Hello, Mister

Hi, we're back at Newmarket again and continuing to wander. Generally, when I walk here, I do so down Kyber Pass Road. Today, I decided to zag where I usually zig, and I took the street 'cross the railroad tracks and one block over instead. I agree with Robert Frost's famous finish, "And that has made all the difference."  I found a new place. 

These little shops are popping up all over Auckland. I came across this one just before 11 a.m. and watched as the staff of four got ready for the rush hour. 

I wasn't really hungry for lunch yet, but decided I had to try something so I ordered a cup of Pho, a soup with a really light broth and lots of bean sprouts and various greens in it. It was $3.00 for a large cup.  Miso soup for $2.50 or $3.00 is widely available in the sushi shops everywhere here, but those servings are not as large as this cup of soup is and does not have all the veggies this one has. Pho is a much better deal if you're looking for value for your soup dollar. 

I also ordered one Mister Roll. These come in many varieties. I had a braised pork one with hoisin chili dipping sauce. It has the meat, rice noodles and veggies, all rolled up in a see-through rice paper wrap, and comes with a dipping sauce. $4.00. 

After tasting it, I decided to bring two more home for Jeanne and Allie. (Two for $7.50.) 

I like this place. Simple. Really fast. Tasty. Super friendly. Inexpensive. I predict they'll prosper. 

As I sat on my stool, sipping my soup in front of my 55 gallon drum table, I saw a practically steady stream of young office workers from the businesses nearby, stopping in for the mister rolls or a banh mi. If it's popular with the 'kids,' it'll be a success.  A lot of those office workers were women I noticed and this low calorie, high veggie and rice noodle sort of lunch appeals to them I'm sure. 

I like this place. I think the drums used as tables remind us that this is street food. The kind that is purchased and taken back to the construction site by workers.   

After leaving Hello Mister, I continued up the hill that Carlton Gore Road climbs and came across this mural. It is of the War Memorial Museum.  

A Short distance away, as I reached the top of the hill, I saw the real thing in the distance. From here, I turned left and walked about half a block down to the train platform entry.  

I hope you've enjoyed this walkabout in Newmarket today. I know that I enjoyed preparing it for you. See you next time for another look at something, somewhere in New Zealand.   -djf