In this Herald on Sunday series, we ask well-known Aucklanders for their favourite spots in the city. This week, musician Joe Kaptein takes us on a tour of his top places.
Favourite beach?
In Auckland? Piha. Tough question having grown up near the beautiful Tutukākā Coast in Whangārei, where we are spoilt for choice!
Favourite brunch spot?
A recent discovery – Little French Cafe in Mt Albert, who do some mean pastries.
Favourite restaurant for dinner with friends?
Spicy House on Dominion Road is a go-to – or anywhere with a BYO!
Favourite place to take a visitor to?
Mt Eden for the best view in town – or to the Domain.
Favourite spot to finish a night out?
Lurking on Karangahape Road with a burger from the White Lady is always a good spot to end up in!
Favourite place to get coffee?
Some of the best coffees I have had in Auckland have been from Z gas stations! Or whenever I’m at recording at Roundhead Studios, the coffees are pretty killer there too – the staff are also very handy baristas.
Favourite fish-and-chip shop?
The best I’ve had in recent memory was from Eastern Beach Dairy Fish and Chips.
Favourite trail for a hike?
Waiti Stream, out by Bethells Beach, complete with sand dunes and swimming hole, pretty stunning.
Favourite venue for a gig?
Neck of the Woods, Audio Foundation and Freida Margolis always have some of the most interesting gigs around town, as well of some of my own most memorable experiences of gigs I’ve played! The Civic Theatre is also pretty amazing.
Favourite place to find a bargain?
The sale bins at Real Groovy – all sorts of interesting records pop up there. Or there’s always something cool to be found in Junk and Disorderly too.
Joe Kaptein joins the Somethin’ Else – A Weekend of Jazz as part of Auckland Live Summer in the Square – four weekends of free, whānau-friendly fun starting Saturday January 25. Catch him live on Saturday and Sunday February 15-16. Details at aucklandlive.co.nz.
'I live in London, and over here they still talk about Jonah as if he’s still playing'.