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

Casual Japanese @ Renkon

Yakiniku pork

Looking for a great Japanese meal without damaging the wallet? Well look no further. Renkon serves a reasonable selection of donburi or don. The menu consists of everyday favorites like katsu, teriyaki, yakiniku and curry with either rice or udon noodles. The menu is also complimented with salads and japanese sides.

Renkon's Kitchen

Inside Renkon

The dining area is simple. I don't mind it at all since the food is the main star here. The all Japanese kitchen staff consistently produce fresh and good quality food without too much fuss. One of mine all time favorite at Renkon is the pork katsu curry. Japanese curry has a rich texture, hint of sweetness without the overpowering spices.

 

Karaage Chicken

I had the yakiniku pork for my main and karaage chicken as my side. To balance the all meat dishes, I ordered a bowl of meiiji mushroom salad. The pork was thinly sliced, well marinated and bbq to perfection. Who needs KFC when there's karaage chicken. Crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. The taste is greatly enhanced with a squeeze of lemon and finally dipped in the mayonnaise.

I rate Renkon the best casual Japanese restaurant in Auckland. Renkon is located in Parnell and next to Paper Plus.



Renkon
211 Parnell Road, Auckland

Cigars @ Invito

One of mine favourite place in the CBD for cigar is Invito at the Chancery. This cafe, bar & restaurant is only a short walk away from High Street, the fashion street of Auckland. I usually avoid the lunch time crowd and enjoy a cigar with nice cup of coffee. For the ladies, I know Invito prepares a killer hot chocolate and mochaccino.

Cigars are always welcome here. I've even been approached by a patron one day enquiring about the cigar I was enjoying.

I was enjoying a Por Larranaga Petite Corona while a friend was enjoying a fantastic Cohiba Siglo 2 from a beautiful tubos. We had a glass of Peroni with our cigars. Wonderful aromatic beer.

Invito Cafe-Bar-Restaurant

7 Bacons Lane, Chancery, Auckland

Sunday mohito

The Two M

What's your favourite drink with cigars? For a fine sunny afternoon I prefer a refreshing and cool Cuban mohito. The mohito helps to refresh the palate after a few puffs.

So how do you like your mohito? Kudos to the bartender. The mint leaves and lemon were well muddled and just right balance of Havana Club rum. However I prefer a mohito made with lime rather than lemon.

Cargo's outdoor balcony

View of the Viaduct Harbour

This is my first time having a drink at Cargo Bar and Lounge. The bar is located at the restaurant precint of the viaduct harbour and next to Degree Gastrobar. The viaduct harbour is Auckland's most happening waterfront and just a stone throw away from the central business district.

It has been a while since I had a Montecristo Petite Edmundo. I punched the cap rather than cutting it. Perfect draw and rich tobacco taste when it's cold. This PE is richer in flavours and depth than the Edmundo.

Montecristo Petite Edmundo

Cargo Bar / Restaurant / Lounge

204 Quay Street, Viaduct Basin, Auckland

Snippets of Auckland photolog

Auckland was blessed with nice sunny days over the weekend. It was certainly a nice break from cold and wet days during the working week. Took out the outdoor chair and fired up a Por Larranaga petite corona. Match the classic habano marque with some Glenfiddich 15 yrs old Solero single malt. More about this next time.

Back to the summer theme, here are some photos around Auckland. Enjoy !

Downtown Auckland

Yachts at Lighter Quay

Auckland Ferry Terminal


Flat white


Afternoon cigar


Auckland Sky Tower


Mondena 360