Caro D.'s
The World on a Plate
- 145Sweet Mother's KitchenTe AroSweet Mother's Kitchen is kind of the trifecta: great food, good vibes, and perfect location. And while their dinner menu isn't too shabby either, nothing cures the 'mother' of all hangovers like brunch-- especially when that brunch is served all day (on weekends) and you're free to pull yourself from the depths of your bed as late into the afternoon as you want for as much eggs and potato hash as your stomach can handle. My go-to dish is Flossy's Favorite, which has a little of everything: potato, black beans, mushroom, eggs (poached is recommended), and hollandaise, plus two sturdy baguette halves. The berry waffles have also been known to go down nicely. But a word to the wise-- the slightly chaotic nature of the decor in Mother's extends to their style of seating tables. If a game of musical chairs might set your head aflame, skip the food and grab a Snickers shake to go.
- 25Il Piccolo WellingtonTe AroA true Italian by heritage and nature, when winter comes around I crave pasta rather than soups or stews. Il Piccolo is the best place in town to satisfy this craving, especially on a budget. Start with the pane con olio-- the tomato pesto adds great taste to olive oil for dipping. Mains like the Penne con Pomodori or Ravioli della Nonna are hearty and wonderfully meat-free. Finish off with the most amazing tiramisu I've tasted outside of Italy. The atmosphere here is adorably Italian-kitsch, with checkered tablecloths and wine in fiascos (flasks with straw bottoms), and equally suitable for a date or dinner with friends.
- 316Viva Mexico Te AroTe AroDon't settle for burritos; at Viva Mexico on Cuba St.'s Left Bank, you can take your pick from an array of authentic Mexican dishes, including staples like tacos and enchiladas, and more adventurous choices like the sopa de tortilla or "exoticos" (wet tacos). Like most Mexican restaurants, finding vegetarian options is thankfully not a problem; alongside a variety of meat fillings, there are always vege, cheese, and bean options on hand. Don't worry if you're unsure about an item-- their new menus break down every aspect of the dish, eliminating any unpleasant surprises. A huge selling factor for me is their plentiful stock of Jarritos, an intensely sweet Mexican soda, in a variety of flavors-- try Mandarin (Mandarina) with your taco and ensalada.
- 47Cafe IstanbulTe AroA fun place to bring a crowd, Istanbul is a popular BYO restaurant on Cuba St. Be sure to make a reservation in advance or you may find yourself sitting on the floor at their authentic (and very low to the ground) table, complete with canopy. Try their pide bread, or the halloumi dish. Yum!
- 55Ban Mai Thai CafeTe AroI wish I’d found this place sooner. Tucked away on Vivian St. next to Vic’s School of Architecture, the wooden structure adorning Ban Mai’s exterior is as charming as the food created inside. The noodles here are amply sauced, with a pad thai to rival my all time favorites from back home. Vegetarians will be delighted to find that almost every rice, noodle, or curry dish can be made to order with vegetables and/or tofu in place of meat.
Caro D.'s
Best Nachos
- 145Sweet Mother's KitchenTe AroSweet Mother's Kitchen is kind of the trifecta: great food, good vibes, and perfect location. And while their dinner menu isn't too shabby either, nothing cures the 'mother' of all hangovers like brunch-- especially when that brunch is served all day (on weekends) and you're free to pull yourself from the depths of your bed as late into the afternoon as you want for as much eggs and potato hash as your stomach can handle. My go-to dish is Flossy's Favorite, which has a little of everything: potato, black beans, mushroom, eggs (poached is recommended), and hollandaise, plus two sturdy baguette halves. The berry waffles have also been known to go down nicely. But a word to the wise-- the slightly chaotic nature of the decor in Mother's extends to their style of seating tables. If a game of musical chairs might set your head aflame, skip the food and grab a Snickers shake to go.
- 236Midnight EspressoWellington CentralWhen I first arrived in Wellington, my new friends raved about the vege nachos at Midnight. They weren't kidding! This plate is so loaded--hummus, chilli sauce, avo slices, and sometimes even green olives complement the more traditional beans, salsa, cheese, and jalapenos no respectable plate of nachos could go without--but it has a surprisingly decent corn chip-to-topping ratio, given the epic proportions of the latter. If you ever get past your craving for these nachos, Midnight actually has a ton of other great vege and vegan options (as well as tasty looking treats for the carnivores in your life), some killer juices and smoothies, and one of the best caramel slices in town. A bite of their gigantic chocolate cake (with yogurt) can also be pretty hard to pass up.
- 349Fidel's CafeTe AroOne of the first cafes I ever visited in Wellington, Fidels remains a favorite. Keep it simple with nachos or fries to share, or suck down a massive Snickers thick shake if you dare. While I haven’t taken them up on it yet, I’ve heard only good things about the pizza and beer deal. If the weather is good, grab a seat outside at one of their picnic tables.
Caro D.'s
Where to Buy Kitchenwares
- 12The General StoreWellington CentralThe General Store is anything but general, packed with things you might never have even known you needed-- until now. The General Store, which opened its doors just before Christmas, is a beautiful little treasure trove of found objects, all sourced here in NZ and restored and repurposed for your purchasing delight. I dare you to walk in on a rainy day and not get caught up by the colorful typewriters in various shapes and sizes, loads of natural wood, and Nico's dulcet strains playing on the stereo, just as I did. Shelves made from library pigeon holes and a table fitted out from industrial plan drawers will call to you, but if your tiny flat won't fit a new cabinet, leave with a little parcel of hand rolled beeswax candles instead.
- 21The Salvation Army MiramarMiramarThe Salvation Army in Miramar is easily their best shop in Wellington. With a lovely NZ-made clothing section, rows upon rows of shoes, a back room of furniture (including some lovelies dangling from the ceiling!) and stacks of books and tapes, this place is always stocked with the best. Check out their new line of handmade pillows; prints include a lovely saffron and cute kiwiana. I’ve never been able to stick to my budget here– be prepared to leave with a quirky new mug or vase at the very least.
- 31Mary Potter Hospice Shop KilbirnieKilbirnieOne of the best op shops in Kilbirnie, and all of Wellington. You never know what you’ll find tucked away here. Have a look through their extensive yet concise kitchenwares corner, or nip upstairs to scour through their patterns and blankets. With merchandise as varied as polka-dot dresses to offbeat mugs, sketchpads to novelty raincoats, and toaster ovens to granny slippers, I’ve never been disappointed after a visit to Mary Potter in Kilbirnie.
- 44St. Vincent de Paul's is a staple in the opportunity shop circuit in New Zealand, with the Wellington region alone boasting at least six locations. While the main shop in Newtown is bigger (and, admittedly, has a larger range of furniture for it), the Vinnies tucked away in Aro Valley is the cosiest. A very short walk up Aro St. from Arobake, this Vinnies is housed in a former post office, and many of its accents--the glass blocks, the floor-to-ceiling windows and spacious bench at the front of the store--are relics of the building's history. This location gets the most donations and is best known for its unexpected offerings. I've come across everything from a zany pair of knitted leggings to an antique camera to early editions of classic books here, and the store manager is extremely personable. Have a look in the next time you're browsing at Aro Video, I doubt you'll leave empty handed.
- 523IKO IKO Gift ShopTe AroOne of the most fun shops on Cuba St., a trip to Iko Iko makes me feel like a kid again. From sparkly fairy tumblers to swizzle straws, toys and magnets to holographic cards, Iko Iko has it all. Whether you’re shopping for baby or just your own inner child, this place will do you right. Iko Iko isn’t all about gifts for kids, though– novelty books and tea towels round out the souvenir side of the shop, while chic leather goods and jewelry satisfy the fashionista on your nice list.
Caro D.'s
Best Thai
- 14Phu Thai EsarnTe AroThai food options can be a bit hit or miss in Wellington. Nobody wants ultra-dry pad thai or fresh spring rolls that fall apart before they've even made it across your plate. Luckily, PhuThai Esarn knows exactly what we need and how to give it to us, serving the best fresh spring rolls and fried tofu I've had in New Zealand's capital. With vibrant red walls, paper lanterns everywhere, and a tiny and adorable wooden bar in the back, you may want to take advantage of the BYO policy and stay awhile. It seems like others are in on the secret, though-- this place gets pretty packed on the weekends, so come in for a bit of an early dinner if you want to beat the rush.
- 25Ban Mai Thai CafeTe AroI wish I’d found this place sooner. Tucked away on Vivian St. next to Vic’s School of Architecture, the wooden structure adorning Ban Mai’s exterior is as charming as the food created inside. The noodles here are amply sauced, with a pad thai to rival my all time favorites from back home. Vegetarians will be delighted to find that almost every rice, noodle, or curry dish can be made to order with vegetables and/or tofu in place of meat.
- 31The Royal Thai RestaurantMount VictoriaIf you’re searching for Thai takeaways in the city, the Royal Thai will satisfy your cravings. Stick to the basics here. The pad thai can be quite dry, but their rice dishes are quite nice.
- 41The Original Thai RestaurantIsland BayPaper lanterns and low lighting set a romantic ambience at the Original Thai, but looks can be deceiving. Catering more to the "girls night out" set, go for fun cocktails and a place to catch up on all the juicy gos. The Original Thai may not be the best place to go for date night, but it serves up flirty drinks and shareable portions for all the single ladies.
- 532Chow ToryTe AroChow is always a solid bet for a date night. With shared plates and yummy cocktails, Chow is there to hand out a ready-made atmosphere for those nights when you just want a bit of romance with your significant other. The Beggars Purse and Korean Kim Chi Gyoza are tried and true favorites, and the Jungle Curry is nice if you're craving something a bit more substantial. As for cocktails, you won't go wrong with the Fun Fun Fooey or Feng Shui Lemonade. Of course, Chow isn't just for the romantically inclined. With a kitchen that stays open til midnight every night and a prime location on Tory Street, Chow will also be there for you if you're in desperate need of a late night snack between catching the show and dancing at Puppies. Don't forget that plates are 2 for 1 on Mondays and cocktails are 2 for 1 on Wednesday and Saturday!
Caro D.'s
Where to Go When Planning a Wedding
- 17Flowers ManuelaTe AroYou don’t even have to walk into Flowers Manuela to feel immediately transported from Cuba St. into a field of flowers. With colorful baskets literally tumbling out the door, the heady scent of freshly cut bouquets will reach you before you’re even inside. Go to Manuela for any occasion, or even just to dream of your perfect wedding.
- 21Sally Eagle Bridal LtdTe AroEngaged but without a date set, Willis St. is notorious for putting me into a bridal mood, but there are a couple of stores that stand out the most to me. Without fail my head turns every time I pass Sally Eagle bridal, on the corner of Willis and Abel Smith. A perfectly tailored selection of gorgeous, ethereal dresses line the walls of this appropriately small space (formerly shared by Goodscore and Retro Room, now located upstairs.) I can’t walk past this place without picturing my whole wedding day, and it sure looks beautiful.
- 37One of the most proper vintage shops in Wellington, Ziggurat is stocked with true vintage and designer pieces from the 1900s to contemporary labels. The price point reflects this, so my visits are appropriately sparing if I ever want the chance to leave home in my glamorous finds.
- 424Nikau CafeWellington CentralNew Zealand currency may not have a penny, but if it did, the halloumi and salad at Nikau would be worth every single one. If you're hesitating to cross the threshold from the City Gallery into this adjacent cafe, please take the plunge. Prices are high, but so is quality. I let out an audible "Yum" while taking a bite of bare halloumi. If you can fit more into your belly, don't leave without a creamy donut. Coffee and scones are also not to be missed.
- 53Sophie Voon BridalWellington CentralA Wellington institution for bridal gowns and bridesmaids, Sophie Voon is truly hard to top. Not costumey in the least (unlike many of the cheesy shops on Willis St.), Sophie Voon stays true to her Voon aesthetic in creating unique and lovely vintage-inspired dresses. With both off the rack and made to measure options, Sophie Voon fits a variety of budgets without breaking your wedding bank in one go.
Caro D.'s
Where to Buy a Notable Notebook
- 118Wellington City GalleryWellington CentralA revolving door of impressive exhibits by international and well-known local artists, this free gallery in Civic Square is best enjoyed with regular visits. Whether stopping in on a rainy afternoon or making a point to see Len Lye's kinetic sculptures before they vanished, Wellington's City Gallery provides thought-provoking entertainment time and time again. Multiple exhibit spaces span two floors, and the gallery plays an accommodating host for writers and other speakers with a generous but cosy amphitheater. Just remember to recharge with a flat white and a donut from the Nikau Cafe located on the ground floor of the gallery before you leave.
- 26The Dowse Art MuseumLower Hutt CentralTake a few hours out of your Saturday afternoon to visit The Dowse. Entry is free, and with exhibitions on in several gallery spaces, The Dowse is constantly changing. Check out the retrospective on Kobi Bosshard's jewelry, then pop over to Pic 'n' Mix, curated by kids-- both are on all winter. The Dowse boasts one of the best gallery shops I've seen, and a very sweet cafe attached-- their home brewed Shooting Star lemonade is a must-try. Stay for the weekend talks with the artists, or take a quick drive over to Petone for some serious op shopping.
- 32Matchbox StudiosTe AroLooking for zines? Art? Jewelry? A new brooch? Matchbox has a little bit of everything, and soon they’ll have even more. Currently expanding to a Cuba St. storefront, this tiny shop was my best kept secret, tucked away up a flight of red stairs except on Friday nights, when they venture down to the Left Bank’s Night Market. Go for gift ideas your friends will actually like (bright totes, funky tea towels, zines) or to find what you’re craving (eyeball brooches, brass bunny rings, more zines).
- 43Typo Manners StreetTe AroHop into this small paper store on Manners St. for a whimsical birthday card for your mother, erasable highlighters (they come in pink!) or their wide variety of notebooks and sketchbooks. If you already have your writing needs fulfilled, how about a gigantic clothespin to hold your to do list?
- 57Trade Aid WellingtonTe AroTrade Aid is the best place in Wellington to find unique items from around the world for around your house. Whether you're looking for a new rug or pretty quilt to cover up some chilly bit of your home or you want to liven up your space with some printed throw pillows, Trade Aid has you covered. Plus, when your friends ask, you'll be able to say your new bedding is from Kashmir or Tibet. With reasonable prices and a fair trade system firmly in place, Trade Aid makes for truly guilt-free shopping. You'll leave knowing the money you paid for your purchases is actually making its way back to the hands that crafted them.