Grant T.'s
FULL ON Coffee Fix
- 114Eighthirty Coffee RoastersNewtonThis hip caffeine hit joint is next to the gas station on the junction of K, Ponsonby and Great North Roads. Roasted on the premises and skilfully crafted by people who know and love coffee. A few snacks offered on the semi industrial shelving. No messing about. Tasteful basic seating of standing. Grab a bagful of beans or fresh grinds for the office or home.
- 220Little King CafeMilfordThis fix stop is on the main drag through Milford. Artfully made full on flavoured rich coffee. Great music, plenty to look at around the walls and big tasty menu.
- 325Conch Records Kitchen and BarPonsonbyA mecca for music, good food and caffeine lovers. DJ's and the likes playing to the platters that matter, chefs preparing delicious platters that flatter and the 'char' is Supreme. Your second awakening of the day.
- 443Kokako Cafe & RoasteryGrey LynnThis organic beauty is at 537 Great North Road in Grey Lynn has a range of coffee options. They love Coffee and everything that goes with creating a wonderful coffee experience for you. Buzzy invigorating and lively- Like your coffee!
- 58Three Beans Coffee RoastersAuckland CentralThree Beans Coffee Roasters in CityWorks can't be missed. Let your nose take you there by way of aroma of freshly roasted coffee beans. You can watch them roasting while you enjoy your fix and maybe a light snack. Grab a bag of beans or fresh grinds to take away. They also supply a number of cafes around Auckland and beyond with blends such as Raging Rhino and Gangster Rabbit. Yeeha!!
Grant T.'s
Get a taste of culture here
- 116Soul ThaiGrey LynnFast, fresh and flavoursome. Sol Thai has been on the Auckland scene since 2010 and expanding. Hopefully to somewhere near you. These guys know their thai food. They deliver, do pick ups and you can perch on the side tables to eat. The Duck Salad was the highlight for me. A panoply of colours and taste sensations. Crunchy yet succulent pieces of duck on a bed of leaves with diced mango, tomato, red onion and a perfect drizzle of mango puree to bring it all together. The menu is extensive, tasty and colourful with all your favourite Thai dishes and more. A cabinet full of drinks, including an organic selection to wash it down. Free delivery for orders over $20. They also have another on 96 Mt Eden Rd and more coming soon
- 28Satya South Indian Restaurant at the junction of Mt Eden and Boston Roads. Your dinning experience starts as soon as you open the door. Staff greet you as if a guest in their own home. Welcoming, relaxed yet extremely polite and courteous. Chairs dressed in rich indian fabrics, the terracota brick walls with a few south indian carvings and sculptures. Simple and uncluttered. The menu is extensive and made by chefs passionate about food and want you to enjoy only the best tasting food made with the freshest of ingredients. They're open seven days and pick ups OK.
- 324Sun World Chinese RestaurantNewmarketIn the heart of New Market on the corner of York street and Khyber Pass is the bustling Sun World Chinese Restaurant. You can smells the delicious aromas as you drive nearer. It's busy yet not too noisy. An extensive Cantonese menu and trollies constantly passing by your table freshly laden with all types of dishes. Try the crispy duck with pancakes is spectacular. Parking is ample and situated next door.
- 435The Blue Breeze InnPonsonbyThe atmosphere here is upbeat and noisy. The street style tiki shack theming is quirky and fun. The food is something to stare at the wow factor before you tuck into it. Tasty cocktails.
- 552Monsoon Poon AucklandAuckland CentralSouth East Asian Cuisine. Plenty to choose from. A panoply of colours and tastes.
Grant T.'s
What to do on a lazy Sunday
- 159Auckland DomainGraftonPicnic, ball, dog, blanket, sunnies and maybe even a sneaky bottle of bubbles of a few ciders.
- 230Silo ParkAuckland CentralThis summer, set aside some time to stroll along the viaduct to Silo Park. There are tens of restaurants to choose from and right now there's the night markets. I love to see what's showing at Silo Cinema, check out some of the goodies and gifts and of course grab a bite from one of the pop up eateries.
- 311Plenty to do here. Snorkel, hike, throw peas by the snorkers and watch hundreds of fish dart in like jaws and laugh yourself into a lazy stupor. Sunbathe and picnic.
- 432Waiwera Thermal Resort & SpaWaiweraA pool to suit everyone here. From kids to folks and grandparents with gamy arthritic joints. Bring a picnic and chill out for the day if you want. Sunday evenings have a movie where you can beach yourself by the pool turn into a withered prune wallowing in the hot pool watching a recent blockbuster projection on the wall.
- 51Mt Eden Community GardensMt EdenA gorgeous panoply of colours and smells. Stroll around here with your picnic basket then find somewhere to spread your blanket or head up to the top of Mt Eden and find a spot to relax and enjoy the views.
Grant T.'s
Dog friendly spots
- 14Alphabet BistroParnellIn the heart of Parnell This cafe all day breakfast menu, with mostly Mediterranean cuisine and various weekly specials.Reasonably priced. Outdoor seating where you and your pooch can relax after a walk through Parnell's Rose Gardens
- 225Conch Records Kitchen and BarPonsonbyWith a large outside area with Alley access this place is great to chill with your mutt. DJ's playing the funky tunes, 'Supreme' coffee, delicious tapas style menu serving all day then head down the hill to Victoria Park afterwards to work off your meal!
- 344Orvieto CafeThree KingsThis well known eatery is up in Mt Eden. Well known for their artwork, french toast and more. With Big King Reserve nearby, Orvieto is a well known dog-friendly destination. Outdoor seating and always a waterbowl on hand for your pooch.
- 470DizengoffPonsonbyTake your pooch up to Ponsonby road to Dizengoff. Six tables outside for you and your pooch to relax at. Marvel at the designer dogs carried or prancing past you. If you're with your kids, play 'That is a dog but what else could it be??'....A white board duster? A Broom? Hours of fun.
- 517The Servo Licensed EateryTe Atatu PeninsulaHalf way down to Te Atatu Peninsular township on the left you'll find Servo. Started by ex London The Ivy head pastry chef Cameron Powell and his partner Penny. It was a garage in it former life. Big breezy sunny outside seating. When you're done let your eager mutt take you for a walk over the main road by the estuary.
Grant T.'s
Top coffee spots
- 114Eighthirty Coffee RoastersNewtonGood full flavoured coffee. No BS. Cool people, great music, excellent vibe.
- 270DizengoffPonsonbyConsistently fantastic. You can always rely on Dizengoff for tasty well made coffee. The food here is always amazing. Colourful flavoursome and reasonably priced. With four owners in its almost 20 year history. Very little has changed.
- 320Little King CafeMilfordAmongst the hustle and bustle of the North shore this gem of a cafe is an oasis. Hip, tasty, plenty to look at, cool music and interesting friendly staff.
- 415Santos CafePonsonbyIN the heart of Ponsonby. Santos is renowned for always serving great coffee. Sit in the outside area in the sun, something to eat, check out the art and watch Ponsonby buzz by.
- 524Catroux CafeWestmereDelicious. Catroux fantastic home made baking, cabinet full of delicious salads and sandwiches. Great coffee and juices.