, New Zealand

Back to our bones

Espressos at Eighthirty

By Kenny Mah

It’s our last day in New Zealand. We are back in Auckland, to recuperate after driving all over the South Island before our flight home. For a little mid-afternoon pick me up, we head to Ponsonby Central in the gentrified neighbourhood of the same name.

This food haven combines a produce market – offering fresh seafood, meat, organic fruits and vegetables, cheeses and wines – with a diverse range of restaurants, cafés and bars. It’s a one-stop gourmand’s paradise. Sounds like just what we need.

But first: coffee.

We join the queue for an espresso pulled by the cheerful baristas at Eighthirty Coffee Roasters tucked in the rear of the market. A few quick sips and we’re done. But it’s all we need. A shot of caffeine to bring life back to our bones.

Now, let’s get us some grub…