Isabeau B.'s
Always fresh produce
- 133Just 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.
- 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.
- 33Preston's Master Butchers WellingtonMount CookAs meat seems to be going up in price, it is harder to get that protein into the diet. That’s where Preston’s come in, with cheap meat deals they are a sure-fire way to ensure that you keep on top of that iron intake and keep yourself in good health!
- 46Wellington Sea MarketTe AroYou can tell that this Cuba street fish market is a great place for fresh fish and great takeaway as it’s busy on a regular basis. Even the fried takeaway fish is much more succulent than any other fish and chip shop, tasting fresh and crumbling in your mouth with every bite.
Isabeau B.'s
Favourite restaurants
- 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.
- 214OmbraTe AroOmbra, like the new kid at school, has been sparking everyone's interest. This new bustling Italian restaurant serves beautiful melt-in-your-mouth morsels. Each mouthful is full of flavour, and with only one to three small portions per meal it leaves you always wanting more. Even the name Ombra, which is Italian for shadow, rolls deliciously across your mouth. The lamb and rosemary meatballs were some of the best I've tasted. Served in a rich buttery sauce it is not a dish you will be willing to share. If you like your chips, roast potatoes or anything produced by the potato try the croquettes. The crispy crumbed outside wraps around the smooth creamy potato, providing the diner with great potato-y satisfaction.
- 36Phu Thai LannaTe AroThai food always has, and always will, make an appearance in my top five choices of dining experiences. This in mind, I have searched far and wide throughout the Wellington region for tasty Thai! Phu Thai Lanna not only fills this spot in my belly, but appeals further with affordable prices and B.Y.O. I would have to recommend the Chicken Pad Thai, a peanut noodle dish that is a great option for someone who fears spicy food. What makes this Pad Thai better than any other I have tasted is it's rich peanut flavour. The atmosphere during most week nights is peaceful, if dining out on the weekend be prepared to get amongst the party goers.
- 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.
- 549Fidel'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.
Isabeau B.'s
Family day out
- 149Maranui 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.
- 222The 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.
- 38Kaffee Eis Oriental BayOriental BayFor some reason, the trick to getting over a ‘hangover hump’ is often something sugary. I’ve found that a good source of head-curing sugar is lemon gelato, I’m not sure why but as it is a delicious form of ice cream I am certainly not complaining. If you are already clearing your head on Oriental, why not stop off at Kaffee Eis for a well earned sugar hit.
- 434Te 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.
- 58Carter 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.
Isabeau B.'s
What to do on a rainy day
- 14Like a library of visual moving books, this video store is decked out with shelves of films. Whether its a Friday night in with friends, date night or Sunday fun-day with the fam there is something in this shop for every occasion, mood, or ‘genre’.
- 222The 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.
- 334Te 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.
- 48Carter 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.
- 53Hell Pizza Cuba StTe AroOut of all the pizza chains in New Zealand, Hells is by far the most superior. With endless options of pizza toppings and interesting sides, its a menu that wont disappoint. Hells always has some great money saving option providing the consumer with large amounts of food, and has a decent delivery option for those lazy Sundays.
Isabeau B.'s
What to do on a lazy Sunday
- 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.
- 23Hell Pizza Cuba StTe AroOut of all the pizza chains in New Zealand, Hells is by far the most superior. With endless options of pizza toppings and interesting sides, its a menu that wont disappoint. Hells always has some great money saving option providing the consumer with large amounts of food, and has a decent delivery option for those lazy Sundays.
- 34Like a library of visual moving books, this video store is decked out with shelves of films. Whether its a Friday night in with friends, date night or Sunday fun-day with the fam there is something in this shop for every occasion, mood, or ‘genre’.
- 42Nothing 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.
Isabeau B.'s
Family friendly dining
- 19When 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.
- 25Joe'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.
- 36Phu Thai LannaTe AroThai food always has, and always will, make an appearance in my top five choices of dining experiences. This in mind, I have searched far and wide throughout the Wellington region for tasty Thai! Phu Thai Lanna not only fills this spot in my belly, but appeals further with affordable prices and B.Y.O. I would have to recommend the Chicken Pad Thai, a peanut noodle dish that is a great option for someone who fears spicy food. What makes this Pad Thai better than any other I have tasted is it's rich peanut flavour. The atmosphere during most week nights is peaceful, if dining out on the weekend be prepared to get amongst the party goers.
- 411KK Malaysian RestaurantTe AroThis little Malaysian restaurant tucked away down Ghuznee street serves mouthwatering dishes appropriate for any time, any day. Nicknamed 'KK' by my friends and I, it is a regular visit. The value for money is astounding with all dishes $15 or less, portions often share-able. My all time favourite is the Chicken Roti Chanai, and by far the best one in Wellington. The chicken falls apart beautifully in the deliciously contrasted creamy and spicy broth. If you love your veges ask for a dollar worth to be added, pumping up the dish even more!
- 59Pan 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.