Queenies Lunchroom had been recommended to me by a few people who had said "it's very you". I can see why - the staff are friendly and relaxed, the food is wholesome and down home and the decor is vintage/retro/kitsch kiwiana - pacifica mixed with royal memorabilia. Yes, very me.
The food is a bit on the expensive side, but worth it. I had kedgeree, which was delicious.
I highly recommend their meringues, which are the best I've ever eaten and are good value for money for their size and presentation. Note that they are definitely meant for two.
I must have been one of the last people in Auckland to discover The Lucha Lounge, but I finally got there last Friday, on my way to the movies to see the-film-of-the-year, Drive. The biggest drawcard for me (aside from the very cool Mexican wrestler theme) was the promise of Mexican food for under $10. I had a couple of soft shell tacoes with free range chicken which were not too shabby. Cheap and healthy eats are balanced with some sinfully delicious cocktails. I love, love, love their Apple Pie Margarita, and the bartender made a damn good Mojito too.
This is a bar, not a restaurant, so the place is grungy and casual. It is also tiny, with the 'al fresco' area (back alley) devoted to smokers. I'll definitely be back for more cocktails, but only if I can get a quiet spot indoors. If anything, the biggest impression the place has made on me is that I now have a craving to re-read about Maggie the Mechanic and Mexican Wrestlers in the comic series Love and Rockets
Blooming Tea (also known as Flowering Tea) is the latest novelty food item to catch my attention. Blooming Tea is dried tea leaves (such as green tea) that is skilfully wrapped around a flower (Lotus, Jasmine, Chrysanthemum) that will unfurl once steeped in hot water. It is served in a glass teapot and resembles a swaying sea anemone. Apparently Blooming Tea derives from the Yunnan province of China - or so Wikipedia tells me. All I really need to know is if it tastes as exquisite as it looks... Let's buy some and find out! I quite like the look of Stir Tea's Double Happiness, or Pom Pom Pink.
When I eventually get some, I'll let you know how it goes. In the meantime check out the spectacle here:
