House and Leisure - October 2015

FROM FAR LEFT The Britomart fashion and

shopping district; The Jefferson whisky bar;

Casita Miro on Waiheke Island; The Oyster

Inn on Waiheke Island.

INSIDE A STOLID OLD BEACH TEA ROOM ON THE

PROMENADE YOU WILL FIND WHAT IS POSSIBLY THE

WORLD’S BEST DOUGHNUT.

accompanied by a glass of local wine on tap –

an innovative method of serving wine by the

glass without losing quality or taste.

Eight at the Langham takes the buffet

concept a step further with eight food

stations, each representing a different

cuisine. Choose your many courses from

the American styled grill, Asian stations,

and seafood and salad bars. Then there’s

dessert: chat to the chef, who will prepare

your selection just the way you like it.

Splash out on a special meal at Ostro

Brasserie & Bar (seafarers.co.nz), home to

Josh Emett, one of a raft of local chefs who

have returned home after making good

abroad. His no-expense-spared restaurant

overlooks the cargo cranes and cruise

liners of the Waitemata Harbour.

This restaurant serves up Mediterranean-

inspired Kiwi cuisine featuring the freshest

of seafood and grass-fed Savannah beef.

The relaxed atmosphere enhances

the experience of quality food and

professional service at the seaside bistro

The Oyster Inn (theoysterinn.co.nz). The

emphasis is on the best local ingredients

cooked perfectly. Start with the signature

Te Matuku Bay oysters and move onto

comfort food such as line-caught Hauraki

Gulf fish and triple-fried chips. Accompany

your meal with a Waiheke wine such as the

mineral-infused Man O’ War Gravestone

Sauvignon Blanc or leave the island briefly,

in spirit at least, by trying a glass of Central

Otago Two Paddocks Pinot Noir.

The unique and quirky architecture of

Casita Miro is reason enough to visit. A

strikingly tall pavilion of glass, wood and

steel sits atop the steep hillside overlooking

vines to the north and backing onto a

Gaudi-esque fantasy garden. Share tapas

platters of Spanish and Moorish cuisine

and a vast selection of sherries. Chat to

the exuberant and welcoming owner Cat

Vosper (casitamiro.co.nz).

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LEISURE TRAVEL

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