Tagged: lot 23
Yelp Event: #Aucklandmade with “The Lucky Taco” at Lot 23
As luck is on my side – I was recently invited to attend the first series of ‘Artisan’ talks hosted by Yelp Auckland at Lot 23. First up (of these talks) was Otis & Sarah Frizzell who founded, own & presently operate “The Lucky Taco”, since May 2013. I was intrigued to hear all about their entrepreneurial journey and their ‘go to’ product; so far they have collaborated with the likes of Nice Blocks, The Collective NZ (no bull yoghurt), BMW and endless others. Like all start-ups – Otis & Sarah – have had an action-packed ride on the path to success. I was delighted to try some of the ‘hot’ sauces on offer including Halanero, Jalapeño & Chipotle. Now stocked in 60 ‘New World’ supermarkets across New Zealand, so you can now have this on tap in your pantry! I purchased some (not on the market yet) ‘Chilli Salt’ which I can’t wait to try on poached eggs! ‘Auckland in a box’ were showcasing too – with a giveaway of local artisan products. Lot 23 is an exceptional space for events, executed to a high standard. The crowd finished off all the sample tacos in record time. Impressed. Nice one Yelp: Gold. That’s all.
Best 3 Cafes In Central Auckland
Bunker
What a find! Bunker cafe is hidden away – just off Great North Road – not the easiest place to find, however when you do: bliss. I personally love ‘hard to find’ quirky, urban cafes that don’t do conventional. ‘Bunker Cafe’ is just that; a converted container surrounded by designer bean bags, wooden benches, pews and a concrete garden. Atomic coffee is on offer, along with oversized sweet & savoury brioche, gourmet pies, sweet fare and gastronomic European sandwiches filled with a multitude of choices. I decided on the bacon & egg ciabatta that was winking at me. Everything is takeaway: served on disposable plates. Service is fabulous and personable. Parking is scarce. Ambience is a writer’s dream. You better go now before everyone knows about it!
Kokako
BIG fan – not sure why I have not been here before as its in my neighbourhood! Located on the corner of Great North Rd & Williamson Ave, it’s central Grey Lynn. The space is modern, bright and inviting. As I approached the counter, the barista was beaming as she asked “how are you?” Fantastic: personable, engaging and gives’ a sh*t. Some cafes are just too busy to care – “Kokako” does care. The cabinet food looked fresh, appetising and healthy with all the usual options available: berry muffins, scummy sandwiches & other mouth-watering treats. Reasonably priced from $4.50. I was looking forward to the coffee, of course. It didn’t disappoint – my triple shot flat white. The cafe was extremely busy for a morning weekday; that explains a lot. Very impressed with this flagship cafe: “Kokako”!
Lot 23
Lot 23 is a place that you may read about in ‘Viva’; then make the (conscious) decision to visit, before it’s everyone’s hang-out.
Located in Minnie Street, Eden Terrace which happens to be where TVNZ ‘Step Dave’s’ (blue) house is situated!
As you enter the space: walls are filled with the latest art curated by Natalie Tozer, concrete floor, wooden old-school chairs, complimented with a super-slick white interior that acts as a great canvas for everything art!
The menu is delectable: ‘Ugly bagels’ topped with lashings of cream cheese, capers and fresh salmon, daily soup choice/s, croissant filled with Camembert, tomato and ham off the bone, ‘Baghdad eggs’ and coconut ice!
Every mouthful is ‘gastronomy’ and flavoursome. I particularly love the ‘Brazilian coffee’ that stimulates the senses – like coffee should. I can’t get enough of Lot 23.
Abstract Art Exhibits At Lot 23
I recently attended ‘subject to change’ art extravaganza showcasing at Lot 23. What a feast of work by Philippa Blair & Natalie Tozer: both New Zealand-born abstract painters who collaborated with their bold, experimental & ambiguous paintings – that provoke and excite. All the guests celebrated the 1st birthday of Lot 23 surrounded by frisky, vibrant & intoxicating art: (also) for sale. The exhibition continues until mid-December. Definitely worth a visit; the Brazilian coffee is magical too.
Hippest Cafe in Auckland: Lot 23
Lot 23 is a place that you may read about in ‘Viva’; then make the (conscious) decision to visit, before it’s everyone’s hang-out.
Located in Minnie Street, Eden Terrace which happens to be where TVNZ ‘Step Dave’s’ (blue) house is situated!
As you enter the space: walls are filled with the latest art curated by Natalie Tozer, concrete floor, wooden old-school chairs, complimented with a super-slick white interior that acts as a great canvas for everything art!
The menu is delectable: ‘Ugly bagels’ topped with lashings of cream cheese, capers and fresh salmon, daily soup choice/s, croissant filled with Camembert, tomato and ham off the bone, ‘Baghdad eggs’ and coconut ice!
Every mouthful is ‘gastronomy’ and flavoursome. I particularly love the ‘Brazilian coffee’ that stimulates the senses – like coffee should.
I can’t get enough of Lot 23.
Interactive Art – ‘The Bridge Gathers’
Thursday, 29 May 2014
Press Release: Melissa Fergusson Consulting
Interactive Art – ‘The Bridge Gathers’
Lot 23 are proudly exhibiting Helen Clegg’s latest work called ‘The Bridge Gathers’ opening 29 May – 20 June 2014.
Clegg photographs in a non-traditional manner, using a black cable in most of her work which is designed to engage the viewer, by connecting Clegg on both an internal and external level.
Born in the UK, and now resides in Auckland. Clegg was awarded the ‘NZAAT Emerging Artist Award’ in 2013. The ‘Bridge Gathers’ is Clegg’s second solo exhibition in conjunction with the Auckland Festival of Photography beginning 29 May.
On 3 June, Lot 23 will be hosting an interactive art component of Clegg’s exhibition for the public from 6pm – 9pm, 23 Minnie Street, Eden Terrace.
Interview with Helen Clegg
1. What makes you get out of bed in the morning?
The prospect of a new day I find really exciting, I’m definitely a morning person, I love the feeling of being fresh out of bed and I’m most productive in the mornings. That and coffee, coffee gets me out of bed in the morning.
2. When did you discover photography?
I’ve always played with my parents’ cameras for as long as I can remember, although it was when I was 8 years old and had just started a new primary school when I really fell in love with photography – this school had a photography club and darkroom classes, something I’d never come across before, that’s when I discovered photography as an artform and it’s been my medium of choice ever since.
3. What is your favourite colour?
It’s hard to pick one favourite, I’m a very colourful person and my preferred colour changes over time. I love grey, it’s so versatile, complements all other colours perfectly, and is so diverse in it’s range – it can be warm or cold, light or dark, and takes on aspects of all other colours.
4. What is one thing you would change about the world – if you could?
I don’t have an answer to this question, there’s just too much to list. I’m definitely an optimist, but I realise that that’s very easy when you’re coming from the privileged position of living in the “developed world”. I suppose I’d like to see living become easier for everyone on this planet. Just don’t ask me how.
5. Do you believe in fate?
No. I’m very much a “take each day as it comes” type of person, I don’t like to think that it’s all pre-decided, that there’s nothing we can do to change our future, it’s unsettling.
6. Who is your inspiration?
I have many inspirations, but my mother would be my main one. She’s a courageous, generous, honest and kind woman, and inspires me everyday. My artistic inspirations vary far and wide, and change like my favourite colour changes.
7. When it comes to chocolate – Cadbury or Whittakers?
I’m not really a big chocolate person but if I’d have to choose it’d be Whittakers – when I do eat chocolate it’s dark chocolate.
8. Do you prefer high heels or flats?
Flats, and more specifically flat boots. There’s very little worse in life than cold toes! (Or sore feet from heels, I rarely wear them, what’s worth the pain?)
9. Are you scared of spiders?
No.
10. What makes you happy?
So many things – sunshine, landscape, friends, cake and cats to name a few. And my partner, waking up next to him everyday makes me happy.
melissafergusson 