Hunger is Non Negotiable sign at Elliott Stables
I’m a chicken with heights let me admit that right now. It’s this forceful fear that prevents me from getting up on a ladder beyond the fourth step and so I stand white knuckled, looking 186 metres down. Allow me to explain. With a little bit of time to kill we went to the Sky Tower where we could view the splendour of Auckland from 186 metres up. There is a see through rim where your sight can plunge all the way down to the ground. Even though the signs say that the glass is very thick, I’m not taking any chances and I walk gingerly around that (as does everyone else! 
). An interesting tidbit is that the equivalent of 8,765,903 gumboots full of concrete were used to build the Sky Tower.
We met these folks at Sky Tower
It was a fairly clear day so we could see quite f into the distance while Mr NQN looked out for Louis Vuitton cup boats in the harbour below. I amused myself with buying bar of Pineapple Lump chocolate, something that I had seen my NZ friends get rather excited over. And we bumped into Captain Feathersword!
My lumps, my lumps, my lovely pineapple lumps!
We walk to downtown Auckland and do some shopping adn past Elliott Stables which are mostly closed this Sunday afternoon before making our way to the viaduct harbourside area.
We’re seated outside as we have requested and the light is quite bright shining in our eyes and on this Sunday afternoon the crowds seem relaxed. Service here reminds me of Sydney, some anxious serious floorstaff and the occasional relaxed waiter.
Marinated kingfish with ponzu, salmon caviar and shitake mushrooms $17.00
The very prettily presented kingfish dish which sounded so divine is a little overwhelmed with the black sesame and the sauce. It’s a good sized serving though for the sashimi style kingfish and I like the generous amount of roe on top.
Soul’s chowder with hapuku, mussels, shrimps and saffron $17.50
I felt like something creamy and this does the trick perfectly. The chowder is perfectly seasoned and Mr NQN has his eye on this once he tastes a spoonful. There was however not really any prawn or mussel although there were large chunks of fish.
‘Over the Moon’ goats’ curd gnocchi watercress puree and black olive tapenade $26.50
I mentioned I was on a cheesy kick so this was also instantly gratifying. Although it doesn’t appear as a large serve this is perhaps because the pieces are all spread out on a large plate whereas we may get this in the centre of a soup bowl. It’s heaven in little pillow shaped bite sized morsels, the gnocchi tender and light.
Pan fried John Dory on whipped cauliflower with blood orange grenobloise and crispy sourdough croutons $36.50
I do love John Dory and the sound of this sounded divine but I was taken aback by the predominance of an unexpected sauce ingredient which was pink grapefruit which I found was quite dominating and gave the dish a sourness that rendered it a tad too sour for me (and a shame as the rest was delicious and the fish well cooked). Perhaps they weren’t able to get blood orange that day. I ask the waitress whether there is pink grapefruit and she checks with the kitchen and there is and they offer to make me another. Mr NQN is hungry though and eats it.
Creamed feta spinach with fried almonds $7.50
I was hoping for a more traditional creamed spinach. The side dish isn’t quite as satisfying as I would have liked. Blending the spinach would have made it easier to eat but it was quite wet with the sauce at the bottom when I put it on the plate and there wasn’t quite enough sauce on the spinach itself.
Even with the little issues with the dishes, there is a definite relaxed and jovial atmosphere to the restaurant particularly since there are America’s Cup sailors and crew around.
So tell me Dear Reader, are you scared of heights?
NQN and Mr NQN travelled and explored New Zealand as guests of Tourism New Zealand.
Soul Bar & Bistro
Viaduct Harbour Ave
Auckland 1143, New Zealand
Tel: +64 (09) 356 7249
Soul
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34 Comments | Add your own
Mmmm, the ‘over the moon’ goats curd gnocchi looks delicious. I could go a plate of that one right now. I’ve heard about the pineapple lumps bar, looks interesting!
Great photos, thanks for sharing Lorraine! We’ve never been to Auckland, but it’s on our list of places to visit…
Hey I want pineapple lumps!
*kisses* HH
Love the Hunger Is Non Negotiable sign! It signals that there shall be food galore though I guess most people would be expecting more than ‘feed the hungry’ fare and judging by your photos, they should have another sign that says ‘Bad Food Is Non Negotiable’!
I’ve only recently started eating gnocchi -I can’t believe waited so many years – yum!
*Gasp* What are pineapple lumps? They look like something I’d very much enjoy snacking on…
p.s. I’m terrible with heights and never look down when I’m on a ladder. I’m also rubbish with theme park rides.
I haven’t been to Aukland for years. It looks great.
he he he pineapple lumps!!
They remind me of summer
I remember pineapple lumps @ 2 for a penny as a kid in NZ. Now they have them at Woolworths for considerably more, but a pleasure at any price.
Goat’s curd gnocchi and tapenade…. swoon!
I’m not terrified of heights, but I probably shouldn’t spend too much time around them. I’m that person who gets inexorably drawn to leaning out over balconies and imagining how easy it would be to fall (not that I”m *trying* to, mind you!!)
I love Soul, that and the O’Connell St Bistro are my 2 favourite Auckland restaurant. Such a great setting by the water too. Nice post.
Fab photos Lorraine, I felt like I was on a sight seeing day with you both. Thanks goodness we ended up eating. I don’t think I could go past the John Dory as I’ve only recently realised how much I adore whipped cauliflower… its my thing lately
I really like that sign.It’s a good motto. The gnocchi looks good too.
I am not ‘afraid’ of heights, I am just uncomfortable with them. I may take valium on airflights, but that’s all!
I’m perfectly fine with heights but Soy is a chicken
We were exactly where you were a few months ago, how exciting! I was really hankering to try the bratwurst stall at Elliot Stables but we didn’t have enough time in the end. And the viaduct has lovely views, doesn’t it?
I’m going to NZ in a few months and this post has me excited! The food looks great! I’ll have to visit the Sky tower too, looks like a great view of the city.
That gnocchi looks delish! I don’t like it when ingredients are substituted in a dish without notice – especially when you’re expecting something delicious like blood orange! Pink grapefruit is one of my favourite smells but less keen on the taste.
As for heights, I am but I try to fight it & be brave!
Pineapple lumps are EVERYWHERE now!Used to only get them sent over from NZ
I want that sign in my room: “Hunger is Non-Negotiable”. Love it!! >__<
that ‘Over the Moon’ goats’ curd gnocchi with watercress puree and black olive tapenade… MUST recreate that somehow. How can I get goats' curd though? gah.
Not really afraid of heights, but I can't stand rollercoasters and the like.
When I was in Auckland a few years ago I swore I’d do the jump from the Sky Tower when I next returned. Can’t wait! Elliott Stables looks like a nice little spot. Shame the John Dory didn’t get your full attention, looks really good though
I’ve eaten at soul, and found a similar experience … some hit and misses, but the ambience is quite nice. As for the Sky Tower – I am usually quite fearless when it comes to heights, but watching my kids sit and lie on those glass inserts freaked me the hell out!
gotta love that sign “hunger is non-negotiable”
I would love to try Pineapple Lumps. Your Black eyed Peas reference had me chuckling away reading this in bed – lazy Sunday NQN catch up. The gnocchi looked great. I’m fine with heights but wouldn’t want to jump off or out of anything.
A twin pack of pineapple lumps! Good work.
SSG xxx
Lovely food, would like to give the gnocchi dish a try.
Don’t like heights but managed to overcome my fear to tandem Skydive, thought I was very brave
What a beautiful meal! The thing that really excites me though is the Pineapple Lumps — I really go crazy for novelty candy!
I always go to Soul for lunch when I catch up with mum and there’s one thing we ALWAYS get while there – their “special” hot chocolate with Bailey’s and Peppermint liqueur!
We’ve always had good service there, except for one morning and love watching all the boats coming and going – perfect lazy Sunday brunch!
Oh dear, how disappointing about the grapefruit! When I’m expecting blood orange, that is the last thing I’d want. Well, maybe not the last thing, but you know what I mean
Nope, not afraid of heights although I do sometimes get that weird feeling when at the edge of something tall, when you start thinking “hmm, I could just jump” and then you freak yourself out a little.
I must make a date wth NZ!
Me loves pineapple lumps – and NZ. Thankfully we can buy pineapple lumps here. As for heights – I am terrified of them – if I go to close to the edge, I get vertigo.
Pineapple lumps! How I miss them : ) The smaller lumps are great when you put them in the fridge for a couple of hours. Extra chewy : )
xxx
i like that sign–it’s a clever catchphrase! also in the ‘like’ column would be that pirate get-up and the gnocchi–it sounds wonderful!
Ooo goats curd gnocchi had me intrigued, looks so gloriously rich and decadent! Oh I am terrified of heights, but yet the gorgeous birds eye views always attract me, as long as I am not looking down and am enclosed inside a building I should be okay…ish. =D
Mmmmmm, pineapple lumps! They have been in Australia for about 25 years though! We sold them at my Dad’s ice cream shop with other mixed lollies….and yes, sticking them in the fridge is really good!
The cheesy gnocchi looked divine!
On a visit to the Sydney Tower restaurant many years ago (when it was fairly new, shows how old I am) I was seated next to the window, but had to change with another member of our party. Looking straight down on the traffic miles below made me feel quite ill.
Pineapple chunks are a part of my NZ childhood, along with Toffee Milk Bars, and chocolate marshmallow fish. Always used to buy them out of the fridge when we went to the local swimming baths.
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