Hi Everyone!
WOWEE! Has anyone else got that feeling that the year is flashing by? It seems only yesterday that we were all coming back from our holidays. Now we are in March and Easter is on the horizon. This week I have been extra busy (actually I have been over the last few but especially ESPECIALLY this week) because TEDxWellington is coming up on Saturday 5 March. I am part of the team that is organising this years event and my role on the day will be Head of Front of House. Luckily I'm gonna be helped by some amazing volunteers. It feels like it has been work to meeting to meeting to meeting and going to a Fringe or NZ Festival Event or film showing and the writing a blog post and then bed lately, only to start all over again the next day. So I apologise if you have noticed any typos while I have been tapping away frantically in the wee hours (or in this case, this morning before work).
Why am I telling you all this? Because everything I have been eating is on the go lately!
If you are a Wellingtonian like me, you love great food and don't want to sacrifice quality for speed. Plus you want variety! Yes, everyone loves a bit of cheeky Macca's every now and again or a heavy, greasy kebab. But for when you need something super fast and want it to be delicious and quick, boy have I got the answers for you.
Here are some of my recent tasty on-the-go food finds from the capital. Just remember to take extra napkins. Enjoy!
1. Stories Espresso, Lower Cuba Street
If you need coffee - stat - look no further than Stories Espresso. Located at the end of Cuba Street, it is bang en route for the morning commute coffee. Just walk in and they pretty much hand it to you. Never a long wait and awesome service, especially when ex-Red Rabbit coffee guy Kirk is there!
But wait! I hear you cry. Lucy! Coffee isn't a food!
Like hell it's not. We are Wellingtonians. Coffee may not equal a fully rounded diet but if I don't have time for breakfast and I need something to line my stomach, a coffee will fill the gap. If I just need a pick me up, a long black will do. So yes, technically not food, but def an on-the-go necessity. And with Stories you skip the waiting and get down to business, unlike some other coffee joints.
You can also pick up a salted caramel cookie from Leeds Street Bakery! Mmmmmm.
Another Alternative - Acme Coffee from Prefab Eatery, Jessie Street
Another choice is ACME Coffee from Prefab on Jessie Street, if you are coming from Mount Vic end of town on foot. You do have to go into the cafe, but you will get your coffee in double time.
You can also get a filled roll for lunch - Prefab does these so well.
2. The Greek Food Truck, normally corner of Dixon/Taranaki or Waterfront
I LOVE Greek food. And these guys do the best in the city, on-the-go. A family affair, with plenty of sass and flavour, if you want a proper meal, look no further than the Greek Food Truck. Often parked up in the area by Taranaki and Dixon Street during the week, or down on the Waterfront, these guys are the real deal. Their food is fresh and tasty and they have all the trimmings at a bargain price. Souvlaki anyone?
3. The Little Waffle Shop, 53 Courtenay Place
"... and in the morning, I'm makin' Waffles" famously said Donkey from the classic movie 'Shrek' WHO LOVES WAFFLES! And in turn, who loves this gorgeous little hole-in-the-wall stall where you can get hot fresh waffles, with daily specials. The Little Waffle Shop is a fantastic quick and easy snack, desert or treat for your loved one. It also makes a great option for a date on a shoe string budget. Whipped cream and peanut butter and jam. This may not score as many points on the healthy scale, but boy are these waffles tasty. Grab your plastic fork and dig in!
4. Ngon, Vietnamese Food - North End Lambton Quay
Ngon does quick and delicious vietnamese for CBD office workers and everyone in between. The food here is a fresh and yummy alternative to sushi.
You can get your Pho or Banh Mi to-go or dine in if you have a little time. Their ingredients are fresh and their bread is soft and crunchy by turns. I am falling in love with Vietnamese street food and I am so glad I can get my fix here down this end of town. Try it! So good...
5. Dumpling'd, the Terrace
Dumplings are a yummy and easy food to eat on-the-go. Cripsy, oily and full of flavour, these are my favourite at the moment. Dumpling'd is again at the North End of Lambton/ the Terrace.
Everyone, from Public Servants to Road Workers, love dumplings.
At $7 for 8, they are an absolute bargain. They even sometimes slip in an extra one or two. Head down to Midland Park in the sun and devour with gusto.
And people-watch to your heart's content.
6. Tommy Millions, 142 Featherston Street and 101/103 Courtenay Place
Did someone say PIZZA! Tommy Million's are the bomb at New York Style Pizza in Wellington. Recently they opened a new joint (pictured) so you can get your pizza fix when you are at work down the CBD. It packs in the same great staff and the same great pizza. No skimping!
Make are you order more than one slice. Who are you kidding? Don't be good - just enjoy the yummy flavours and delicious pizza of Tommy and the gang. Who is ready to get their pizza face on? Margherita please!!
7. Carrello Gelato, Oriental Bay
Gelato is a personal favourite treat. It is so good to sooth all manner of feelings. I am also really into interesting flavours. Carella Gelato have been selling through other stores, but recently opened their flagship on Oriental Bay.
Just because Wellington doesn't always have icecream eating weather, doesn't mean gelato and sorbet aren't perfect snacks for any kind of weather. Look out at the misty view over Oriental Parade and enjoy the smooth flavours of Carrello Gelato. Belissima!
So those are my top 7 on-the-go street eats. Wellington always has more places popping up, so I am sure the list will keep growing and changing. What are your favourite on-the-go eats?
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Surrealism at Te Papa is where it’s at this winter with these wonderful events…!