Out and about in Auckland
There’s something about Devonport that just has our heart, from the stunning sundowner outlook it offers of the city to its cute, quaint cottages to the restaurants that inhabit the main street.
For many city-slickers, a trip here feels like a holiday, when it’s really only a short (and beautiful) ferry ride across the harbour.
From low-lit ambience to conversation-starting food, the impressive entries in our Best Date Night category are known for inspiring romance.
That said, it was intimate Karangahape Road restaurant Bar Céleste, that was voted as this year’s winner, thanks to its cosy feel, considered wine list and exceptionally tasty, made-to-share menu.
Not far behind were honourable mentions, including fine-dining institution Cassia, Britomart’s delicious Andalusian eatery Alma, innovative, inner-city foodie haven Culprit and another K’Road go-to for wine-lovers, Apéro.
There’s something about a good burger that holds our city captive. While the infatuation with other cuisines ebbs and flows, burgers are a constant and any new opening serving up a healthy chunk of meat between two soft buns is one that we’ll welcome with open arms.
Here’s why Birkenhead is worth the trip.
The next cab off the rank in exciting hospitality venues to open in Mount Eden Village is Superfly — a new cafe putting a vivid spin on the classic coffee spot.
Here, the menu doesn’t shy away from anything indulgent, offering a combination of toasties, bagels, burgers and waffles — an ode to American dining — accompanied by some of the best milkshakes you’ll find in the area.
Mount Eden Village has always had good food, but recent years have seen it in need of a bit of a culinary revival. The population of the suburb is shifting, and new residents have been seeking options in the same vein as Ponsonby, K Road, Parnell or even the inner-city, where good brunch and all-day options abound for hungry locals.
It’s that time of year again, when the temperature suddenly plummets, the barbeque is packed away, and all you want is to be warmed from the inside out with a giant bowl of hot, noodle-filled broth. Luckily Auckland is home to many fantastic ramen restaurants ready to get you through the colder months. No, we’re not talking about the dirt-cheap, two-minute microwavable version that you smashed during your uni days.
Proper ramen is a soul-warming dish that combines Japanese noodles in a slowly simmered broth that originates from China. Almost every prefecture in Japan has its own variation of ramen, using different broth styles and served with an assortment of toppings — from chashu pork to wood ear fungus, bamboo shoots and molten boiled egg.
Whatever your preference, it’s mostly about the experience of slurping and the warm feeling that resonates inside after every mouthful. Here you’ll find some of the best places to slurp up a bowl of ramen across the city as we head into the winter months.
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No matter the occasion, there’s always one day of the week that leaves Aucklanders in the lurch when it comes to dining. Eating out on a Monday isn’t always the standard, but sometimes, whether it’s an occasion to celebrate or a friend in town, the situation calls for it. And because hospitality workers are deserving of their own weekend too, many places are closed.
If you’re the type of traveller — or staycationer — who chooses their hotels for the perks and extra inclusions, you’ll be particularly excited about the latest addition to New Zealand’s accommodation offerings.
Mövenpick Hotel Auckland has now opened its doors, marking the latest offering from the Accor hotel group and the Swiss sweets brand’s first site in New Zealand. But don’t worry Wellingtonians – the hotel chain promises another is set to open in the capital in July, so your time will come soon.
And if either the chain’s name or its country of origin have you thinking of sweet treats, yes; they’re very much part of the hotel’s menu.
For starters, Mövenpick Hotel Auckland is celebrating chocolate hour every afternoon in the hotel lobby, where guests can enjoy live demonstrations of truffle rolling and cupcake icing while scoffing and sweet treats galore. If you prefer to enjoy your dessert in bed, a 24-hour sundae service (not to be confused with Kanye West’s version) is also available. Got an ice cream hankering at 3am? You’ve picked the right hotel. Kids are allowed free unlimited ice cream for the duration of the stay, which is probably not something to announce too loudly in their vicinity.
For guests in the mood for more than just chocolate, cocktails and ice cream, the hotel is home to Asian Fusion restaurant BODA and also has a big focus on nutritious breakfasts. You can start your day with a workout in the gym, before a shot of juice or yoghurt blended with fresh fruit and vegetables at the breakfast bar. After all, it’s all about balance.
With 207 guestrooms and suites, a conference centre and a library, Mövenpick Hotel Auckland is now open and is one of more than 110 of the brand’s accommodation sites worldwide.
Mövenpick Hotel Auckland can be found at 8 Customs Street East in Auckland’s CBD, where it opened its doors on Monday, May 16. A Mövenpick Hotel Wellington is set to open in The Terrace in July.
The post New Zealand’s First Movenpick Hotel Has Just Opened in Auckland with a Daily Chocolate Hour appeared first on Concrete Playground.
There’s a reality TV show for everything and, via the 2014–9 series Wahlburgers, that includes burger joints owned by actor Mark Wahlberg and his brothers. Fancy eating the chain’s fast-food fare, rather than just watching it? You’re in luck.
After launching its first Sydney restaurant in February, Wahlburgers is finally making its promised debut in New Zealand. The successful US burger chain’s first outpost will be located in downtown Auckland — more specifically in the space that formerly belonged to fine-dining restaurant Euro, which fell victim to the pandemic last year. So yes, you’ll be able to enjoy your burgers, shakes, beers and ‘wahlbowls’ with ocean views.
If the Wahlberg name has you thinking about movies — with Mark starring in everything from Boogie Nights to Instant Family, and his co-owner and brother (and ex-New Kids on the Block member) Donnie Wahlberg also featuring in The Sixth Sense and the Saw franchise — then that won’t change at Wahlburgers’ NZ joints. The chain’s venture Down Under is a collaboration with United Cinemas, and some of the former’s sites will be located within the latter’s picture palaces.
If you’re hoping to grab a glimpse of the A-list actor, you’ll definitely want to hang out at the burger restaurant. In a statement, Wahlberg said he is “really looking forward” to opening the first Wahlburgers in New Zealand and he hopes to visit “soon”.
Wahlburgers will open at the former Euro Restaurant and Coley & Punch venue, Shed 22, Princes Wharf in Auckland’s CBD, sometime in late 2022. We’ll update you with an official opening date once it becomes available — and you can keep up with updates on the chain’s Instagram page in the interim.
The post Mark Wahlberg’s First New Zealand Wahlburgers Outpost Is Opening in Auckland This Year appeared first on Concrete Playground.