GOURMET
TAKE A TOUR OF ANNABELLE WHITE’S HOOD – IT’S FOOD-TASTIC
Travelling and the discovery of new foods is synonymous with good times. We jump on planes and trains to head off in search of delicious treats all over the world, yet sometimes we forget the gastronomic delights right on our doorstep.
Case in point is my Auckland neighbourhood, Birkenhead. More than 115 years ago, my great-grandfather George Dickson arrived in Auckland from Belfast. He was taken with the main north road, complete with a ferry at the end of the point to transport you into the city. He bought land in what was then Birkenhead Village, opposite the post office and over the road from the milk man and his stack of milk cans.
George built a villa for his family and my grandfather was born a few doors down, in the room above the bakery. The property has stayed with the family ever since. Today, my parents live in the villa and my mother says with great pride she’s resided in this suburb for more than 85 years.
Armed with my local knowledge, let me encourage you to jump on a ferry and make a culinary journey to Birkenhead. Take a big bag – there’s much you’ll want to bring home.
Pause for a coffee at Coffee General or Woodside Cafe as you head up the road to Highbury, as central Birkenhead is known. Past the library, make a stop at A la Turca to share a platter. The Besyaprak family arrived from Turkey 10 years ago. For two of those, they’ve been creating delicious mezze plates and doner kebabs from mid-morning till late at night. The authentic Turkish menu really resonates with the locals and many evenings, a line forms outside.
Head over to Chef Rasa Sayang for superb Malaysian food that’s oh so affordable, such as their rice plates: think black pepper beef and rice or chicken curry and rice. Chef David Low worked for many years at KK Malaysian and really
knows his rendang. Next door is Yummy Korean BBQ, where you can also dine superbly well on the cheap. Sizzling plates of pork and rice accompanied by small bowls of Korean garnishes make it feel like a feast.
Walk down to Ott Patisserie for the best dessert and bread selection. German chef and baker Chris Ott has more than 22 years of baking experience. He deftly prepares apple strudel and chocolate cherry cake, and makes equally great yoghurt tarts that beg to be taken home and enjoyed later.
Two doors away is the super Highbury Fisheries, which does splendid fish and chips – you can select the fish from the window and have them batter, crumb or grill it for you. Then there’s Highbury Butcher, where Grant Wright and his team make more than 20 types of sausages. It’s a good old-fashioned, top-quality butcher’s shop.
Across the road from Ott Patisserie is Dutch Delight, a café that sells delicious croquettes, pancakes and baking. Hayashi is an excellent Japanese eatery that serves great lunch specials. But make sure you leave room for gelato from The Gelato Workshop – and try the strawberry sorbet, which is one of the best you could ever taste, with an intense fruit flavour.
Leave room in your bag for the fare at the Casual
Foodie. Former top café owner Christine Thackwell and her talented team prepare great chilled food, baked items and frozen options for home dining – from curry pastes and dressings to lasagne and fish pie. People travel great distances to visit this tiny operation.
As you stagger down the road or catch the bus, you might see my mother and me, so please do call out – everyone in this neighbourhood does. We like to stand outside clothing store Absolutely Fabulous Fashions and wave to people going past. I’m the one with the cane basket. Every day it goes up to Birkenhead empty and returns home filled with goodies.