The steady life in sales and prices started in the central Auckland suburbs over a year ago and has now spread across the new supercity. But as Bruce Morris reports, it's still tough going out in the provinces.

You know how much you're prepared to pay, so why take so long to lay your cards on the table? Bruce Morris ponders the slow-coach tactics of the auction room.

New eatery on the block shows why it is a hit with the cool crowd.

Enjoy a parade of delicious bites at Tin Soldier.

Delight was short-lived when the menu's lean offerings were matched by the service.

Soto's food and decor will likely have you waxing lyrical.

It's easy to overlook places that have been round a while in this city of ever-opening restaurants, but we'd been hearing good things about the Ponsonby Road Bistro.

Chapel Bar & Bistro is the alter of cool.

Ponsonby newcomer kicks off to a strong start.

An unusual combination of Italian and Iranian, in a Ponsonby eatery, gets the chilli just right.

For the 19 years the residents of Franklin Road have been decorating their homes with lights in the countdown to Christmas.

A Ponsonby Thai eatery is full of fun and freshness.

The menu may be brief but still leaves something to be desired.

We came here because it is the new local of friends who live nearby and one of the newest additions to Ponsonby's cafe strip.