My new favourite flavour: Black Doris plum and cree fraiche from The Kapiti Store
The ice cream trade in the last few years has boomed. It has moved away from the single scoop of hokey pokey at the dairy to being handed frozen masterpieces on sticks, cones and in cups. I decided to put my extensive knowledge to good use and share the best spots in Auckland with you here.
Read MoreWas it great or what! The lacklustre décor, the laminated menu cards, the square table layout and the awful plates with clovers printed on them; it was the perfect setting to be served up a massive steamer of pork and cabbage dumplings.
Read MoreMeaty paella from The Paella Pan.
My brother Jack and I often go on sibling dates. They always involve food. It is a mutual enthusiasm of ours. His more the eating of it though. Having it been the morning after pay day I was feeling particularly rich so we decided to descend upon Parnell to taste the wares of this delightful French Market.
Read MoreSo far in my dating travels I have stumbled across some pretty cool eats. I am all about the casual dining experience. It is far less awkward, meals are always on the cheaper side and the food in these places is fantastic. The more steam, chattering and clanging about in the kitchen the better I think. So here are my current date night favourites.
Read MoreI really wish I had taken lots of pretty photos of these. I was so not in the mood at the time too. Quick warning to those who interact with me in person - stay away if I am hungry. Your life is dependent on this.
Read MoreI really love going on random and impulsive adventures. Especially when there is food involved.
Read MoreI was going to blog properly about this but when it came to it, I realised that bun and butter pudding is actually really ugly. It's brown and stodgy and in artificial lighting is really just horrendous. It really isn't the most appealing thing to see when you open up my home page.
Read More"Its like Disney Land . . but for your stomach!"
I have been venturing off on weeknight food excursions quite a bit recently.
Not having to study or do assignments in the evenings now that I am no longer a student has left me free to explore on school nights.
No matter the culture, humans have a tendency to base social interactions around food and eating patterns. In the last week I have caught up with a couple of friends and at each time food was involved whether it be dessert, going to the markets or having them round for dinner.
Alix, who I flatted with in third year is living up in Auckland as well (!!!) and who is also the best person in the world was keen to come and hit up the Onehunga night markets this Thursday for dinner with me. Having both not eaten on purpose since lunch time and with purses full of cash we threw ourselves into the market.
I love the bustle, the smoke and the smell of hot sizzling meat wafting through the air. I am writing this with my eyes still bloodshot from the glaring lights and my face greasy from all the oil and heat. Not to mention sitting in super baggy clothing as I have a food baby like no other.
Going with a friend is the best. I love trying new things and quite often you get too full after just a few things by yourself to do the rounds properly. But when with a friend (who can also eat you under the table - I take my hat off to you Alix) you can try everything the stalls have to offer.
I have to say the fried pork buns at Onehunga were some of the best I have ever had. I managed to get as many vermicelli noodles on my front and the ground as I did my mouth. We said YOLO to the extra spicy beef bulgogi and an honourable mention of course goes to the chocolate dipped churros which is where we finished up.
For details about all the Auckland night markets click here and get amongst!
I live very close to One Tree Hill. For those of you not familiar with this particular hill in Auckland, it does not actually have a tree on it anymore.
Every morning before work I get up while it is still dark and go for a power walk up the hill because I am too cheap to pay for a gym membership.
The best part is getting to the top and watching the sun rise over in East Auckland. It is really quite beautiful. I'm not a spiritual person but whenever I see the first sightings of a sunrise I feel like I am in my zen place. I think it is an excellent way to start the day.
I was recently in Rotorua staying with some friends who live right on the lake. After a bit of a late night and a few too many beers I still insisted I set my alarm for 6.30am where I went and sat out on the deck with a few other die hard fans and watched the world wake up in silence.
Just thought I would share :)
