The Drawing Room - PTV #26

In the heart of our beautiful Tauranga is the The Drawing Room - a place of relaxation and warmth that represents the Mount in the best possible way ... through its fresh local food and wonderful service.

I love finding places that ooze creativity and this place does it not only with their food but with their atmosphere, eye for the different, and support for the local People. With menus positioned in old retro cookbooks (yes, like Alison Holst!), and art covering the front windows you really feel like you are in for an adventure, something special.

Amazing seafood and mouth watering meat dishes to keep you wanting more, this place is just perfect for a brilliant night out to taste some great contemporary food created by one of the best Kiwi chefs around - Trent Clarke.

Without breaking the bank you have a fantastic meal and leave with the urge to tell as many People as possible about your little find .. hence it is one of our Places To Visit.

So if you don't feel like your usual fish 'n chips or you are passing through and want a taste and feel of Tauranga, then make a booking and check these guys out ...

107 Maunganui Road

Tauranga

p 07 575 0096

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StickyTiki - Artwork for Your Wall

Peel It, Stick It, Remove It, Scrunch It, Wipe It ... and Stick It again!

Yep, these are not the kind of wall stickers that once put on, you need to leave on ... meaning you can remove them when you move house, when the kids grow up, or if you feel like changing things up a bit.

More than this though, the designs are just fabulous!  They are gorgeously handcrafted right here in NZ and will give colour and funk to any room you wish to brighten up!

Awesome retro colours made into all sorts of different shapes from Spaceships and Giraffes to Pukekos and even a great big Pohutukawa tree (my favourite!).  Made out of fabric which won't damage or wrinkle your space and easy to put together, they are washable and weather proof as well, which means they can go outside and not just inside!

Thanks to the creative minds of Kim Hands and Simon Lindegren from Ahuriri, Napier, we have some awesome deco for our walls!

A definite to check out ... Choice!

w http://www.stickytiki.com/

Napier

 p + 64 6 834 1062

Diplodocus :: Design Store - PTV #24

Everyone has to start somewhere and for the Young Kiwis studying a Diploma in Art at the Windermere Campus in Tauranga, they have the perfect place to do just that.

The Diplodocus Design Store is a creative project developed and managed by the the students attending the course.  Here they are able to show off their paintings, jewllery and ceramic designs whilst learning.

What I love most, apart from helping out the students by buying their art, is the fact that whatever you buy will probably be a one and only original.  Their art can be anywhere from playful to elegant and consists of art not only painted on canvas, but other materials as well - some extreme creativity going on here!

If you are out and about that way, or even driving through, do go in and check them out.  A great little store and another example of Kiwi Creativity - Choice!

C5, Art Block

Windermere Campus

Tauranga

Wed - Thurs

10am - 3pm

e diplodocus.design@gmail.com

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The Paper Package - Pressies from Wanganui

Do you remember those days when you would visit Grandma's place and on leaving would be given a bag filled with freshly baked cookies, cakes, chocolate and maybe a handful of lollies?

Well gifts have changed somewhat since then and it is not uncommon nowadays for People to give a gift to someone that consists of a card and some dosh. It's like the warm and fuzzies have been fizzed out of gifts ...

So I want to introduce you the The Paper Package.

These guys are great - taking us back to the day of giving gifts that mean something to People. A modern day "package" which includes the modern day feel good necessities ...

From Student Care packages to Get Well packages, Thinking of You and Thank You packages to Individual gifts consisting of notebooks and journals.  They want their gifts to be memorable and original with a vintage-style twist, wrapping them up in brown paper and decoration.

Father's Day, Anniversaries, Graduation or just a gift for someone special, check out these guys for something a bit old fashioned full of love!  Geat gifts that are different yet meaningful, fun yet practical. 

Definitely worth a look next time you need to buy a gift for someone special.

The Study Package

 

The Cookie Care Package

A Graduation Package - Top Class



Check them out online ...

http://www.thepaperpackage.co.nz/

Or write an old fashioned letter to ...

The Paper Package
PO Box 2015
Gonville
Wanganui 4543

Or if you are IT savvy, email ...

info@thepaperpackage.co.nz

Elliot Stables - Eating Adventure - PTV #23

Hidden away in Auckland's Elliot Street is an intimate little alley where you can sit anywhere and eat from everywhere.

This place is just fantastic and is a must visit if you want to check out something new or simply to enjoy a space full of character with great food and wine.

From beautiful Spanish cuisine provided by El Faro, or amazing French crepes cooked for you by Torchon French Creperie, to some delicious Latin American dishes and creative Italian cuisine. It's narrow alley provides for a interesting atmosphere which transports you to a place away from all the mayhem and city life.

Also included is our famous Kapiti Cheese, recognised in its own shop called The Kapiti Store.  Top notch dairy products from our very own NZ;  cheese, yoghurt and ice cream!! Yum!

Explore and have some fun ...

39 - 41 Elliot Street

Central Auckland



Escobar Espresso - This is Coffee - PTV #22

You ain't going to find many Cafes owned by People who actually grew up in what could be classifed as the best coffee region in the World ... but lucky for us, Natalia did.

Natalia Escobar grew up in Columbia, enjoying a fresh cup of coffee every morning made from beans grown by her very own family!  Jealous much?  With all her experience from Columbia and other parts of the World, she finally came to reside in NZ, where she and her Partner Nigel started, what may well become, the best coffee bar in NZ.

And, it is all about the coffee.  The taste, the passion - you don't get a coffee with your milk ... but you get milk with your coffee.  The coffee tastes superb, and if you really know your coffee, you will enjoy popping in to get your dose!

A definite Place To Visit if you are a coffee lover.  You can have a bite to eat ... but really, here, it is all about the coffee.

Choice!

483 Richmond Road

Grey Lynn

Auckland

Jusju Kiwiana Design

You can't go past great Kiwiana designs and Jusju (I must admit) has to be one of my favs.

What I love about what Allie does, is how she is more focused on being creative with designs to end up with something a bit more left field.

Allie takes Kiwiana material, like tea towels, and makes other things, like skirts and bags ... quite a fun concept really and if you take a look at some of her stuff, you'll see what I mean!

A signature of Allie's is the wrap skirt which can be worn two ways. These have some great Kiwiana designs and make for a bit of fun when heading out ... if you are looking for a conversation starter - this is it!

Have some fun and check out the shop and the designs at http://www.jusju.co.nz/

Kaeo, Whangaroa

Choice!

bronz - NZ designed and made streetwear

I'm sure we all love those Kiwi phrases and sayings that we can buy Ts for, but bronz provide us with some slightly different options than those we are use to seeing.

bronz are about creating clever designs that represent the Kiwi inside us.
They have taken the Kiwi but turned it into something with style that will allow you to wear the T practically anywhere  - a little fun but nothing overboard that restricts where and when you can wear it.

Here are some of the Ts below ... my purchase being the olive 'bronz' ... but you gotta love the ''Fush and Chups'' one!


Organic



Fush and Chups







Together we are one

Designed and made in NZ using 100% cotton, bronz provide great quality, GE free Ts.  Easy to order, great response and delivery, means you can order these from anywhere in NZ or around the World without a fuss. 

Check them out and get something different for yourself ... or someone else ...Choice!

PO Box 60 560

 Auckland 0642

http://www.bronz.co.nz/

Birkenhead Library - Kiwi Style - PTV #21

I'm a big fan of books.  In fact I really want to get Kiwi kids excited about books.  Every Friday my Grandma picked my bro and I up from school and we headed straight to the library to find some books to read.  It is one routine I terribly miss and one which our current youth don't get to do.

Whether they are picture books or novels, it doesn't really matter, the library is a place that you can explore.  I have a big love for libraries but in recent times have felt that they need some kind of a change so that they invite People in, not shoo them away ... and then the Birkenhead Library was built.

Not only do the People of Birkenhead own, what has to be, the best library in all of Aotearoa, but after Friday's NZ Architecture Awards for 2011, they now have a National Award Winning Library - Choice!

This place is a must visit as it will inspire you and your children to make those trips to the library.  To relax and explore all the books it has to offer, to expand your mind and feel like you are ''reading in a tree'' as some have described it.

It is a absolute beauty and a real Kiwi place to be.  Beautiful wooden touches, harbour scenery, a massive amount of light and one of the most eco friendly buildings you will find.

Go check it out and get excited.  Even if it is just to look at the architecture .... you won't be disappointed!!



Nell Fisher Reserve

Hinemoa Street

Birkenhead

Auckland

p (09) 486 8460

Birkenhead Library

Vintage Love - Pukekohe

If you are anything like myself, you probably like to find jewellery that is unique and eye capturing in a way that will prompt People to ask ''Where did you get that?".

To me it is always fufilling to find jewellery that a majority of the People won't have and that doesn't blow my budget.  So, I would like to introduce you to ... Vintage Love.

Vintage Love has original, non massed produced jewellery that is clever, creative and totally affordable.  There is going to be more than one piece that will appeal to you (I bought three on my first visit), and if you are into Britain and Rule Britannia, she has a Rule Britannia collection too!

From your old romantic patterns to the cameos, fabric and textiles with some other great little ranges, there is quite a broad selection that may suit your own tastes. 

Definitely worth checking out at either the website or their Facebook page.
My purchases ...

 Studio open by appointment

http://www.vintagelove.co.nz/

www.facebook.com/myvintageloveshop

e vintagelove@slingshot.co.nz

Moon over Martinborough

The best places in our beaut little Country are usually remote and full of interesting People; a mix of Kiwis and Foreigners alike that share a love for such a magnificent place.

A strong example of this is our American friend Jared, who originated from a rather bigger Detroit to end up on 20 acres of greenery in Martinborough.

Jared and his Partner now have an olive grove near the banks of the Huangarua River.  Their olives get harvested and cold pressed to create some of the best olive oil you will find in Aotearoa.

Their aim is to provide high quality artisan oil from a blend of Tuscan Frantoio and Leccino olives, and with such a great micro-climate in Martinborough, their olives are full of flavour which provides a great base to develop flavoursome olive oil.

Definitely worth tracking down a bottle and giving it a go – over salads, veges whatever you desire!  A nice peppery finish to compliment your meal …

Available in the Moore Wilson stores in Wellington and Masterton, the Martinborough Wine Centre and IN.GRE’DI.ENT in Martinborough.

http://moonovermartinborough.com/

On top of all this, Jared enjoys writing blog stories about what is happening in and around their 20 acres and they run a cute B&B on the weekends which they consider "a little slice of paradise".

Their website provides loads of information and fun facts, as well as details on staying at the B&B.  It is one which you will need to "Add to Favourites" without hesitation so that you can prepare for a visit or just enjoy the read.

Lew Lew Loheni - Seriously Kiwi

Yes, you can't get any more Kiwi than two Sisters working together creating and making their own designs in their own backyard!

Nilla and Gua Loheni are making their dreams come true with their own label, and their first range, 'By the Dozen', is a perfect start.

The clothes are secretly classy with precision stitch and detail.  A huge amount of thought has gone into each and every piece creating a very unique item that will not be 'mass produced' to the heavens.

With inspiration drawn from their music and art interests, the clothes have a silent statement defining what they see in things, and how they create.

Give them a call to view and have a cuppa ... definitely worth a peek ...

One of my favs.

http://lewlewstore.com/

Sahara Restaurant, Bar and Lounge - Paparoa - PTV #15

If you are travelling through the Brynderwyns and would like a bite to eat, take the State Highway 12 turnoff and head out to Paparoa for some great food, in a relaxed and genuine Kiwi environment.

Paparoa is a little place in the valley that you come across while heading out to the Kaipara Harbour from the mighty Brynderwyns.  It is only a 15 minute drive and boy does it give you a taste of Kiwi - a sprinkle of houses, great People, beautiful landscape and wonderfully quiet!

The Sahara Restaurant occupies the old National Bank of New Zealand building built in 1914.  It is situated across from the Paparoa store and holds its head very high whilst being well looked after by the Locals.

Being so close to the harbour and lush farms, these guys provide some top quality meals because of the freshness of their ingredients.  Being quite remote the menu can also vary a bit and some things may not be available, but that can be a blessing in disguise with these guys as their passion for food means they can whip up something brilliant in no time at all.

The service is top notch and they are very welcoming and worth a visit some time on your travels.  Maybe some of the best chicken you have eaten in ages!

Vist their website for information on opening hours and booking contacts.  If you can spend an arvo here it will be well worthwhile.

Eat Drink Chill



http://www.eatdrinkchill.co.nz/

Paparoa Store

Check out the Paparoa website  - http://www.paparoa.org.nz/

Sri Mahkota - a taste of Malaysia - PTV - #14

Whether you have tried Malaysian or not, this place will beam you all the way to Malaysia and back with its fantastic display of Malaysian cuisine.

I was taken here by a friend of mine on a weekday for lunch, and after arriving right on noon and being seated, the place filled up within 10 minutes and a queue was being quietly created - so a booking here is a good idea.

Ordering a number of dishes to choose from and share between yourselves, you won't be disappointed whether you try something new or something you have had before somewhere else .. this place will raise the bar.  With their fantastic colours and flavours and an underestimated look, for around forty bucks you can feed four of you with a curry, veges, meat and seafood dish.  Unbelievable value!

Make a booking if you want to check out some great Malaysian cuisine ...

164 Great South Road

(Cnr Great South and Market Road)

Remuera

ph 09 520 2998

Mr Vintage - keeping it Kiwi

Some of you may already know these guys so you'll understand why they are worth a mention.

These guys design and make Kiwi themed tees that will either bring back memories of childhood or make you laugh with the plays they make on Kiwi icons.

From Play School to Goodnight Kiwi, Space Man candy to Kiwi Slang, be it you were born in 2003 or in 1973, there are tees for everyone!

They also not only have tees, but singlets, v-necks and scoop-necks and they run limited edition tees as well which are always worth a look.  Currently, their limited editions consist of the Artist series, Summer series and a Chartiee.

Check them out either on the web or at their shop in GL.  One of my favs below!

http://www.mrvintage.co.nz/

302B Great North Road

Grey Lynn

Phoenix Cosmetics and The Pink Ladies

A New Zealand owned cosmetic company.

Started up by make-up artist Phoenix Renata, this range and its shop is something to be desired.  The make-up itself is top-notch; soft on the skin and easy to apply.  The shop, or boutique as one might call it, is all set up with seats, mirrors and lights that make you feel like someone extremely important!  Movie star ...

All Phoenix's staff (labelled The Pink Ladies), are professional make-up artists and work in the industry as well as in the boutique.  They are more than happy to chat away with you and teach you a thing or two about make-up and the art of applying it.  Dressed up in their trademark pink bomber jackets they work away showing you the make-up they are using, what it is called and why they are using it.  They display different kinds of techniques and can show you how to apply it depending on the look you are wanting. 

No pressure on purchase with the makeover, but once you check out the range it is a bit hard not to buy something!  Should you just want a one off makeover, a lesson on applying make-up or you feel like replacing your current range with something Kiwi, then take a visit and see what you think ... you may be pleasantly surprised!!!

http://www.phoenixcosmetics.com/  Kingsland, Takapuna and Pukekohe

Fashion Week



Wild Wheat - PTV #12

If you like your bread and all the different kinds, then you may very well need to pop into Wild Wheat and take a look at their speciality breads.

These guys specialise in european style artisan breads and they use no additives or preservatives ... yay!

From your Ciabatta to Focaccia, Croissants to Brioche (my fav), a range of different sourdoughs and even some flavoured loaves, it is worth trying them if you haven't before and see whether any of them will tickle your fancy!

They also sell some great Bagels and Turkish Bread that compliment a coffee ... which you can get from next door!

Check them out ...

811 Mt Eden Road

Mt Eden

Auckland

http://www.wildwheat.co.nz/

(check the web for their other shops in Takas, Belmont and Howick)

Brick Bay Winery - PTV #11

This place is not just about the wine but about supporting NZ art.

First, the wine itself is top notch.  Great tasting varieties very smooth on the palate.  Wine tasting here is a lot of fun and the food that goes with it is absolutely fantastic.  If you can sort yourself out a box of their Pharos 2006, you won't be disappointed!

Second, and the great thing about this winery, is that it has a sculpture trail that yourselves and the family can go on.  The sculptures are all very smartly placed along the walk, which first is a worn out trail, and then through some beautiful NZ 'bush' with ferns and the likes.

It is a fantastic way to spend an afternoon.  The staff are great and the Glass House that you can sit in is a great piece of architecture.

Check them out, about an hour out of Auckland.  Very much worth the visit :-)

Arabella Lane

Snells Beach

Warkworth

09 425 4690

http://www.brickbay.co.nz/

the poi room - PTV #10

I just love this place - a great celebration of Kiwi art and design, this place will teach you a thing or two about what is Kiwi, or remind you all of the icons you have grown up with in being a Kiwi!!

Situated in Osborne Street in Newmarket, the poi room has a range of kiwi items from t-shirts, ceramics, paintings, keyrings, jewellery and more.

It is a pretty cool place to visit to see what some of our artists have come up with as well, and you will be pleasantly surprised with what you find!

There is some awesome stuff in here and whether or not you want to spend a little or a lot, you will no doubt find something.

Check them out ... with or without your wallet ...

17 Osborne Street

Newmarket

Auckland



http://www.thepoiroom.co.nz/

Chapter - PTV #9

Chapter is one of the very few book cafes we have in NZ and it's also a loose tea leaf house (actully the first that was established in Auckland).

You may not be one for tea, but this place is worth a visit regardless, as it amazing to see so many different types of tea there are.

If you do like your teas then you will be more than at home here with teas ranging from traditional black, flavoured greens, fruit and herbal infused and even ones they call Oolong and Pu Erh teas - there will definitely be teas you may not have heard of!

There a small sachets you can purchase to try different types, but because they are loose leaf, you are not restricted to a packet so you can try however many you like.  Prices are per 100g.

It is quite a lot of fun to try a new tea and then scan over the books that they have there.  Specialising in the romance fiction genre, you will find some great reads amongst many you have not heard of before.  They do however also sell books of other genres, though not quite as many, but I did walk away with the latest copy of Jodi Picoult's series.

If you feel like a walk around the shops and having your own afternoon of 'high tea' then check these guys out.  Staff are great and they will help you in finding a tea you may like to try.

442 Mt Eden Road

 Mt Eden

Auckland

http://www.chapter.co.nz/