By Jae-Ha Kim
Chicago Sun-Times
October 7, 2003
WELLINGTON, New Zealand — The “Lord of the Rings” crew may have left New Zealand, but Wellington hasn’t lost its buzz – particularly not the city’s Cuba Quarter. Located adjacent to the financial district, the nabe is home to funky boutiques, cafés and some crazy nightlife.
DRINK: Scenesters, artists and traders with fat money-clips hang at the Matterhorn, where the coffee’s great, but the Chamomile Martini’s even better (106 Cuba St.). LISTEN: Elijah Wood, Sean Astin and Orlando Bloom were all regulars at Real Groovy, which features new and used CDs (250 Cuba St.).
EAT: Bring your own wine to Little India Bistro & Tan-door, where the curry is spicy and the atmosphere is hot (115 Cuba Mall). For cheaper eats, head to the Krazy Lounge, where $10 buys you a hearty venison dinner and a seat at a booth (132 Cuba St.).
SHOP: Rex Royale offers some trippy fashion by Kiwi designers Illicit and Doosh (106 Cuba Mall). At Little-johns, pick up everything you need to make your own stationery (corner of Victoria and Ghuznee streets).
