• The rumours have been rife but we can tell you that Chop Chop, the new noodle bar with chef Che Barrington at the helm, opens on Tuesday at 4pm.
Just outside the back door of Blue Breeze Inn, right in the hub of Ponsonby Central, you'll discover a cute beach-style hut with walls constructed of cut manuka branches and gorgeous colourful fiesta lights swaying in the breeze above.
Perching on one of the solid wooden bar stools surrounding the central "kitchen" will remind you of being on holiday and eating beach-side or street-side at any, or all, of your favourite Asian holiday destinations. With Blue Breeze Inn and Moochowchow legends Barrington (pictured above) and Mark Wallbank behind this operation, these are bound to be some of the finest noodles in the town.
• On Waiheke Island this summer a favourite Surfdale location, previously Thymes Tables, re-opened as Frenchot, a cafe, creperie and bistro. During the daytime their tranquil courtyard is the perfect place for a morning coffee and croissant or crepe, especially if you position yourself close enough to the kitchen to let the gorgeous accents of the French-speaking staff wash over you.
