When someone says Dominion Road, the first thing you'd probably think of is the variety of yummy Asian restaurants that Auckland has to offer. And rightly so, in fact this is where you'll be able to find this little gem... BANZAI!

My girlfriend and I were craving for some Japanese food when we were around the area. Feeling slightly adventurous, we opted to try something new and were lucky to stumble upon this place. We don't normally hang around this part of Dominion Road because looking for parking space is a hassle and we just tend to eat at our usual spots. Banzai is really cozy but unfortunately it has limited seats, so I recommend booking in advance especially if it's during their peak hours (Lunch & Dinner time). We were just fortunate enough to get seats because we had walked in right before the peak hours began. So shall we begin with the foodtography?

For appetizers we got some Chicken Croquette and Gyoza!

I've never had croquettes before so I didn't know what to expect. After trying them, I definitely don't mind getting more of these nomnoms! The breading has this satisfying crunch when you bite it and the flavor of the filling isn't too overwhelming which I enjoyed. I personally prefer that over an overpowering salty chicken flavor. As for the Gyoza, I liked how it was fresh and crunchy on the outside. It was the perfect warm up before my main dish!

The main dishes have arrived :)

My girlfriend got the Chicken Karage (i think :P). It comes with a side dish of salad and a dipping sauce. I was looking for rice but I suppose I was just being Filipino and expecting rice in every meal that I have Anywhoooo....the chicken karage came straight from the kitchen so once again it was really hot and fresh! This is always a big plus for me! FRESH+HOT+YUMMY=HAPPY TUMMY. The chicken is already tasty but the sauce really compliments it well and enhances the taste.

I ordered Yakisoba! I normally go for the meals that come with rice but since I was still buzzing from the adventurous spirit I had entered Banzai with, I tried something new. I've had the Yakisoba cup noodles before so I thought I should be okay with the real thing. Presentation wise, I would say that it's not that appetizing as it was just smacked on the plate. In terms of taste, it was average. It just tastes like any other noodle dish, or perhaps I'm just not used to it? Either way it was nothing special. Overall, Banzai had a good range in their menu with affordable prices! I would definitely go back to Banzai and try the rest of their menu

After a big feed at Mission Bay, my friend and I went straight to Parnell for dessert. Parnell has a range of cafes and food places to choose from and I have been wanting to check out Casa Del Gelato for the longest time!

It's not easy to spot especially because it's beside a construction lot at the moment. You can, however, see their gelato sign on the right side of Parnell road as you go up the road. Or if all else fails, there's always GPS and Siri to help you!:) 

There's a lot of indoor and outside seats so you don't have to worry about finding a table.

I was always under the impression that they only sold gelato here, but to my surprise, they also have waffles and hot drinks in their menu. Look and check out the range of flavors they have!!! 

Since I was still full, I just decided to get the Chocolate Cookies & Cream waffle with a scoop of Ferrero Rocher gelato. My friend on the other hand, got the Banana Caramel waffle with a scoop of Strawberry Cheesecake gelato.

They told us that it would take a while to make them because they make their waffles fresh!

Here are nomnom photos of our waffles :)

My verdict? The presentation looked very artsy pantsy. The fruits were a good addition on the plate; they added more color and a refreshing taste. The scoop of Ferrero Rocher wasn't too sweet but you could still taste that distinct chocolate flavor which went perfectly with my waffles.

The waffles themselves were very chunky and had a nice crisp on the outside. The gelato was definitely the star here, but the waffle complimented it well. I just wish my waffles had more cookies and cream on it, but the combination of flavors on my plate created just the taste I needed to satisfy my dessert cravings. 

I will definitely come back and try the other dessert options and hot drinks they have!

I work near really nice cafes and restaurants which is good for my tummy but not for my wallet haha. One of my usual lunch spots to get my Japanese fix will be the Coen Japanese Restaurant in Mt Eden Road.

You will probably ask me what's so special with this Japanese restaurant? Well not only that it's just a minute walk from my work but they have the nicest staff and good service that goes with their good food. 

They have most of the staple Japanese sushi and meals but the two things that stand out is the Grilled Salmon Sushi and the Teriyaki Chicken meal (I forgot the proper name for them but yeah:P)

Here are a couple of Teriyaki Chicken photos

And yes I know I eat it too much Teriyaki chicken! Even the person working there asked me if I get sick of it. You know the feeling when you're just so hungry and all you want to do is eat your usual meal and get full. I think I can say this is my comfort food at the moment? 

The Teriyaki chicken has the right sweetness to it that makes it tasty for me. Then you also have your salad on the side and rice to complete your meal! Ever since I started ordering this dish, the portion has always been the same which is quite decent for its price.

I kid you not but this is one of the best salmon sushi I have ever tasted! It wasn't too fishy and you can taste that it was grilled enough to keep that nice salmon taste to it. I would recommend for you to sprinkle some chili powder and dunk it in soy sauce to make it tastier:)

The service is fast so you don't have to wait too long. They also have free hot tea and water to push down that sushi goodness.

If you are in the area and looking to get some Jap try them out.

Coen Sushi & Donburi Japanese Restaurant

450 Mt Eden Road, Mt Eden Village, Auckland

Craving for some dessert when my girlfriend and I had dinner in Ponsonby and we saw this gem in Ponsonby Central. But unfortunately they were closed so I made sure that I went back the next day.

After having lunch with some friends in Ponsonby Central I couldn't resist but try this crepe place. They were open and pretty busy at 3pm. There aren't much seats but you can always have your crepe on this takeaway crepe cone. The people working here are all friendly and I think they're French so it makes it more legit (crepes is french right?).

I didn't get to snap a photo of the menu but they have sweet and savory crepes to choose from. For I was craving for something sweet and still full from our lunch I end up going for the Nutella and Almond crepe :) 

I ended up sharing this because I was still full at the time but I'm pretty sure I can eat this all up on my own! The crepe didn't taste burnt and it was just perfect in terms of its thinness. The filling wasn't too sweet which was perfect for me anyways. I saw a lot of people ordering the savory ones so on my next visit I will try their savory ones and probably try more of their sweet crepes :)

So if you get to visit Ponsonby Central drop by this crepe place for your dessert fix or even for lunch.

Crepes A Go-Go

I have been wanting to go to this Cafe in Sunnynook, Northshore and try their all day breakfast menu!

Luckily today I was able to drive over the shore and visit this cozy cafe. When we arrived around 1pm for a late lunch it was really busy but I think I was wearing my lucky socks on that we got to find a table straight away.

This cafe was really cozy and had a modern simple design which made the vibe really refreshing and relaxing. 

Their menu has a range of breakfast, lunch and drinks to choose from with quite decent prices. The servers are really nice and very patient while we make up our mind with all the yummy options.

While waiting for your order you can keep yourself busy reading magazines in their cafe or these tags with Facts about random things.

TADAHHH here comes the drinks!!! NOMNOM

(Iced Chocolate Frappe)

 (Iced Coffee Frappe)

The food followed which was presentable, fresh and hot from the kitchen :)

 (Wedges w/ Sour Cream and Sweet and Chili Sauce)

(Steak Sandwich)

 (Eggs Benedict)

I actually enjoyed my steak sandwich because it was easy to chew and tasty! :D The aioli and chips was a good combo with it. Wasn't able to try my friends eggs benedict but apparently it was good and really filling. But yes their portions will really fill you up.

I would really recommend this place if you are looking for a nice cafe to have brunch over the shore that has good portions, yummy and healthy food. The place is quite small so if you will be going with a big group try to ring and get a reservation;)

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Fact-Tree-cafe/278904628870678

• 24 Tonkin Dr, Sunnynook,
• Auckland, New Zealand 0620