02/08/2011

Holly’s Auckland Winter Top Ten


Hello Hello! It’s been rather a while since my last post, so thought I might share a couple of my favourite things about my home town, Auckland. Here are 1 – 3 of 10.
  
1. The New Zealand International Film Festival 
  (Jul 14 – Aug 03)
A highlight of winter for many a partially hibernating Aucklander, the International Film Festival has something for everyone. I can think of no better way to spend a chilly evening than by cosying up under the stars in the beautiful Civic Theatre with a plastic cup of beer or (top quality) NZ wine in hand and being transported away for an hour or two. Jonny and I have had the good fortune of seeing a couple of excellent films so far.


The Civic Theatre

Tabloid – by Errol Morris (2010)
Fantastic documentary by experienced documentarian Morris (Fog of War, Mr Death etc). Former American beauty queen Joyce McKinney is his subject in this bizarre tale of romantic obsession, Mormon priests, smutty porn, a rented cottage in Devon, and the ensuing tabloid palaver she caused in Britain in the late 70s. Not to mention an even weirder plot twist before the final credits roll. If any of you have seen Crazy Love (2007) the American doco about the entangled lives of Burt Pugach and Linda Riss, then you’ll most certainly like Tabloid.



 Joyce McKinney - Tabloid


Submarine – by Richard Ayoade (2010)
Excellent debut film by IT Crowd favourite Richard Ayoade. Submarine follows the fortunes of young outsider Oliver Tate as he comes of age in Swansea in the early 80s (a challenge at the best of times). Fine performances by the Paddy Considine (always ace) as Graham Purvis and Craig Roberts as Oliver. Alex Turner was responsible for the music and he’s come up with the goods with the Submarine EP. Piledriver Waltz is on high rotation in our house at the moment.


 Submarine

 2. Auckland Museum
Perched atop a smallish hill in the green surrounds of the Domain and Winter Garden, the Museum is arguably the best looking building in Auckland and a perennial favourite for young and old alike. Go on a Saturday morning and you can combine a Parnell Farmers Market stop off, as well as coffee in the cute little Go Coffee cafe. 



Museum Opening Day, 1929


3. Little & Friday Cafe in Martha’s Fabrics
A newish addition to Newmarket, Little & Friday is a sweet little cafe hidden away from the Broadway hoards. The white tiled counter provides a nice backdrop to the beautiful selection of cakes and high tea treats which are just waiting to be served to you on a vintage china plate. Like the big shared tables, and the custard tart was very nice indeed. When you’ve finished, stroll through the rolls of fabric in Martha’s, pick up an interesting print - perhaps an upholstery project or that new dress. Or would it be best to look at the fabric first? You wouldn’t want to paw the imported linens and drill cottons with your jammy lamington hands. 



Little & Friday - swatches and brioche

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