A burger joint with all the trimmings

Dish of the week

neatplaces.co.nz

The Terrace has gone Rogue. Simon Pepping of Egmont Street Eatery, The Catering Studio, and Sterling is behind the saucy new burger joint, on the ground floor of Park Hotel on the Terrace. Pepping saw a a gap for quick, reasonable options for the lunch and early-evening crowd, with no burger-minded competitors in the area.

The menu takes its cue from classic burger bars. It has a large menu of tasty options with add-ons, plus gluten-free and vegan fare.

Only eight days in, the menu is ‘‘limited,’’ but the spot will go ‘‘full Rogue’’ in a week or two, with more burger options and breakfast.

101 The Terrace, Te Aro.

Noah’s Ark Teahouse, Mt Cook

Bubble tea is proving so popular in the city that Noah’s Ark bubble teahouse is opening another location – Wallace St in Mt Cook – in addition to its Manners St store. The menu will be the same, with milk or fruit teas, and tapioca pearls, jellies and icecream as toppings. The menu can be difficult to navigate for first-timers, but the staff is knowledgeable. Choose milk or fruit tea, your sweetness, temperature, original or slushy, then select your toppings.

77 Wallace St, Mt Cook.

Wellington’s Mexican restaurants

Wellington is truly blessed with great Mexican restaurants. From long-time favourites to new kids on the block, here are the best spots to park up with a pisco sour or Mezcal margarita and try some new dishes.

In central Wellington, Left Bank’s Viva Mexico has recently had a change of ownership. The new menu is updated and is skewed towards tacos and sharing. The team’s love of showcasing Mexican ingredients not found elsewhere in Aotearoa shines in the way flavour combinations and touches such as the housemade hot sauce are combined.

Around the corner, Mexico Wellington is a beloved branch of the national chain restaurant, which features a huge menu and long list of margarita jug flavours.

Viva Mexico Newtown is a beloved outpost for tasty Mexican meals and a fun atmosphere as well. Try the enchiladas and tacos, or the chef’s specials. The menu is also takeaway.

In Miramar, La Boca Loca still holds sway

over the neighbourhood’s favourite eateries after years serving fresh, organic Mexican food.

La Boca Loca has also opened its little sister, Boquita, on Kent Tce. Its plant-based menu of tacos, salads and soups is low key with walk-ins only, and takeaway or eat-in available.

Robbiez Cafe

Seize specialises in raw desserts. Not because they’re trendy (which they are), but because owner Mike de Lange says by going raw, you’re more likely to use ‘‘nutrient dense’’ ingredients.

The philosophy stands the cafe in good stead, and proves its own point with its overwhelmingly popular Raw Snickers Slice. It’s a menu favourite, made from nuts, dates, house-roasted peanuts, (secret) spices, raw chocolate and sea salt. The specific combination of ingredients means it’s a balanced, refined take on that confectionery classic we all know. Grab a slice for $5, any time. Bev Robinson and her daughter Annie have opened Robbiez, a new option for lunch in the central business district, on the seventh floor of the Fujitsu Towers, between The Terrace and Lambton Quay.

‘‘We’ll make anything – if people come in and want to have an omelette, we’ll make it for them. If we’ve got the ingredients then we can do it,’’ says Bev.

That includes anyone with intolerances or eating preferences.

Level Seven, Fujitsu Tower, Lambton Quay.