Tonight we went to a restaurant called Taiko, a small, quaint little Japanese restaurant hidden in an alley way on Kingsland. We had spent the entire afternoon in Mission Bay, and after a day at the beach I felt like Japanese cuisine for dinner. There is a Japanese restaurant near Queen Street that I frequent often for lunch in Auckland along with friends, because the food is light and authentic, however, in the mood for a change of scenery and decor, we passed Queen Street for a walk in Kingsland. We walked down Kingsland’s restaurant strip, to find Taiko, hidden in an alley, below a busy European café. 

Taiko is adorned in authentic Japanese decor, with wax-paper umbrella’s, silk Kimono’s and cosy dimmed lanterns for lighting.  Perfect for a late evening dinner after a day out.

Upon entering we met a charming Eurasian waitress who greeted us and seated us… We went through the extensive menu with her, not knowing what to expect, and we received the best… She was charming, polite, and overtly cute.

We indulged in a complete menu selection, which was a tasteful selection of everything in small amounts from the menu. True Japanese cuisine is not only delicious, it’s an art form. The carved flowers, fresh fish, Teriyaki, seafood and delicate rice was among some of the best I have had in the city. Taiko is a taste of Japan, out of Japan… With all Japanese staff, and authentic Sushi chef’s. Taiko also serves authentic Green tea, a nice taste refreshment in between selections. The amount of attention to detail and quality was all too reminiscent of the cuisine I had in French Polynesia, delicious is an understatement.

I have been to so many café’s and restaurants in the city, especially over the last couple of days, but Taiko, the hidden Japanese restaurant is amid many, now one of my favorites. 

Today was my birthday. I am one year older and one year wiser. I had a great time with La Famiglia… We had a pleasant dinner together by the seaside, finished with French Vanilla Cake, coffee, gifts and cards. And of course, I took a few photographs…

Yesterday I spent my day off strolling around the seasides of Whaingaroa. Here are a few of my favorite snapshots. – Breathtaking.