Isabeau B.'s
Where to eat when you're a broke gourmet
- 132Chow ToryTe AroChow provides an abundance of mouth watering tapas-style dishes with an Asian fusion twist. Two for one Mondays is an easy option on the wallet and with a modern romantic feel it's perfect for almost any occasion. Chow caters for most dietary requirements and offers a generous amount of drink options, regardless of what your poison is.
- 233Just as everyone has their preferred choice of alcoholic beverage, every hangover sufferer has their own remedy. A remedy for that pounding headache and nausea filled, twisted knot of a stomach. I myself have fallen victim to the next-day-wrath of a night drinking many times. My current remedy is for those mornings where eating food 'aint gonna happen'. For these tragic days I walk, crawl or send someone else down to Moore Wilson's fresh food section, and grab a bottle of fresh icy orange juice. Moore Wilson's OJ is not just your average orange juice. Made 100% just from oranges it's pulpy , tangy and full of Vitamin C. On a hungover day, to me, a glass of this thirst-quenching goodness is liquid gold.
- 39When walking past Brooklyn the Bakery at night, the aromas do nothing short of making you wish you had a piece of freshly baked bread in your hand. No matter how full I am the smell leaves me salivating. When the doors finally open the next morning you can find trays of fresh baked breads, most of which are under $5 and generous in size. If you are hoping to get a loaf during the weekends, I would recommend beating the brunch rush as most breads sell out before 12pm. The Ciabatta bread I tried reminded me of Sunday breakfast with the family, eggs and bacon served with toasted slices of my favourite Italian bread. The outside was perfectly crisp with a deliciously moist and springy interior. Paired with basil pesto and olive oil it makes for an appetizing afternoon snack.
- 432Scopa Caffe CucinaTe AroIf you are a fan of a good hot chocolate, then look no further than this modern glass beauty. Italian hot chocolate is hot chocolate at its finest. Thick liquid chocolate served up with a splash of cream and chocolate sprinkles, its a drink I recommend to all sweet tooth’s, and non are disappointed.
- 56Crepes A Go-GoTe AroThis hole in the wall always has people waiting in line, no matter the day, weather or time. Crepes is a traditional French type of pancake. Beautifully thin it is covered in your filling of choice, sweet or savoury and wrapped up in a cone shape for quicker demolishing. If you are more inclined to choose sweet over savoury I recommend the Crepe that contains Nutella, shredded coconut and banana.
Isabeau B.'s
Clubs that don't suck
- 112El HornoTe AroThank god it’s Friday. Four little words with so much joy attached to them, so much joy it’s been abbreviated to TGIF that you can say it even faster and with more excitement. So it’s finally time to leave work on Friday and you’ve probably spent most the day thinking about the weekend’s festivities. For most people this includes some form of bar for some form of drinking. Why not change or even continue on from your ‘local’ down to El Horno. Famous for its jugs of Sangria served up in jars, and old school music, it’s a great place to waste the weekend away.
- 217Bangalore Polo ClubTe AroIt’s a night out and what better than some nice drinks, a boogie to old school music and apparently peanuts. Bangalore, has a classy yet relaxed feel and the perfect option if you have either younger or older party people in tow. There is both a dance floor where you can enjoy songs from ABBA and Michael Jackson, and plenty of chairs and tables around to rest your tired dancing feet. Peanuts are everywhere to nibble on and the best thing is you can drop the shells where ever you please
- 38Boogie Wonderland WellingtonWellington CentralBoogie Wonderland is the place to go if you are in the mood to whip out those old school moves and dance the night away to songs from ABBA and Michael Jackson alike. With its light up disco floor and patrons often wearing flared pants it takes those old enough, back to their childhood dancing days
Isabeau B.'s
Night- time coffee run
- 149Fidel's CafeTe AroNamed after Fidel Castro, a revolutionary communist and president of Cuba, this quirky Cafe is themed around this man. Nestled at the top of Cuba street it’s all a little bit ironic. The coffee and food however, are not it the slightest. Fidels is regularly packed from front to back as people keep returning to try their strong decadent coffee and delicious food. I recommend checking out their pizza menu and $25 deal for a pizza and two beers.
- 236Midnight EspressoWellington CentralAs the name says so itself, this little Wellington hot-spot is open until past midnight, till 3am seven days a week. Famous for its great range of gluten free, vegan and vegetarian options it’s a great place for all to stop by for a late night snack. A huge favourite of mine is the caramel slice. Thick thumb sized layers of chocolate biscuit, caramel and chocolate icing its both delightful and decadent as anything.
- 318Enigma CafeTe AroThis quirky cafe is located amongst the hustle and bustle of Courtney Place. Open all sorts of ridiculous hours, every night of the week. They provide a great range of cabinet food and their menu is one of the cheapest in town. Enigma are prepared for anything with liquor licsence and ice cream counter.
Isabeau B.'s
Best coffee with a snack
- 111Floriditas screams class with everything to its beautifully created interior to its mouthwatering menu. Open for breakfast through to dinner, it always has patrons. Not only is the food delightful but the range of cupcakes and slices are to die for.
- 25Poquito Cafe & BarTe AroThis hidden treasure is new on the coffee scene. Poquito makes up for its smallness in size with its relaxed quirky atmosphere. This slim coffee shop also poses as a bar with an impressive selection of spirits and liqueurs stacked across the back wall of the counter. Whether you're escaping the winter blues, need that caffeine hit or are trying to beat writers block, I would recommend coming here. The gentlemen that served us were friendly, chilled out and left us to chat without bugging us every 10 minutes to order another coffee or bite to eat. If you are not big on coffee I would suggest you opt for a cup of good old English Breakfast Tea. Served in cups that look like something your grandma might own and antique spoons with dainty little pictures on the handle. If you like your tea with milk you will find it provided alongside in a miniature old fashioned milk bottle.
- 349Fidel's CafeTe AroNamed after Fidel Castro, a revolutionary communist and president of Cuba, this quirky Cafe is themed around this man. Nestled at the top of Cuba street it’s all a little bit ironic. The coffee and food however, are not it the slightest. Fidels is regularly packed from front to back as people keep returning to try their strong decadent coffee and delicious food. I recommend checking out their pizza menu and $25 deal for a pizza and two beers.
- 421Famous for strong roasts and some of the best coffee Wellington has to offer, this coffee house is a great spot for avid caffeine drinkers. On the edge of Te Aro park it’s a great takeaway option if you want to soak up some sun on the grass.
- 549Maranui Surf Lifesaving Club CafeLyall BayThis delightful sea-side cafe is in remembrance to the life saving club that burnt down in 2009. The beautiful food and old school atmosphere leaves for the cafe’s patrons waiting up to an hour during prime Sunday brunch time. The food and drink is well worth the wait, and I have never known of someone who has left disappointed. I recommend splashing out and treating yourself to a full breakfast.
Isabeau B.'s
Fun activities for a casual date
- 134Te Papa is one of Wellington’s most iconic landmarks, and the Museum of New Zealand. The museum sports several floors with areas ranging from game zones and cafes to historical exhibitions and beautiful art and sculptures. Te Papa is a great place to escape the rain or just get lost in for the day.
- 25Oriental BayWellington CentralWhen the weather is nice, or even when the weather is not so nice, nothing beats a walk along the waterfront. With the sea air filling your lungs and the blood pumping in your veins, its bound to help clear that head. For those hot sunny hungover days, a quick dip in the ocean has been known to speed up the recovery time!
- 38Carter ObservatoryKelburnIf you are a fan of the galaxy and solar system, why not make a trip up in the cable car to Wellington’s Carter Observatory. This exciting star-ridden place is a hub for interesting facts and information about what lies in the worlds outside earth.
- 422The Embassy TheatreWellington CentralThere is nothing more relaxing than going to sleep to the faint pitter-patter of rain falling on the roof. Rainy days however, are not as comforting. On a day when it's grim outside I like nothing more than immersing myself in the newest Hollywood creation. The Embassy Cinema seems to make movie watching that much more spectacular. With it's elegant marble staircase, large selection of drinks and snacks, and large comfy seats it doesn't get much better. A day at the Embassy includes curling up eating M&Ms mixed with freshly popped popcorn, while enjoying someone else's fairy tale life. A day at the Embassy, is a day well spent.
- 55The Enormous Crocodile CompanyWellington CentralSummer is coming, and what better way than to spend it soaking up the sun and breathing in the salty sea breeze on Wellington’s waterfront. Why not try something different or partake in fun activity of hoping on a crocodile bike and enjoying the day.
Isabeau B.'s
Where to go for breakfast in the afternoon
- 16Crepes A Go-GoTe AroThis hole in the wall always has people waiting in line, no matter the day, weather or time. Crepes is a traditional French type of pancake. Beautifully thin it is covered in your filling of choice, sweet or savoury and wrapped up in a cone shape for quicker demolishing. If you are more inclined to choose sweet over savoury I recommend the Crepe that contains Nutella, shredded coconut and banana.
- 218Enigma CafeTe AroThis quirky cafe is located amongst the hustle and bustle of Courtney Place. Open all sorts of ridiculous hours, every night of the week. They provide a great range of cabinet food and their menu is one of the cheapest in town. Enigma are prepared for anything with liquor licsence and ice cream counter.
- 35Joe's Garage WellingtonWellington CentralJoe’s Garage has the relaxed feel of a beachside restaurant, with a modern twist. The menu comes complete with an array of burgers, filled rolls, and hot dogs. All items on the menu are simple, tasty and made in front of you in the open kitchen. If American-diner style food isn't for you, why not treat yourself to pancakes for dinner or even porridge if it takes your fancy. I recommend trying the frankfurter roll, at $11.80 it is sufficient enough to fill you up without leaving you too bloated with a food baby.