Herald rating:
The look is definitely set at 33RPM. Kaos is a homage to music and vinyl - there are LP album covers on the walls - and to 70s style, with the decor leaning heavily on retro furniture and fixtures. Out front, with the french doors open, Kaos is a relaxed cafe filled with happy, loyal locals. Out back there's a small cinema-cum-bar (BYO, but soon to be licensed) serving films and good vibrations on the cafe's movie nights. The overall style is fun and eye-popping.
The menu is heavy on greatest hits. Brunch has eggs benedict, a big breakfast and pancakes, while the lunch list features a BLT, burger and mince on toast. However, there are welcome rarities like butties (including, hoorah, a chip
one) and the must-try Kaos potato balls. Not sure whether it's the country air or the proximity to the Waikato, but Kaos likes a fry-up. There's a dinner menu too.
We ordered the super-sized Kaos big breakfast ($18.50) - with bacon, sausage, eggs any style, creamy mushrooms, halved fried tomato and Kaos potato balls on focaccia - and the creamy mushrooms on ciabatta ($17.50) with a bacon side ($4). If you're eating here, bring an appetite. The food is well done without being spectacular and the servings are very generous. So, too, was the delicious lime smoothie (made with icecream and milk, $5.50), served in a large jar. It was big enough to share.
The coffee is good. The long black drinker would have liked hot water served on the side, while the takeaway flat white was good without being memorable.
