Things I Miss, Volume II

Perhaps this should really be called the Restaurant Edition, as with the early days of my last pregnancy, I seem incapable of cooking meat, chopping raw veggies, or summoning the energy to go get groceries most days. I know this will pass, but in the meanwhile, I can't help thinking of my favorite restaurants that do take-out.

• The Works, in particular, I dream of the M.E.C. burger with it's creamy avocado, sun-dried tomatoes, and yummy feta. I've tried to find a New Zealand substitute, but Burger Fuel (http://www.burgerfuel.com/flash.html), Wisconsin Burger (http://www.wisconsin.co.nz/index.html), and Velvet Burger can't compare.
• New Mee Fung, in particular #305 with BBQ Chicken. If I'm feeling especially decadent, I include non-deep fried pork spring rolls with Peanut Sauce. In a country full of Asian immigrants, I'm certain there must be a fabulous Vietnamese restaurant but I haven't found it yet.
• Pilos. Dave & I have both tried various versions of the New Zealand Chicken Souvlaki. We've been disappointed time and time again; One in Christchurch resembled chicken chili in a pita, complete with fork to aid eating, that's just wrong. Chicken Souvlaki should be simple, thick garlicky tzatziki with onions, tomatoes, and marinated chicken in a Greek pita. Period. Pilos does one heck of a simple, delicious Chicken Souvlaki.
• Sandrellas. Although one can find Kebab shops in every neighbourhood, I've not seen a Shawarma shop in all of New Zealand. I fondly look forward to a Chicken Shawarma on warm Cheese Pita when I return to work.

So, any takers for a lunch date? And Bobbi & Carmen, any chance of a Welcome Back Wafflefest? You can't go wrong with waffles, fresh fruit, blueberry coulis, and whipped cream!