Benedict’s Cafe on St Benedicts St, just up the road from Hard to Find Books. A lovely place for a Sunday brunch while flicking through my latest purchases.
Favourite restaurant for dinner with friends?
Gemmayze St – in St Kevin’s Arcade. Best hummus on earth … the lamb made my wife cry when she first tasted it, it was so good.
Favourite place to take a visitor to?
Maungakiekie – superb views of the city and shoreline, a great climb, and significant history – everything Auckland in one!
Favourite spot to finish a night out?
My balcony, right in the heart of the city, with a single malt and a cool breeze.
Favourite place to get coffee?
Red Rabbit in St George’s Bay Rd – my office away from the office.
Favourite fish and chips shop?
The Fishmonger Seafood Delicatessen, St Heliers. I take it to the beach and look out over Rangitoto and feel life is good!
Favourite trail for a hike?
We are ticking off climbing every volcano in Tāmaki, one by one.
Favourite venue for a gig?
I want to get into the restored St James Theatre, once it’s up and running – I hear such great things about historic gigs there, and it’s an awesome space. Meanwhile, the Auckland Town Hall, where I’ll be conducting Bluebeard’s Castle, has a special place in my heart – an old-style shoebox concert hall with a beautiful acoustic, just 90 seconds’ walk from my apartment!
Favourite place to find a bargain?
Briscoes – great reductions! My director of finance put me on to it, obviously.
General director of New Zealand Opera Brad Cohen conducts Bartók’s Bluebeard’s Castle on March 13 and 14 at the Auckland Town Hall as part of the Te Ahurei Toi o Tāmaki Auckland Arts Festival, featuring Auckland Philharmonia and international opera stars baritone Lester Lynch (US) and soprano Susan Bullock (UK).
