Isabeau B.'s
Where to go for steak
- 12Public Bar and EateryTe AroPublic is the perfect place to go watch the game if you aren't one for hanging out in a rowdy pub full of drunken youngsters. With its atmosphere that of a modern bar, where one might go just to eat and not drink, it's much classier than your average beer stained and ever so slightly grimy pub. The projector is large enough for all the patrons to be able to watch the game, and the outside/smokers area is complete with smaller screens. If you are feeling peckish while having a drink, or prefer not to drink, I recommend a bowl of curly fries. You can't beat a bowl of fries but in this case being double fried, crisp and delicious, you can't get much better.
- 240Southern Cross provides a relaxed dining experience. Famous for it's 241 stone grills on both a Monday and a Tuesday, you have to get in quick to avoid missing out. Stone grill is a clever way to make the customer cook their own meal while dining out. However, watching your meat (or vegetarian option) of choice cook away provides satisfaction when it reaches the mouth.
- 320Logan BrownTe AroFrom the moment the name Logan Brown leaves someone’s lips it oozes class and sends little dollar signs running around the brain. In Wellington, this is possibly the crème de la crème of posh eats. Well known for its fabulous steaks and impeccable food, it is definitely the place to go to treat yourself to not only magnificent food but the whole fine dining experience.
Isabeau B.'s
A day with Gran
- 110Martha's PantryTe AroWalking into Martha’s Pantry is like walking into an old fashioned ladies tea room. This little cafe has a lovely calm and homely feel to it with its carefully crafted cakes and cabinet food and mixed-matched cups and spoons. The tea menu is extensive and the tea itself is served in a large tea pot with a colourful knitted tea cosy, just like nan would have. High tea is also available for approx $28 per person, but well worth the cost for a delicious afternoon of treats and tea.
- 234Te 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.
- 320Wellington Botanic GardensKelburnWhether or not you are a fan of flowers, nothing beats a sunny afternoon stroll through the botanical gardens. It’s the perfect place to take the kids for a picnic, or even treat that special someone for a romantic date.
- 430Unity Books WellingtonWellington CentralUnity books is like the art shop of book shops in Wellington. Each book is carefully displayed and the shop shares the similarity of that of an art gallery. This book shop is known for stocking niche books that aren’t easily found in mainstream bookshops.
Isabeau B.'s
Date night ideas
- 122The 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.
- 212This suave addition to the Wellington party district, omits class and sass. Influenced by the history and cuisine of Eastern Asia, Ancestral provides modern food combined with authentic flavours. The cocktail menu is shaped by the five cultures that created 1930’s Shanghai; America, Japan, France, Britain and China. Each cocktail is crafted with care and leaves the taste buds tantalized.
- 319Every Tuesday this mysterious book-laden bar does 241 desserts. What better to do on a chilly night with your favourite person than snuggle up in one of Library's booths with a cocktail and a delicious sugary morsel for that sweet tooth
- 49Pan de MuertoWellington CentralThis Mexican themed restaurant is a great option for a first dinner date. The quirky rustic atmosphere makes for some last resort pre-dinner small talk if the date heads for an awkward start. True to the Mexican spirit the drinks menu comes with a list dedicated just to the famous margarita. To start, I recommend sharing the corn chips and guacamole. The corn chips are mouth-watering and home-made, like all homemade recipes, these corn chips are the best I have ever tasted. Another great starter to share are the chimichangas, these tortilla cigars are filled with your choice of either chicken or pork and cheese. Paired with a spicy creamy sauce they are sure to leaving you dreaming for more. After getting to know your date better, you can mull over the main menu together. The enchiladas are a delectable option, tubes of your picking and fill in one of four sauce options. Chocolate fan? Try the chocolate and chilli sauce. A note to the payer of the date: The prices are on the higher side of things, though the meals and ambience are worth those pretty pennies.
- 532Chow 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.
Isabeau B.'s
Where to buy Christmas groceries
- 12Nothing tops off a good night better than a glass of your choice of poison. Whether it be a lazy Sunday night eating takeaway and watching movies, with a glass of wine to compliment the occasion. Or perhaps a Friday night where you decide to treat yourself to a few glasses of well deserved gin and tonic. Glengarry stores have a great range in whatever tickles those tastebuds fancy.
- 24If it has been one of those weeks where you feel like fresh fruit and veg has not been apparent in your diet, then why not get up bright and early Saturday and head down to Newtown. Open from the early morning hours till the early afternoon, this is the best place to go to get more ‘bang for your buck’. Each stall competing with each other for the lowest price, results in produce much cheaper than that of the supermarket.
- 333Just 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.
Isabeau B.'s
Best bookshops
- 12Whitcoulls Cuba StreetTe AroWhen it comes to Christmas, birthdays or just general gift giving time a book is always a safe bet. If you have seen that special gift receiver reading a book at any stage in their life you could always buy them that same book, or ask one of the helpful salespersons to point you in the direction of the author or books of similar style. Alas, if books are not the gift of choice Whitcoulls carries a large range of beautiful stationary, hilarious games, and amazingly fun toys.
- 215Arty Bee's BooksWellington CentralThere is something about second hand book stores that is enjoyable. Whether it’s the idea of a cheap book, finding that favourite childhood novel or the smell of books that engulfs you as you enter the store. Arty Bee’s is one of the best second hand book shops that I have ever been too, as they seem to stock everything and anything for rewarding prices.
- 330Unity Books WellingtonWellington CentralUnity books is like the art shop of book shops in Wellington. Each book is carefully displayed and the shop shares the similarity of that of an art gallery. This book shop is known for stocking niche books that aren’t easily found in mainstream bookshops.
Isabeau B.'s
Where to buy Christmas presents
- 123IKO IKO Gift ShopTe AroIKO IKO is a treasure chest of marvellous trinkets and gift ideas for men, women and children of all ages. This is the place where items of the weird and the wacky sit on display from prices ranging from affordable to why do I not have enough money for interesting item that I could spend all day looking at. It is the foolproof place to go for any person that is impossible to buy presents for.
- 22Whitcoulls Cuba StreetTe AroWhen it comes to Christmas, birthdays or just general gift giving time a book is always a safe bet. If you have seen that special gift receiver reading a book at any stage in their life you could always buy them that same book, or ask one of the helpful salespersons to point you in the direction of the author or books of similar style. Alas, if books are not the gift of choice Whitcoulls carries a large range of beautiful stationary, hilarious games, and amazingly fun toys.
- 32Farmers Lambton QuayWellington CentralFarmers is New Zealand’s best department store catering to the needs and wants of many. With its various departments and increasingly upmarket quality it is a great place to find that special someone an appropriate gift. When Christmas time comes calling Farmers is one of the places I know I will be able to find a gift suited to each member of my family.
- 421Kirkcaldie & Stains LimitedWellington CentralKirks is Christmas shopping at its finest. This classy department store is complete with all the large names in the beauty and fashion industry. Staff are helpful and always look crisp in uniforms matching that of their highly renown brand. This is the perfect place for buying luxourious garments and high quality frangrances, makeup and beauty products.