Kylie B.'s
Sweetest Spots
- 14MiannAuckland CentralI've had a date with Miann in my diary for a few weeks now as it's hailed as one of Auckland's best dessert bar meccas. It's the hard work and a dream come true for passionate creator and head chef Brian Campbell and his wife Roselle and features a sumptuous array of desserts. It was so good, I went twice in a matter of days. The first time we stopped in to pick up donuts to munch on the way back to the car after a movie. But the second time was the full-on, sit down Miann experience and what an experience it was. I never knew anything could be better than cheesecake. But cheesecake inside a sugary strawberry balloon. Amazing!
- 219The Candyman Mt EdenMount EdenCandy lovers look no further! If you want to feel like you've died and gone to a heavenly world dripped in sugar and full of colours, flavours and tantalising tastes, you need to pop your head in and say hi to the confectionary experts at this iconic Mt Eden local. There are so many different types of hard-to-find candies at this great Auckland sweet shop that an experience of visiting feels delightfully decadent and a little overwhelming. I love the fact that the guy behind the counter has worked here for six years and still hasn't tried every sweet in store.
- 354MilseAuckland CentralEvery amazing thing you've heard about Milse is entirely true. Since its arrival in Britomart it has become a sweet tooth mecca and for many delicious reasons. Let's start with the patisseries which are utterly mouthwatering and comprise so many different kinds of pastries, tarts and creative delicacies you will have great difficulty choosing just one, although do try the roasted pear, apple and frangipane tart - it's a true delight! Milse also has the best selection of fresh macarons in Auckland, incredible handmade chocolates and clever gelato blends on sticks amongst its many other treats. Everything at Milse is presented in a beautiful way and the service is also impeccable, it really is a five star dessert experience and even offers a dessert degustation menu which is out of this world. If you haven't tried it yet, find any excuse to go as it's an absolute must.
- 447Chocolate Boutique CafeParnellA good mate of mine told me I hadn’t lived until I’d taking a trip to the Chocolate Boutique Cafe (once visited by then-US President Bill Clinton) and tried their chilli Italian denso, a thick hot chocolate that literally got my mouth watering before I’d even had a chance to taste it. The experience is like travelling to chocolate heaven but with a real zing. My companion tried the Mexican spice version and considered it to be just as delicious. This will be one of my go-to places come winter.
- 517Al's DeliAuckland CentralThe doughnuts at Al’s Deli make me smile, not only because they taste delectably selfish but more importantly it’s about the fact that they are served up with personality plus. When we visited there was one creation you could inject with lemon meringue but I was swayed by the Bob Marley lyrics ("I Wanna Jam It With You") of their traditional jam and cream option. And don’t miss a date with the ribs or burgers here. $10 burger lunches on a Monday are a winner.
Kylie B.'s
Cosy Wine Bars
- 132Gypsy Tea RoomGrey LynnSuch a fantastic nook in West Lynn, Gypsy Tea Room is a lovely place to sneak away for a cheeky glass with mates. There's lots of cosy booths and I love the candle-lit, warming vibe and the fact that it's a genuine neighbourhood hub. It feels so comfortable that you could be drinking a glass of wine in your own lounge. And although it's been well-known on the Auckland wine scene for ages that doesn't mean it's lost any of its charm.
- 24The Elbow RoomHerne BayWhen I like to sneak away for an intimate glass of wine with a good mate, The Elbow Room comes top of my list. It's a beautiful local lit up every evening with gorgeous fairy lights and, once you get inside, it's plush and gorgeous. Honestly, the lighting is so exceptional that it really adds to the cosy vibe. The wine list is extensive and the snacks are so good. My fave is a glass of Soho red and a plate of risotto balls. That's my post-work nirvana!
- 3291885 BritomartAuckland CentralNormally this downtown joint is thought of as a great spot for live music - and it is - but my friends and I also like secreting down the basement at 1885 for a cheeky glass of vino. It's got a lovely intimate vibe and the wine list is well-priced and varied.
- 48BonitaPonsonbyGood wines at good prices, excellent tapas menu and a real local vibe, Bonita is such a find. You've got to look hard to seek out this hidden gem, situated on a corner in Ponsonby Rd, but it's well worth the hunt. I love the fact that, even if friends aren't joining you, there's always someone at the bar to have a yarn with or you can perch up at the window and watch the hustle and bustle of Auckland's trendiest strip.
- 53TabacAuckland CentralThis isn't a wine bar that's on every Aucklanders' radar but when you are in the inner-city nothing beats a trip to TABAC for a cosy evening of wine drinking. This is a connoisseurs' bar so I love to come here with a friend who knows her wine because we end up drinking the most delightfully robust reds and chattering long into the night. Great vibes, good times. Well worth a visit.
Kylie B.'s
Healthy Takeaways
- 14The Raw KitchenPonsonbyTwo words: Stoked as! That's how I feel about this hot little addition to my local. It's just a skip and a jump from my workplace and I've already wolfed down my body weight in Olivia's divinely wholesome sweet treats and juices. You only need to try one to fall in love and that's The Raw Kitchen's watermelon juice. It's fresh, fruity and filling. Plus they do amazing sandwiches - perfect if you haven't packed your lunch.
- 227Bird On A Wire - PonsonbyPonsonbyFor those who love leafy greens or beta-carotene beauties, Bird On A Wire has a cult following because it truly is one of the best salad bars in Auckland. I'm excited that their Ponsonby store is in the heart of Localist's local and it's a regular lunch haunt for the content team at least once a week. I'm a big fan of the summer slaw with apple cider and wholegrain mustard vinaigrette and am pretty excited that my lunch break today will include chowing down on a returning perennial fan favourite - the melt-in-the-mouth sensation that is their char-grilled aubergine, coriander, sesame and sweet soy noodle salad. I wish it was lunch time already! Love you #birdonawirenz
- 324Ceres FreshMarketPonsonbyA green smoothie from Ceres Fresh Market in Ponsonby Central was one of my morning rituals when I used to do an early morning yoga class in the city. I love the marketplace vibe of this fantastic fruit and vege store that's bang-smack in the middle of Ponsonby. But to be honest, it's their Liquids for Life smoothies that first brought me here and keep on bringing me back. I started a health kick two years ago and it began with daily morning green juices and smoothies. Ceres do a particularly fantastic creation they call Tropical Green - a blend of cashews, kale, coconut and mango. It tastes like something straight from the wilds of a Pacific Island paradise. Of course, Ponsonby Central is where Auckland's cool kids hang so expect to pay a little more than normal for your smoothie blast here but believe me, it's well worth the investment. I had a smoothie here once a week for a year and was never, ever disappointed. They also do great healthful juices as well.
- 428Little Bird OrganicsGraftonNeeded a healthy treat on the go and just picked up a $6 caramel slice from Little Bird. Raw, organic and without any nasty preservatives - I love that this haven of vegetarian goodness is in my local work hood.
- 537Wise CicadaNewmarketWhen it comes to healthy takeaways, nothing beats a trip to Wise Cicada's on-site cafe. Whether you want to dine in or stock up and take something home with you, this is one of the most fantastic local spots in Auckland for those who like to eat fresh, beautiful healthy food. They always do a selection of salads, a hot dish of the day and raw soup - all of which are available as takeaways. Such an awesome local spot to stop!
Kylie B.'s
Best Local Butchers
- 14Calverts ButcherySwansonMy dad, my hubby and I have been coming to Calverts for close to a decade now. They are my local butchers and there's so many good things I can say about them, there's actually not enough room on the page. Run by three generations, it's a family affair and this is one family that know and love their meat. When we've been strapped for cash, they've helped out by giving us a decent feed and their generosity of spirit never ceases to amaze me. I can't recommend them highly enough. Make sure you pop in when the butcher is serving up cuts of his very own cows from his Taupaki farm because this is some of the most delicious meat you'll try ever, hands down. Thank you Calverts for being in my life.
- 24Neat Meat PonsonbyPonsonbyWhen I want to pick up a wide range of top-quality cuts, I'll drop into the passionate butchers who staff Neat Meat in Ponsonby Central. I love that this is a place I can go to find excellent, locally sourced meat and learn the story behind what I'm choosing to eat that evening. It's also all about nose to tail here so the butchers will ensure you can get everything from organ meats right through to more high-end cuts, such as eye fillet. This is paddock-to-plate mentality alive and well in the heart of Ponsonby.
- 37Clarks The Organic Meat SpecialistGlen EdenOn my way to work, I'll often stop by Clarks when I need to get my organic meat fix. The guys here love their meat and know everything about where their product comes from. There's always a wide selection of beef, lamb, pork and chicken in their cabinet and I love the fact that they now also have fresh, organic Harris Stock. It's one of my favourite places to visit out west because the boys are always ready with a friendly smile and lots of helpful advice. And their meat is second to none! If you're a local, show 'em a bit of support because this is just the kind of thing we need in our West Auckland hood.
- 435Westmere ButcheryWestmereFor a bit of posh nosh, Westmere Butchery is the place to go. There's so many awesome cuts here and lots of excellent free-range and organic options. I also love the fact that I can rock up here and get my weekly shop on my way home while also filling up my basket with some top-quality salmon. It's like every bit of quality protein from land and sea available all in one place, which is important when you are facing 5.30pm rush hour traffic. And when Christmas comes around, Dave is your go-to guy for ham. It's so tasty.
- 510Gladstone ButcheryParnellWow! I've just discovered this hidden gem and what a discovery it is. I was across this side of town and needed to pick up some good quality cuts for my weekly butcher stop and I chanced upon Gladstone Butchery. This is like a butcher of old with fresh meat in the window, a large selection of cuts, liver and even homemade pies. And the pies I hear are very good. I can't wait to roast up the piece of lamb rump that I bought for dinner tonight and I'll definitely be back for another visit.
Kylie B.'s
Bargain Hunting
- 124Junk & DisorderlyBalmoralWhat a treasure trove of antiques, op shop finds and general old skool goodness to be found at this little haven on the Shore. There are so many cool items for the home at Junk & Disorderly, a great selection of secondhand furniture and curated curios that will bring tears to the eyes of any bargain hunter or op shopper worth their salt - so good are the wares on sale here. In the weekends, there’s an awesome local vibe too with an on-site coffee caravan. Thanks for being in the hood, Junk & Disorderly!
- 29SaveMart New LynnNew LynnMy friends and I like to play dress ups - yep, I’m a big kid, I know. And when it comes time to create a new outfit the first place I hit up is SaveMart in New Lynn. It’s in my west Auckland hood so is just a stone’s throw from where I live but, no matter how many times I visit, I always manage to score a whole heap of new treasures for my wardrobe. My husband’s recent purchase of a corduroy suit and matching skinny for just $25 for the lot was a super steal.
- 317Tatty's Designer RecyclePonsonbyI’ve never been one to buy designer clothes (my Scottish heritage prevents me from paying big dollars for any luxury items) but up-cycling is definitely my thing. Tatty’s is a recent - but heavenly - discovery for me because there’s lots of good-quality clothes to buy without the designer price tags. Now winter is almost here, I’m looking to shop up a storm and even better yet, it’s in my work local.
- 42The Salvation Army Family StoreBrowns BayMy grandma used to live in this neighbourhood and, as a teenager who was into grunge and Nirvana, I was a regular shopper at this hidden gem of an Auckland Cop Shop. The Salvation Army Family Store in Browns Bay is big and full of excellent finds - whether it’s antiques, clothing or homeware that you enjoy bargain hunting for most. Plus if you go mid-week, there’s barely anyone there so you can while away hours in this wicked little spot.
- 55Deco 2 RetroNew LynnOne of the best little op shops in the west, Deco 2 Retro is a great little find nestled in the middle of Glen Eden's suburbia. If you are keen on retro homewares, this is the place to go for good bargains. Plus they keep up an excellent rotation of stock so there is always something new to discover. I love this local because it's also next door to one of my favourite Thai restaurants and one of my favourite cafes, Humbug.
Kylie B.'s
Top Chocolate Spots
- 126Devonport ChocolatesDevonportWhen I feel like being decadent, nothing beats a visit to one of Auckland’s most famous chocolate shops in Devonport. The heavenly aroma of cocoa wafts through my nostrils from the moment I step out of my car and no matter what time of year, I fall head over heels for their mouth-watering, gooey truffles. They are the definition of goodness! They create chocolate in every shape and form and, if you’ve got a chocolate lover in the family, there’s no better place to go for a gift.
- 229Farro Fresh - Grey LynnGrey LynnIt may seem an unlikely place to go but if you are searching out a top-quality chocolate fix then you can’t go past the rich, tummy filling treat that is the chocolate gateaux you can buy at Farro Fresh. Someone we know said he loved the cake so much that he had to go back the next day and buy another one to repeat the divine experience. There’s also lots of amazing gourmet chocolate on the shelves too. I love coming for a visit and allowing my senses to take me away.
- 347Chocolate Boutique CafeParnellA good mate of mine told me I hadn’t lived until I’d taking a trip to the Chocolate Boutique Cafe (once visited by then-US President Bill Clinton) and tried their chilli Italian denso, a thick hot chocolate that literally got my mouth watering before I’d even had a chance to taste it. The experience is like travelling to chocolate heaven but with a real zing. My companion tried the Mexican spice version and considered it to be just as delicious. This will be one of my go-to places come winter.
- 413Theobroma Chocolate LoungeMount WellingtonThis place is one for the chocolate lovers! When you want real chocolate flowing as a fountain into hot chocolate (yes, this is actually a real thing!) make a beeline for one of the Theobroma Chocolate Lounges throughout Auckland. It’s a truly decadent experience and one I will never, ever forget. Make sure you go with an empty stomach because this chocolate treat will fill you up good and proper.
- 512House of ChocolateBeach HavenNestled on the North Shore, I was already taken by the name of this awesome little local before I’d even had the chance to try it. And once inside I couldn’t believe the incredible range on offer. You can sit in and enjoy coffee and chocolate (which of course I did!) but I also love that you can come here to stock up on sugary supplies. They even sell top-quality cooking chocolate. Another incredible Auckland paradise for choc-fiends.