We sneaked in here for the very first time (I’m now ashamed to admit) on a Friday evening, thinking we’d have a quick and quiet bite to eat. The place had been recommended to us by a number of friends so we were expecting it to be ok. A  couple of our favourite clients were there when we arrived, and two more groups that we know turned up, so it was far from quiet. Now I feel compelled to recommend Monthien, myself. Thai food is generally pretty good, but we were so impressed with it, we were back again within a week, and a few more times since then. I could happily make a meal of the entrees – especially the stuffed chicken wings, the spicy sausages and the fresh spring rolls with peanut dipping sauce. All the curries we’ve tried so far have been excellent as well. they have a selection of wine and good Asian beers which go well with the spicy food, but you can BYO if you want. The hosts – Toui and Monthien are lovely, and the service is efficient and polite in that delightful Thai way. Monthien is running a $12 lunch special at the moment, and since the place is only about 20 paces from my office, I’ll think I’ll make it a frequent treat. They also do takeaways. You’ll find Monthien at 142 Kitchener Road, Milford. Ph 488 0409.

Solid and semi detached - a huge opportunity

Bigger than your average unit, 2/8 Brook Street is a deceased estate to be sold at auction on 18 October @ 7pm.

Spacious open plan living, 2 good sized double bedrooms, and internal access single garage – it’s all looking a bit rundown and shabby and could do with a complete makeover. It has exclusive use areas for gardens and outdoor living, part of which is fenced, and there’s plenty you could do to further enhance the exterior. Very handy to Smale’s Farm and bus station, Nth Shore hospital and all the health practitioners on Shakespeare Rd. There’s even a dairy at the corner.

Open Sat/Sun 1:30 – 2:00 Call Tony 0800 61 8888

With the French rugby team staying at the Spencer on Byron Hotel for the duration of the World Cup, Takapuna is the official host of the French team, so there’s no end of excitement and plenty of events planned to celebrate the occasion.

Frog in a Barrel (our fabulous French wineshop in Milford) is hosting a very special culinary event at the Spencer on Byron on 25 September, kicking off at 5:30pm. A Taste of France in Kiwiland promises to be a fabulous evening of superb French wines, champagne and gourmet treats, while mingling with star rugby players. Numbers are limited so order yours today! Phone 486 1977 or 021 201 2026. This is a charity event (Child Cancer) and well worth supporting.

Takapuna’s first night market begins on 8 September at the Hurstmere Green and will be held every Thursday 5 – 9pm. This promises to be a fun-filled evening with loads of stalls and entertainment planned.

Rugby matches at North Harbour Stadium:

France v Japan September 10
Australia v Italy 11 September
Sth Africa v Namibia 22 September
Sth Africa v Samoa 30 September

Just moved house, and we’re exhausted,  so we look for somewhere cheap and cheerful to have dinner on a Monday night. A quick stroll down the main street of Milford takes us to Kashmir of India. We’ve eaten here a few times before and always been happy with the food and the service. The decor feels authentically Indian, with lots of ornamentation, pink serviettes and carved mahogany dining chairs.

The owners are away and a couple of young women are in charge – they are quite attentive and friendly, and they don’t mind that we duck across the road to grab a bottle of BYO wine. A jug of water and complimentary poppadoms -  smartly delivered to our table – keep our hunger at bay while we peruse the menu. Samosas, lamb cooked in a spinach sauce, and paneer with tomatoes, capsicum and onions are all delicious and satisfying. We take a doggy bag of leftovers for tomorrow’s lunch. All this for just $37, plus the cost of the wine, makes for a happy evening. We’ll be back!