Andrew Papas plays Romeo in the highly anticipated local production of & Juliet. Photo / Supplied
In this Herald on Sunday series, we ask well-known Aucklanders for their favourite spots in the city. This week, singer, musician and actor Andrew Papas takes us on a tour of his top places.
Favourite beach?
I spent a lot of my time growing up on the North Shore, and we’d always find our way to Takapuna Beach. The vibe was always great, plenty of places to eat and an easy bus ride straight there, which was pretty handy as a teenager who couldn’t drive yet. Later on, I actually moved there with my wife Megan (my fiancée at the time), and we still visit regularly. It’s also got a great boat ramp that works in both low and high tide, which makes it perfect for family jetski outings.
Brunch spot?
I love a good brunch spot, especially now that we have kids. Trying to do a long, special dinner out can be tricky with little ones, they get tired and bored pretty quickly so brunch is often a bit more achievable. Our favourite spot at the moment is Miss Riverhead. Some friends invited us out there and we loved it straight away. The menu is great with some really delicious options. I always go for the mushrooms, and my wife gets the Turkish eggs. The staff are incredibly lovely and attentive too.
Best restaurant for dinner with friends?
La Zeppa has become a real favourite of ours. A night out there honestly feels like being transported somewhere far beyond Auckland. The menu is delicious, the staff are fantastic, and the drinks are crafted to perfection. But the vibe is what I love most, the design, the music, and the outdoor dining area all come together to create a pretty amazing night out.
The place to take a visitor to?
If time allows, I love taking visitors on a little day trip to Hamilton Gardens. I’ve always been a big fan of their themed gardens, it’s unlike anything else I’ve seen. Rain or shine, and at any time of year, there’s always something new to explore. The drive down is great for catching up too, and it makes the whole outing feel like a bit of a mini road trip.
Best coffee?
When I visit my parents on the North Shore, I usually swing by Beaufort + Co, the cafe I used to own, because it’s on the way. They use beans from my favourite roasters, Altura Coffee, and the baristas there are top notch. They consistently make some of the best coffees around.
Hiking trail?
The walk from Takapuna Beach along the coastline to Milford Beach is a beautiful one. Most of the trail is paved, with a few spots where you have to climb over some rocks, which just adds a bit of adventure. You’ve got the fresh sea air the whole way, plus incredible views out to Rangitoto Island.It’s one of those walks that never gets old.
Venue for a gig?
The Civic Theatre, where I’ll be performing as Romeo in &Juliet, is my all-time favourite venue. The place holds so much history that you can feel the energy in the air as soon as you walk in. The most beautiful feature, and my personal favourite, is the famous starry night sky ceiling. The 1000+ stars are positioned to replicate the Auckland night sky exactly as it appeared at 10pm on April 20, 1929, when construction on the theatre began. It’s pretty magical.
Andrew Papas plays Romeo in the highly anticipated local production of & Juliet. The show will open at The Civic in Auckland on April 9, before heading to St James Theatre in Wellington from May 9, and Isaac Theatre Royal in Christchurch from May 30. Created by Emmy-winning Schitt’s Creek writer David West Read and featuring the hit songs of Swedish pop powerhouse Max Martin, the smash musical flips the script on the greatest love story ever told, asking: what would happen if Juliet chose to live on instead of ending it all over Romeo?