Ariake Japanese Restaurant

Established in 1980 but tasted in 2009. Just before the end this decade, I've dined at Ariake Japanese restaurant. It's a true gem for Japanese food located in the busy downtown area of the Auckland CDB. Ariake is certainly well acclaimed and continue to be rated as one of Auckland's best restaurant. I walked pass this restaurant often enough to warrant a try but most times I already had mine meals.

I took the opportunity before Christmas to try Ariake for lunch. Doors opened at 12 pm and a few tables were filled when we were seated. The lunch menu was uncomplicated with a good selections of gozens. There are also a lunch of the day and weekday donburi fair. I decided to try the Shoka-do consisted of small entree, sashimi, braised vegetables, grilled fish, mixed tempura, steamed egg custard, miso, rice, pickles and fruits.

While waited for the food to be served, more tables were filled and I noticed Japanese clienteles. This confirmed Ariake is good. I'm certainly going back again and shall try their dinner service.

Ariake Japanese Restaurant

Corner of Albert and Quay Street

Downtown, Auckland CDB

Tel: 09 379 2377

Christmas in Auckland

Christmas deco in Auckland CBD

Kiwis are currently enjoying the Christmas and New Year break. Auckland was blessed with two glorious days of summer weather. After all the mad rush for presents and groceries, I settled down to bake a cherry and hazelnut tart on Christmas eve.

Cherry & Hazelnut Tart

Started Christmas morning with a nice panettone. Warmed in the oven and serve with butter. So yummy and heavenly. I made some grilled chicken panini for lunch. The beverage of choice was Mumm champagne. Dinner was roast prime rib, sirloin with mushroom gravy and cauliflower gratin.

Panettone

Grilled Chicken Panini

Mumm Champagne

While the roast were in the oven, I had mine first cigar of the day. I reserved the H. Upmann Magnum 50 for the after dinner cigar with some Moet. More on Upmann 50 next time but it was truly a fine smoke.

Romeo & Julieta Short Churchill

Gold Medals

One doesn't need a special golden moment to try this Bolivar cigar. From the packaging to the cigar presentation these Gold Medals are classy. The appearance and aroma immediately convinced me to pick one up and fire it up.

The wrapper is a darker shade of colorado with soft veins along the length of the cigar. The Bolivar GM is a lonsdale with a 42 ring gauge and 165 mm. I chose a semi-firm sample with just the right resistance when I gently pressed my fingers along the cigar. This cigar should give me a just nice balanced draw.

In general most of the Bolivar range can be considered as medium to fuller body cigars. This box was aged for slightly over 2 years. I just couldn't wait for 5 years. I must try one.

Aroma at cold - soft tobacco with a hint of leather. A little bit more effort required for the draw but I was happy with it. The first 1/3 was medium bodied with combination of toasted spice and some cocoa. To truly appreciate this lonsdale don't rush this cigar.

The second and last third of the cigar were just above full bodied with spicy and sweeter paprika note. I believed there is still a huge potential for the GM to develop further and smooth out the last third. A mental note to myself, try another in the next 12 months.

Summer Is Here

Famous "Farmer's Building" Santa on Queen Street

1st of December means it's officially summer here in New Zealand. So far the weather is far from an ideal summer. The whole day was cloudy with some showers. The clouds cleared by late afternoon and warm evening took over.

The beginning of summer means Christmas is upon us and time to take a break over the festive holiday period. For me December means fresh berries, Christmas trees and decorations, food, champagne and enjoying cigars outdoor.

Fresh strawberries @ La Cigale French Market

Fresh Central Otago Dawson Cherries

Asia-Pacific Edition Por Larranaga Robusto

Christmas Decorations