My Weekend: Amanda Linnell

Shaved beef plate and a selection of cocktails at XuXu. Picture / Babiche Martens.

Viva editor Amanda Linnell. Photo / Babiche Martens

Viva editor Amanda Linnell shares her top Auckland spots when she's not relaxing at her Waiheke home or busy pulling together the pages of her magazine.

Trying ... I want to try Grandma's pork banh mi from The Return of Rad in Mt Eden: Vietnamese pork, pickled turnip and carrots, cucumber, coriander, chilli and chicken cognac pate on a baguette - sounds yum!

Relaxing ... Any hillside where there is long grass and an amazing view, warm sunshine and good company and relaxed, meandering conversations.
Otherwise, a reflexology foot massage at East Day Spa is fantastic mid-week for a pick me up.

Anticipating ... The International Film Festival ... The perfect way to be transported from cold, wet mid-winter Auckland. Hot on my list: Dior and I, Yves Saint Laurent and Louise Brooks in the digitally restored 1930 French film Prix de beaute.

Drinking ... If it is sunny a few wines over a platter in Prego's courtyard on a Friday afternoon is my latest favourite. The nibbles at Xuxu at Britomart are always delicious, think chilli and ginger fish skewers with lime and coriander and steamed shrimp dumplings with nuoc cham and spring onion oil.

Dining ... I want to get back to Masu at SkyCity Grand Hotel. I can't stop dreaming about their crispy fried squid with green chilli and lime, and their Alaskan king crab leg with smoked wasabi with lime butter. Orphan's Kitchen on Ponsonby Rd is another favourite.

Going ... Most weekends it's back to Waiheke where we'll be pottering in the garden, going for big walks, picnicking on the beach, and eating at our favourite restaurants The Shed at Te Motu Vineyard and The Oyster Inn.

Shopping ... I never seem to have time to shop, but I would love more time in Unity Books, to be able to spend more in Scotties Boutique, and to fossick around stores like Flotsam&Jetsam in Grey Lynn.

Loving ... On the ferry heading to Waiheke. When the harbour is alive with boats and the skyline is glistening in the sun, you can't help but love this great city. And, anywhere I am with friends and family.

- VIVA