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