIf you have a sweet tooth and are partial to a fancy dessert get to Milse as soon as you possibly can! This dessert only secret bar is perhaps my greatest find in the past couple of weeks. We sat at the bar and marveled at the tall English dessert maestro as he put together delicate, ornate sweet treats. I ordered the creme brulee which was nothing short of fantastic and the girlfriend had a mound of chocolate goodness which she said was exceptional. For two desserts we paid around the $40 mark, not exactly cheap but with sweets this good it would be rude not to indulge!
- 33Delectable DessertsAuckland CentralHaving finished dinner at Elliot Stables I fancied something sweet. I ended up stumbling accross Delectable Desserts ib onr of the far corners of the food hall. Out of the limited range of puds I chose the lemon meringue pie. It arrived served with a lemon sauce. The meringue was soft and spongy, the lemon filling was sweet with just the right tartness and the pastry was soft and buttery. I couldn’t finish the slice and my dinner partners all hooned in to help get the job done. At $10 I thought it was rather reasonable and I’m looking forward to trying a few of the other options.
- 424Valentino's GelatoAuckland CentralWe may be heading into winter but it’s never too cold to enjoy a couple of scoops from Valentino’s Gelato. Located conveniently next to the ferry building downtown it is the perfect spot to grab a cone or tub and watch the comings and goings of the downtown hub. The little ice cream bar serves food and coffee and a selection of whacky gelato flavours. On offer were standouts such as blue powerade flavour and Milo (I tried both and was impressed). I settled for the medal winning Italian hokey pokey which was great. What’s not to like?
- 595GiapoAuckland CentralI really wanted to get an ice cream from Giapo but I was running out of time and the line was out of the door. I looked longingly at the happy customers with their cones of goodness but I was running late for a movie so it was not meant to be. There's a reason why this spot is so popular. The product is quality (whether it is gelato or ice cream I'm unsure) but the clinch is the wide array of flavours on offer. They are constantly updating their range and they can get pretty weird - hokey pokey with bacon anyone? There's also a wide range of toppings available to accompany the sweet treat. In the past when I have been there I have really enjoyed the pistachio and the dark chocolate sorbet.
Asher W.'s
Best spot to watch live music
- 1291885 BritomartAuckland Central1885 Britomart plays host to some great live music events, including a new weekly night by the name of Music & People. The format is simple, each week a different local band will sit down and spin some yarns before playing a stripped back set. Later local djs and electronic artists will kick off an ‘after party of sorts’. This unique concept is coupled with great food and beverage specials. Defenitely worth a look.
- 237Spark ArenaAuckland CentralVector Arena is Auckland’s answer to the Madison Square Gardens. It’s the venue to see world class acts from accross the board. Tonights entertainment is Dizzee Rascal and Azealia Banks, both did not dissapoint. As Dizzee said ”…It’s always love.”
- 313Whammy BarAuckland CentralLast night Auckland based rock band Popstrangers played their final NZ show for a while at Whammy, and it was a winner. The night reminded me why Whammy Bar is one of my favourite places to watch live music in Auckland. The room was dark and hot, the beers cheap and the music loud. After emerging from downstairs, my shirt was pretty much soaked through with sweat but it didn’t matter, what else was I to expect?
- 48GalatosAuckland CentralAs a venue it seems like Galatos isn’t used as much as it used to be. Anyways, every so often the venue hosts a great show and the dingy, cave like establishment comes to life. Although the sound is sometimes lacking, the venue makes up for it in character.
- 548The Kings Arms TavernNewtonKnown to host a lot of great local and international bands the Kings Arms is one of Auckland’s premier live venues. The venue may not look like much but it is steeped in Kiwi music history and when the venue is packed it really comes to life.
Asher W.'s
Burger time.
- 124Late Night DinerPonsonbyThis week the owners of Ponsonby Social Club opened an American style diner called the Late Night Diner, and I couldn’t be more happy! We sat at the breakfast bar style counter and watched the inexperienced staff get told off. The lack of experience was made up for by the food. I tucked into the fried chicken with bbq sauce and the bacon croquettes accompanied by a bourbon hard shake. It was all delicious. And the best news? It’s open till 2am from Weds to Sat. I’ll be back.
- 28The White LadyAuckland CentralLike a lot of Aucklander’s I’ve never actually had food from The White Lady sober. In saying that it is the best end to a night of shenanigans that downtown has to offer. The white caravan is an Auckland institution (my dad worked there when he was my age) and as far as fast food goes their bacon burger is up there among the best in Auckland.
- 322Burger Fuel PonsonbyPonsonbyAfter deliberating for about an hour about what to eat it was decided that we should opt for burgers, they’re easy and dependable. And when it comes to consistency Burger Fuel tops this, across the board the sauces, meat and add ons are pretty dam good. I opted for the ring burner, a burger stuffed with jalapenos, bacon, salad and beef. It was just what I was after. As an aside, the bacon backfire and ford freakout are also great tasting bites.
- 497Carl's Jr - St Johns/Glen InnesGlen InnesCarl’s Jr is the fast food chain for those that are serious about their deep fried food. The Carl’s Jr devotees were out in force tonight and the joint was still hooching at around nine. I ordered the bacon, Swiss, crispy hand-breaded chicken sandwhich, upsized. If it sounds like a mouthful, that’s because it was. The chicken was succulent and the bacon was crispy. My tastebuds were over the moon but I’m not too sure how my heart felt about the meal. Defenitely tasty, but definitely one for the sometimes pile.
- 54Burger King CivicAuckland CentralFor a second I was fooled into the cult of Carl's Jnr. It's great but after eating there a few times I found myself heading back to BK. As far as fast food goes Burger King is my favourite. I like their flame grilled meat, their fake tasting bbq sauce and their new fry shake (you get given a flavour satchet and a large paper bag so that you can shake your chips in a delicious powder that is probably really bad for you). Okay so it tastes great but the crux of the Queen St BK is that it is perfect to sneak into the movies. While the rest of my fellow movie goers were munching on stale popcorn i was tucking into a double, bacon cheeseburger combo - suckers.
Asher W.'s
Ay caramba Mexican!
- 15TaqueriaPonsonbyTaqueria is basically a Mexican version of Subway. You choose from either tacos or burritos and what goes into your option. I had a pork burrito, the meat was tender and the vegetables crispy and fresh. My compadre had the kid’s sized burrito (vegetarian) “it was perfect for a quick dinner and I felt like I could fit in dessert afterwards”. The only thing lacking was spice, the hot sauce turned out to be pretty mild.
- 224BanditaKingslandIf you’re having a lazy Sunday, El Camino is the perfect place to make the most of it. Each Sunday the Mexican restaurant puts three dishes on special for $12 and there are also alcohol specials. I ordered the beef enchiladas and a cheesy garlic bread. It was fresh, spicy and filling, for under $20 what a bargain. The wide range of hot sauces deserve a mention, let’s just say there are options!
- 375Mexicali FreshNewmarketMexicali Fresh is far from authentic Mexican but it is definitely tasty. I ordered the taco salad with pulled beef. The edible taco bowl was piled high with salad, sour cream, cheese, beef and guacamole. The meat was tender and seasoned well and the rest of the salad was tasty. At $14.50 it is pretty affordable and the service was quick and professional! It didn’t export me to Mexico but it certainly was tasty.
- 4110Mexico Auckland CentralAuckland CentralWinter is a gloomy season, so why not get the hell out of here and head to Mexico. Mexico, the restaurant that is, serves some of the best South American fare this side of the Atlantic from their Britomart and Takapuna locations It’s hard to go past the salsa with house made corn chips, the prawn soft shell tacos and the Mexican fried chicken all accompanied by a black plum margarita (made for sharing). The friendly staff and warm interiors will be sure to brighten up your day.
- 538Mexico TakapunaTakapunaI’d been to Mexico in the city before but never to the Takapuna branch. It has the same homely, South American vibe as its inner city brother. I was here for a birthday and we had the $30 set menu. Over the course of about an hour and a half the friendly staff dropped off countless dishes including salads, ceviche, quesadillas, tacos, mushroom parcels and deep fried olives. Heaps of food and all dam tasty. Recommended.
Asher W.'s
Who doesn't love pizza?
- 130Il BucoPonsonbyIl Buco is one of my favourite places to grab food on the go in Ponsonby. They have a great selection of rectangular slices packed with flavour. My favourite being the potato and sausage. Grab a coffee and a seat for a couple of minutes and watch Ponsonby Road happen.
- 286Sal's Authentic New York Pizza Commerce StreetAuckland CentralSal’s does a good slice. I ended up choosing a pepperoni slice and a pepperoni pinwheel (a ball of cheesy, meaty, doughy goodness). Both were fresh and tasty. Service was good and the beer (Amstel) was cold. If you visit expecting healthy food, you’re in the wrong place but if you’re in the zone for a greasy slice you’re in the right place.
- 30Toto's Italian RestaurantAuckland CentralWe picked up a Grab One deal for Nelson Street’s Toto’s. Having heard good things from friends we couldn’t wait to tuck into the special deal six course degustation. Over the course of about an hour and a half we tucked into a range of courses including prawns, flavoursome tuna, juicy duck, quail and pastries filled with summer fruit. Each course followed on from the other like a charasmatic Mexican wave. The presentation was considered and the flavours a pleasure to the palette. Next I’d like to try the ordinary degustation to see how it compares.
- 464TSG - Tyler Street GarageAuckland CentralThe rooftop of Tyler Street Garage is the perfect place to kick back on a sunny Sunday afternoon and enjoy a couple of beers. DJs play laidback tunes and the views are great. If you’re hungry the sliders looked like they are a safe bet. I had the pizza which was tasty and the shoestring fries which were just right.
- 518Dante's Pizzeria NapoletanaPonsonbyThere's a reason that Dante's pizza has won a bunch of awards. They make really, really good pizza. I think it has something to do with the fact that the owner has some Italian certificate in pizza making, the fresh ingredients or the wood fire pizza oven. Whatever it is, it's working. We ordered the chorizo and the famous margarita. The staff were helpful in the choices and when the pizza arrived it was delicious. The chorizo was spicy, the mozzarella creamy and the tomato sauce tangy and sweet! The base was crispy and when folded in half (the traditional way) the slices became delicious parcels. Get there if you haven't tried it.
Asher W.'s
Greatest ice cream
- 112Casa Del Gelato PonsonbyPonsonbyIt’s not exactly ideal weather to chow down on an ice cream but it’s not like an excuse is really needed. Casa Del Gelato has been a staple in Ponsonby since it moved into the much loved Ponsonby Pies shop. There’s a plethora of sorbets and gelatos to choose from and each one I’ve tried has been exceptional. I chose to have a scoop of Snickers and a scoop of chocolate. The Snickers ACTUALLY tasted like the nutty, nougatty chocolate bar and the chocolate was rich and creamy, just as I’d hoped. If you’re in Ponsonby and need something sweet these guys will sort you out.
- 26Yoghurt Story Queen StreetAuckland CentralApparently the frozen yoghurt craze is running absolutely rampant in Europe, and it seems like New Zealand has caught up. It had been a while since I'd last been into the CBD but I swear last time I was there, there was no sign of the two frozen yoghurt shops that sit on the block. The premise is simple, you fill your tub with frozen yoghurt which is available in a variety of flavours and then you add whatever toppings you choose. I opted for a tiramisu and vanilla flavoured youghurt, with chocolate nuts and mango on top. It was pretty tasty and the way in which you could customise the look and taste of your dish added excitement to the experience.
- 324Valentino's GelatoAuckland CentralWe may be heading into winter but it’s never too cold to enjoy a couple of scoops from Valentino’s Gelato. Located conveniently next to the ferry building downtown it is the perfect spot to grab a cone or tub and watch the comings and goings of the downtown hub. The little ice cream bar serves food and coffee and a selection of whacky gelato flavours. On offer were standouts such as blue powerade flavour and Milo (I tried both and was impressed). I settled for the medal winning Italian hokey pokey which was great. What’s not to like?
- 440Ollies Burgers & Ice CreamRoyal OakFor as long as I can remember my parents took me to Ollies for ice cream as a special treat. The establishment has a retro vibe which is due to the fact that it has probably never been renovated! The shop serves Tip Top ice cream and they are extremely generous with their servings. I tend to get a chocolate dipped goody goody gum drops cone, delicious.
- 595GiapoAuckland CentralI really wanted to get an ice cream from Giapo but I was running out of time and the line was out of the door. I looked longingly at the happy customers with their cones of goodness but I was running late for a movie so it was not meant to be. There's a reason why this spot is so popular. The product is quality (whether it is gelato or ice cream I'm unsure) but the clinch is the wide array of flavours on offer. They are constantly updating their range and they can get pretty weird - hokey pokey with bacon anyone? There's also a wide range of toppings available to accompany the sweet treat. In the past when I have been there I have really enjoyed the pistachio and the dark chocolate sorbet.