Fives Loaves Eatery on Jervois Rd is my current favourite. Their smashed avo is excellent. I should probably branch out a bit more but that smashed avo is so good I struggle to look past it.
Favourite restaurant for dinner with friends?
When the family are over from Sydney, we tend to head to Soul Bar & Bistro. It has great views, great food, service is excellent, and I can walk there from my apartment, meaning I get to enjoy a glass of wine or two.
Favourite place to take a visitor to?
Waiheke Island hands down. Because it is so close I don’t think Kiwis appreciate just how good it is. It is like being on holiday, without having all the admin of being on holiday.
Favourite spot to finish a night out?
After a game, the coaching staff and I like to head to Andiamo to chat through the result. Game day can be pretty tense, so this is an excellent way to wind down after a big day. They’ve also got a great new menu we’re slowly working our way through.
Favourite place to get coffee?
Mibo Bakery does excellent coffee. It’s a great pick-me-up after a run or a walk. They’ve got a few outlets now, including one in Milford that I occasionally make a beeline for when travelling over to the North Shore.
Favourite fish-and-chip shop?
I’ve got to be honest and say I haven’t had a huge amount of fish and chips here. But I have tried Fish Smith, again on Jervois Rd, a couple of times and never been disappointed.
Favourite trail for a hike?
I probably haven’t done enough hikes in Auckland and I’m certainly keen to do more. Danny Hay and I went to Rangitoto a while back. That was a good little adventure with some incredible views at the top. I would definitely recommend it.
Favourite venue for a gig?
Not strictly a gig but if it is entertainment you are after then may I recommend a trip to watch Auckland FC at Go Media Stadium? The club does an excellent job of making sure there is plenty going on each match to keep everyone engaged, and as for the team, we’re currently top of the league so we’re as good on the pitch as the entertainment is off it.
Favourite place to find a bargain?
The New Balance Outlet Store on Beaumont St near my apartment is a bit of a hidden gem. There are no other shops around it so I think it’s a little slept on, which is great for me as they always have stuff in my size.
Steve Corica is the head coach of Auckland FC. Originally from Sydney, Steve played more than 400 professional games in Australia, Japan and the UK, and was capped 32 times for Australia. He recently guided Auckland FC to silverware as A-League Premiers in their debut season, breaking numerous records in the process. He lives in the city’s Wynyard Quarter.
