It was international relations today as I got to take Danish, American, Norwegian, German, Japanese and Mongolian friends for great coffee and food. It was soooo good, we went twice in one day. Their eyes boggled at the delectable pastries and desserts in the cabinet and they took ages deciding what to choose. We settled for Berliners (donuts with jam) and pain au chocolat and lattes. The patissier (French baker) deserves a big round of applause from us as these little babies are of true European standard and taste!
Monthly Archives: September 2014
Saijan the day- Fiji!
Whilst working on a volunteer nutrition programme in Fiji, our director introduced us to this amazing superfood saijan (pronounced si-jan) or known as moringa. This grows wild in the backyard. It has a slight bitter taste and is a great digestive so can be made into a tea and is also fab to throw in smoothies, salads, curries, pasta, stirfries, casseroles, eggs or anything.
PhuThai Esarn – Best Thai in Wellington
I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve been to PhuThai Esarn. Esarn is the name of the northeastern region of Thailand. Esarn food is generally healthy, full of herbs, spices and flavours. You can just tell this from my photos and the taste is sensational. They use fresh, local produce to produce spicy and delicious cuisine and take note NO MSG.
This has to be the best Thai in Wellington. The staff personally welcome you so warmly when you arrive. They take reservations, are BYO wine only and also offer a takeaway menu. They are open for a $10 lunch 12-00 to 230pm M-F and dinner M-Sun 5pm to late.
We shared the chicken satay, fresh spring rolls, karee puffs and thai fish cakes. Our mains were the basil chicken with chilli, seafood vege dish and the sizzling hot lamb plate. I loved the dishes so much I ate all the garnish, as everything is edible. One serving of rice was ordered but it was satisfying enough to eat as is and helped me follow a paleo/primal meal. I must say I normally get the Thai green curry, which is my ultimate favourite so will choose that next time.
Prices are so reasonable and being BYO wine does keep your costs down. I’ll be back 🙂
Eataly- Birreria Rooftop Restaurant/Brewery NYC
My kiwi friend who lives in NYC, has been raving about how much, being half Italian, I was going to love this place. Si Si, d’accordo!. My jaw just dropped every second once inside this foodie hall. I didn’t know which way to turn, as I didn’t want to miss a thing. Everything looked and smelled so delicious, and I could have eaten and drunk my way through the entire shop; from chocolates to cheeses, meats, fish, vegetables, wines plus there is amazing kitchenware to purchase. I felt like Willy Wonka.
Marigny Brasserie, Frenchman St, New Orleans
I’m nearing the end of all my US posts, and they all so deserve their own page. Still some to go. This one is a goodie. What a delightful find in the Marigny District, New Orleans. Thanks to hubby. It was right at the end at 640 Frenchman street and was a lovely, spacious brick place with a dark, European interior.
Yes siree Kedgeree- Nikau Cafe, Wellington
Saturday brunch at Nikau Cafe is the bomb. In fact anytime to eat at Nikau till 4pm, is the bomb. It’s nestled in behind Civic Square and the City Art Gallery, is one of Welly’s hidden gems and is always packed. There are many areas to eat at this place which is cool. You can prop yourself up at the counter or sit in the light, dining area, or by the large window at the large table, or down the back, which is more secluded. Their courtyard is nice too with their potted herbs/green veges and I believe they still grow veges on their rooftop!
Markt- Authentic Belgian Brasserie in NYC
A friend reserved a table for us for brunch here recently, on a Saturday in NYC. They are open for lunch and dinner and specialise in brunch. It’s on 676 Sixth Ave in the Chelsea-FlatIron district, and is an authentic Belgian brasserie (if you’ve been to Europe), with a nice warm feel and antique wood and furniture.
At Your Command, Commander’s Palace, New Orleans!
Friends recommended this famous hidden gem as being an absolute must in New Orleans. They were so right. Commander’s Palace is located in the gorgeous Garden District at 1403 Washington Ave, just up the road from the Lafayette Cemetery. This is Sandra Bullock’s and Tom Goodman’s hood. No sign of Harrick Connick jnr though!
Tre Colori – Italian restaurant in NYC
I quickly needed to find a place to eat that was close to the musical ‘Mowtown’, in New York City and came across Trattoria Tre Colori on 254th W 47th Street (between Broadway and 8th Ave). Tre Colori represents the three colours of the Italian flag.
Hola Mexico and Adios Crazyhorse Steakhouse- Wellington
The Café Queen is back in Welly (that’s me) and I was bursting at the seams to try Mexico in Dixon St, Wellington. I love the one in Britomart so I was excited to hear it was coming to Welly.
