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Food Archives - Epsom Motel

Dec 04
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Exploring Auckland’s newest dining experience: Morningside Precinct.

By | Activities, day trips, food & Drink | No Comments

Being located in the suburbs sometimes can make it difficult to have a new and upscale dining experience, and if you aren’t up for a trip to the city, your options become limited.

That is – until now. Located just twelve minutes from the motel, a new dining precinct has opened in Morningside and is set to be one of the hottest food and drinks destinations in Auckland. Close to Eden Park, it’s simply called ‘Morningside’ and houses businesses, food hotspots, a tavern, a dessert bar, and even a stunning new event space. With both indoor and outdoor spaces in a lush environment, there’s something for everyone.

And it’s become an instant hit with locals, earning rave reviews online and on social media. If you want to know a little more, here’s what’s in store for you at this new Auckland hotspot.

Bo’s Dumplings

If you are looking for a quick snack while visiting, or just have dumplings on your mind, look no further. A collaboration between chef Bo Feng and Architect DJ Tai, feast on perfectly steamed or lightly fried classics including the chive egg prawn and juicy pork dumplings. Inspired by the flavorings of Bo’s hometown, Tianjing, give a cold dish a try for a taste of true homestyle Chinese fare.

Crave

Another perfect spot for a quick bite – and an Auckland favorite is Crave. A social enterprise, a portion of the profits are invested back into the community. With a menu that transforms from day to night, as well as an impressive drinks list, Crave is a definite on your list.

Electric Chicken

The first of many main dining experiences, the Electric Chicken will draw you in with its fit-out popping in colour. Choose between a quarter bird, half bird or whole bird then pick which one of five ways you want it cooked, add a side and you’ll be in foodie heaven. They’re also serving up chicken sandwiches, which include a vegetarian option, soda, and liquor.

Morningside Tavern

No dining precinct would be complete without some good old fashioned pub food and drinks and that’s where the Morningside Tavern steps in. Overlooking the space are cosy lounge settings perfect for catching up for a cold one or two. With a starters menu that includes small plates and an impressive mains menu, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a Kiwi classic like beer battered fish ‘n’ chips, a woodfired pizza or even a superfood salad for those on a health kick, wash it down with one of 27 beers on tap, bottled beer, a wine, cocktail or even a mocktail.

Miann

Finally, if you have room for dessert than you can indulge your sweet tooth at Miann. With a blooming mini garden at its front, you’ll find a cafe and patisserie serving fresh brews and creative bites. You can’t go wrong with their house-made gelato offering, but if you’re more of a savory person, the almond croissants are a must. You’ll also find a chocolate shop with blocks and bites that are made by the masters right before your very eyes.

Nov 05
0

Browsing Britomart

By | Activities, food & Drink, kids activities, Nightlife | No Comments

In many of our blogs and guides to the city, we have briefly touched on Britomart, a small boutique collection of shops and cafes at the bottom of Queen street near the waterfront. Over the past few years, this space has blossomed into a popular heaven for shoppers and those with an exotic taste for food. In this blog we take a closer look at what makes this place such a must-visit destination:

Boutique Shopping

Wardrobe in need of a refresh, and have you got some money to burn? Then you are going to find the little craven of Britomart to be a shoppers’ paradise, with all your favourite brands in one shoppable space! This includes a mix New Zealand’s hottest fashion designers including Deadly Ponies, Juliette Hogan, Karen Walker, and Trelise Cooper as well as the hottest high-end international brands such as Prada, Gucci, Jo Malone London, Lululemon, Ted Baker, Tiffany & Co, just to name a few.

Catchup, Stroll and Brunch!

One of the greatest benefits of Britomart is the urban modern space which allows for a perfect walk’n’talk catch-up with friends with a follow up of brunch. Wander through Takutai Square and to nearby Queens Wharf. There’s always something happening at both these spots: the square is home to a Saturday morning market and the wharf regularly hosts art exhibitions and food trucks. If you’re really up for a stroll, head west to North Wharf and along the Westhaven Promenade. To take in the instagrammable views of the Waitemata Harbour.

The Nightlife

Britomart is perfect for those looking for a decent meal and a good night out. The quarter has a bit of everything to please all palate, including classic American-style burgers at better burger, take in some Vietnamese at Café Hanoi, a mix of traditional Japanese at Ebisu, or the French goodies at L’assiette. When it comes to having a night on the town, we would recommend starting at Brew on Quay for their dizzying selection of craft beers on tap, a stop at the one and only 1885 is a suburb and classy stable of the city, and Caretaker brings out the golden age New York feel in its intimate setting with a menu filled with delicious beverages.

La Cigale Market

But don’t feel like this place is only buzzing during the night, during Saturdays from 8am to 1pm you’ll come across a market that injects a sense of Parisian flair into the traditional kiwi market model. The result? A beautiful collision of locally grown, fresh fruit and vegetable stalls sit alongside international fare such as cured meats, specialty chocolates and nut butters. There are more than twenty stalls to peruse – constantly changing in theme, taste and flair!