Auckland’s avo hot spots

Counting down Auckland’s top four avocado dishes.

The humble avocado has become a lightning rod for the housing affordability woes of millennials. Ever since Australian rich-lister Tim Gurner blamed the global housing crisis on a taste amongst the young for smashed avocado at hip brunch spots the fruit has occupied a special place in our housing debate. So when it comes to opinions on Auckland’s best avocado dishes, who better to ask than the city’s millennial renters? MEADOW, ST. JOHN’S Jess Molina, a 25-year-old Digital Engagement Specialist and Blogger, likes to escape the hustle and bustle of the central city on weekends by retreating to Meadow, a restaurant in Auckland’s innereast. ‘‘Their avocado smash on grain toast is a reinvention of a classic dish and I love that the added texture and flavour from spiced pumpkin seeds. I order a side of streaky bacon when I’m in the mood to really treat myself.’’ FRASER’S CAFE, MT. EDEN PR Professional Chamanthie Sinhalage, 29, says the avocado in the Paleo Chicken Salad at Fraser’s Cafe is firm and fresh without being bland. ‘‘For an avocado lover, this is actually a very important detail.’’ THE ARTISAN, WIRI Josh, a 28-year-old technical product marketer/business analyst, finishes his Saturday morning run with a mortgage-stopping stack of bacon, poached eggs, feta topped with chilli flakes, five-grain toast, and, of course, avocado at The Artisan. COFFEE LAB, GLENFIELD Photographer Brooke Baker says Coffee Lab roasts their own coffee on site and has all kinds of avocado on their strong brunch menu from smoothie bowls to avocado smash. ‘‘They take care with their food.’’