Caro D.'s
Where to Go When Planning a Dinner Party
- 113The name really says it all. Organic foods (including tasty fruits and veges) and products at reasonable prices. With hot lunches catering to all your dietary needs– gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian options abound, friendly and knowledgeable staff, and tasty treats (they sell Nice Blocks! Yum!!)
- 27Trade 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.
- 31The Spice RackPetonePetone's Spice Rack is a great place to pick up any and all curry ingredients, with a prominently displayed rack of 'value pack'-style spices at the front of the store-- heavy hitters in smaller quantities for the single cook-- and massive bags of lentils (1 kg for $4.50!) The Spice Rack has some odds and ends as well, with yummy dried fruits (try the kiwifruit) and fabric leis for your next party. Don't worry if you're not an avid chef-- The Spice Rack carries instant curry mixes in hundreds of varieties to fit any taste.
- 423IKO 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.
- 52The 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.
Caro D.'s
Summer in a Store
- 124Six Barrel Soda FactoryTe AroSix Barrel Soda Co. is a haven amidst stormy weather in Wellington. While Six Barrel can be seen perched above Hope Bros. on Dixon St., the entrance to this bit of carbonated heaven is actually just up Eva St. Once inside, you're literally above all the drudgery of Courtenay Place. If the height doesn't make you giddy, the sodas will. Stick to classics like vanilla cream, raspberry & lemon, or (my new favorite!) kola nut, or get a bit more daring with a seasonal offering. Six Barrel is great for lunch or a light dinner, as its miniature kitchen proves more than adequate for whipping up an incredible halloumi burger. As the name suggests, these burgers are mini, so go for the two burger combo if you're feeling starved. Pickle slices and a recent upgrade to sea salt fries (rather than crisps) finish off the meal. Bring a book or choose from the stack on hand if you're in an introspective mood. A thoughtful space filled with light wood, rows of bottled syrupy goodness, and an expanse of windows filtering in whatever sun peeks between the clouds, Six Barrel never disappoints.
- 22With bright pops of color, meticulously dressed cabinets chock full of necklaces and brooches, and a cuter-than-anything corner of baby stuff, Wanda Harland Design Store stands out amongst the op shops and international grocery stores on Jackson St. Look out for a bunny-shaped night light, cat garland wall decal, and a great variety of Thunderpants.
- 37Madame Fancy PantsTe AroLooking for something adorable? Pop into Madame Fancy Pants for a few sweet little hair clips, whimsical animal figurines, or the latest issue of Extra Curricular. Go for their trinkets, but don’t overlook the leather bags and well-constructed clothes.
- 49It's no secret that Recycle Boutique on Vivian St. is pretty great. Their motto, 'Recycled Reloved Repaid!', really sums them up. Bring your old finds, get some cash, use it to buy new old finds. Or skip the first two steps and just add some sweet vintage or pre-loved goodies to your wardrobe. One of the best bets in Wellington, Recycle consistently stocks a solid range of skirts, dresses, knitwear, and vintage pieces, has a great men's section, and can always be counted on for a beanie or beret to add to your collection. I truly can't walk past this place without wanting to stop in, then promptly making time to do it.
- 57Flowers 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.
Caro D.'s
Where to Shop for Mom & Baby
- 12With bright pops of color, meticulously dressed cabinets chock full of necklaces and brooches, and a cuter-than-anything corner of baby stuff, Wanda Harland Design Store stands out amongst the op shops and international grocery stores on Jackson St. Look out for a bunny-shaped night light, cat garland wall decal, and a great variety of Thunderpants.
- 27Trade 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.
- 323IKO 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.
- 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.
- 58SwonderfulTe AroA haven of unique trinkets and treasures, Swonderful on Cuba St. is the perfect place to pick up a new candle, necklace, or cardigan. With inviting window displays and faux topiaries, go in for the atmosphere– but just try to leave without purchasing a tooth charm necklace.
Caro D.'s
Where to Find Nice Stationery
- 123IKO 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.
- 218Wellington 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.
- 37Madame Fancy PantsTe AroLooking for something adorable? Pop into Madame Fancy Pants for a few sweet little hair clips, whimsical animal figurines, or the latest issue of Extra Curricular. Go for their trinkets, but don’t overlook the leather bags and well-constructed clothes.
- 48SwonderfulTe AroA haven of unique trinkets and treasures, Swonderful on Cuba St. is the perfect place to pick up a new candle, necklace, or cardigan. With inviting window displays and faux topiaries, go in for the atmosphere– but just try to leave without purchasing a tooth charm necklace.
- 53Typo 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?
Caro D.'s
Craving Asian?
- 18Seoul House RestaurantTe AroOur Korean options may be limited in Wellington, but what we lack in variety we make up for in taste. Seoul House on Dixon St. serves up several excellent vegetarian options, including a meat-free bibimbap chock full of beautifully steamed veggies and tofu goodness, plus one very cute heart-shaped fried egg. Be sure to start your meal with tea and honey. The banchan is yummy (and free!) A new special on the menu, also delightfully vege-friendly, is a must-try.
- 21Ara SushiPetoneAra Sushi is great stop for lunch when you're in Petone for a lazy afternoon. They have sushi boxes made to order, or you can pick from individual pieces in the glass case up front to create your own. The avocado and cucumber roll here is amazing, even in winter. Nice avo is difficult to find in the winter, and expensive-- so any time I find an opportunity to order it in my food, I seize it. Try the seaweed salad roll for something a bit different.
- 332Chow 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!
- 44Phu 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.
- 51Phong VuTe AroStop by Phong Vu down Cuba St.’s Left Bank for quick and cheap Vietnamese. Vegetarian options are very limited (as is often the norm in Vietnamese restaurants), but the stir fried tofu with vegetables on noodles is filling and a bargain at $12.90.
Caro D.'s
Craft Beer Havens
- 124Six Barrel Soda FactoryTe AroSix Barrel Soda Co. is a haven amidst stormy weather in Wellington. While Six Barrel can be seen perched above Hope Bros. on Dixon St., the entrance to this bit of carbonated heaven is actually just up Eva St. Once inside, you're literally above all the drudgery of Courtenay Place. If the height doesn't make you giddy, the sodas will. Stick to classics like vanilla cream, raspberry & lemon, or (my new favorite!) kola nut, or get a bit more daring with a seasonal offering. Six Barrel is great for lunch or a light dinner, as its miniature kitchen proves more than adequate for whipping up an incredible halloumi burger. As the name suggests, these burgers are mini, so go for the two burger combo if you're feeling starved. Pickle slices and a recent upgrade to sea salt fries (rather than crisps) finish off the meal. Bring a book or choose from the stack on hand if you're in an introspective mood. A thoughtful space filled with light wood, rows of bottled syrupy goodness, and an expanse of windows filtering in whatever sun peeks between the clouds, Six Barrel never disappoints.
- 211MalthouseTe AroPick a beer, any beer, and I bet they have it in stock at Malthouse. With six temperature-controlled refrigerators behind the bar and a rotating list that consistently boasts over 150 beers, you'll be hard pressed not to find something you like on their menu. I'm partial to the Garage Project's Aro Noir, one of about 30 brews on tap at Malthouse. Come in on a cool winter's night to fuel up and watch rugby with friends on one of the bar's many big screen TVs. And if beer's not your thing, don't sweat it-- they're known to make a mean vodka soda as well.
- 319Golding's Free DiveWellington CentralTaking cues from the American dive bar, Golding’s is big on craft beer, a bit of a hole in the wall, and, if you don’t know about it already, can be easy to miss. Hidden away down Leeds St. (more like an alley) past Six Barrel Soda and Pizza Pomodoro, this long and narrow cavern sports buckets for lampshades and skiis above the bar. The atmosphere is lively but civilized, the tap beers change daily, and pizza specials on the wall are hauled in from nearby Pizza Pomodoro. Definitely worth a gander.
- 428MontereyNewtownBurger joints aren't all that difficult to spot in Wellington, but finding one with a classic diner twist can be. Monterey tops the list-- any place serving fried pickles in New Zealand immediately screams Americana to me. While you're waiting for your meal, flex your drawing skills on the paper tablecloth while Paul Simon persuades you to call him Al. Try the float, combining any Six Barrel Soda with vanilla bean ice cream. The halloumi burger is a must for any vegetarians (and many non-veges, too, I suspect-- it's that good!), or go with the salad for a healthier version that doesn't leave anything out on taste.
- 58Rogue & VagabondTe AroOne of Wellington’s most recent acquisitions, this craft beer bar in Glover Park (just off Cuba St.) is one of the best. Check out the beer list from their iPad, or grab an Aro Noir on tap. Come for the beer but stay for the live music– everyone’s talking about their jazz nights.