New Zealand pianist Somi Kim is an associate of the Royal Academy of Music in London.
In this Herald on Sunday series, we ask well-known Aucklanders for their favourite spots in the city. This week, pianist Somi Kim takes us on a tour of her top places.
Favourite beach?
I love walking along Takapuna Beach. Being a shore girl, I have so many fond memories there. You’ll find me there on most Tuesday evenings in the summer with a wrap from Fatimas before heading to quiz nights at Florrie McGreals. Our team is called Quizimodos — if you do quiz nights in Takapuna I’m sure you would have heard of us!
Favourite brunch spot?
Williams Eatery in Wynyard Quarter hits the spot for me — it’s minimalist, clever and imaginative — simple food served with a twist. I love the vibe there, it’s always buzzing on the weekends. Their seasonal menu changes so hurry and make sure you try their crumpet before it disappears — you will not regret it.
Favourite restaurant for dinner with friends?
The best hidden gem on the shore is Cave a vin in Milford. It’s like a little escape to Provence. Chilled, cosy and intimate with a fantastic natural wine list and top-notch food. One of my favourite evenings there ended with about eight of us digging into a hot skillet cookie covered in creamy home-made icecream. But shhh … it’s the kinda place you don’t want to tell too many people about!
Favourite place to take a visitor to?
I recently took my best friend from America for a stroll up Maungawhau (Mt Eden), and he loved it as much as I did. There’s no better place to enjoy iconic views across Tāmaki Makaurau with a pastry in hand from the Paris Mt Eden Bakery. Make sure you get there early enough for the pain au chocolat x almond croissant hybrid before it sells out, they only make a limited number every morning.
Favourite spot to finish a night out?
I can safely say that every big night out for me has ended up by the White Lady burger truck in the CBD. It’s been around for as long as I remember, and I can confirm that the burgers and chips from there taste just as good when you’re sober.
Favourite place to get coffee?
Remedy Coffee is my go-to in the city, they do a great chai latte there. It has a really cool ambience inside and always seems to have a line that always spills out onto the street. I stopped drinking coffee in 2017, but all my caffeinated friends swear by the coffee there!
Favourite fish and chip shop?
Epsom Fresh Fish & Chips in Manukau Rd is our local. It’s the best comfort food and they do it well — their batter is light, the chips are always perfect and the oil isn’t greasy. Our usual order is a battered snapper and chips, pineapple fritter and a surprisingly delicious vegetarian burger. Make sure you order in advance because it gets super-busy on Friday evenings.
Favourite trail for a hike?
My husband and I love heading out to the trails in the Waitākare ranges. Being surrounded by native bush with the sounds of birds, the ocean, or a waterfall is my idea of a perfect weekend. The Kitekite Falls walk is one of our favourites — there’s nothing quite like enjoying a block of the Whitestone Vintage Five Forks cheese and Whittaker’s chocolate at the top of the waterfall.
Favourite venue for a gig?
The Auckland Town Hall feels like a second home for me, and it’s one of my favourite venues for performing and attending a gig. It is so versatile — I’ve performed with orchestras, singers, bands and chamber ensembles there. And once I went to a warehouse rave called Catabombs in the Great Hall, it was a pretty surreal experience to be dancing on the same stage I was performing a classical music concert on just a few days prior!
Favourite place to find a bargain?
Bargain hunting is a hobby of mine, I even thrifted my wedding dress and hen’s-night dress! Designer Wardrobe is my favourite place to buy and sell pre-loved items. I’ve sold over 80 items on there, and I think it’s special that each pre-loved item comes with its own story and history. There are so many bargains on there, it can get pretty addictive!