The greatest of the latest
I’ve been a little distracted by selling a property with a short move-out date, but I’m back now with a summary of the recent openings I think are worthy for different reasons…
Lola Stays
Lola has a very appealing new decor (the old Vista on Oriental Parade), and is a sunny, very pleasant place to wile away time over a leisurely brunch or scone (excellent cheese scones!).
If you lived around Oriental it’d also be a very easy place to pop in for a wine and nibble on the way to or fro.
Full write up here.
7 days 7am til late.
Lulu Bar
This is a bar and eatery inspired by Hawaii, with Pacific twists throughout – from the tropical plants under grow lights, to a very smart poke dish, and rum flights.
Also check out the large mural in the bar out back, very cool (and yes the former Ancestral warm concrete seats still exist).
Full write up here.
7 days from noon for the bar, 7 days from 4.30pm for Oceanic eats (full restaurant side).
NOTE – Boom burger right next door is also theirs (shared kitchen), so if you fancy your burger sitting down with a beer, order and enjoy it inside Lulu.
Bellamys by Logan Brown
This is iconic dining – you’re getting the Logan Brown expertise from service to plate, in one of the most iconic NZ buildings, while rubbing shoulders with the power players (two of my three visits I spied MP’s at other tables).
At very reasonable prices too I might add.
Full write up here.
Tuesday to Friday, lunch noon to 2pm and dinner 5.30pm to 8.30pm. Via Parliament’s main security / tour desk entry. NOTE – Bookings required 24 hours prior so they can provide numbers and names to the security desk.
1154 Pastaria
The latest venture from the Bresolin lads directly opposite Scopa, focusing on simple, traditional pasta dishes done well.
Upstairs the team make all the pasta by hand, downstairs they pass it through cooking, saucing and plating in a streamlined flow, so that it almost could be labelled pasta fast food.
Beware you need to order at the counter, and seating is a matter of luck in arriving when there’s a space at a table somewhere.
Full write up here.
7 days 11am til late.
Sugar Flour
Pastry and art combined. This is something everyone should make an effort to get to at Kilbirnie.
Young Maxine (seriously, I think she started patisserie straight out of nappies) slaves all week to make gorgeous works of art that sell from 10am to 3pm Friday (or until sold out prior), and Saturday and Sunday 9am to 4pm (or until sold out prior).
Full write up here.
Hours above. Get in early.
Phew!
foodiegemsofwellie 