What's cooking: Nikki Pretscherer

Nikki Pretscherer comes from a family passionate about cooking. Picture / Carolyn Robertson

Nikki Pretscherer, the owner of Ponsonby's Sitio cafe, comes from a family passionate about cooking. Her mother's culinary flair inspired her, as did her sister's popular Auckland cafe, the Benson Rd Deli.

As soon as her three children were old enough, Pretscherer gave up her career in advertising and marketing to open Sitio, which is one of the few cafes in Ponsonby Rd with its own private courtyard.

"I could see a need for an informal cafe that was open all day and through to the evening. I wanted to create a place where people could come and have a casual meal and a glass of wine," she says.

"The cafe has already developed a neighbourhood feel where people come back, sometimes more than once a day. Regulars are treating it like a home away from home and some of my customers are even forming friendships with each other."

What was the first thing you cooked as a child?

Coffee cake at the age of eight. Having tried and loved it at a birthday party I asked mum to make me one. She refused on the grounds that she hates any food flavoured with coffee. So I did it myself.

What do you eat for breakfast?

A coffee (terrible, I know), but if I wasn't working I would have fresh fruit.

Who is your inspiration?

My mother. Anyone who can create 1001 different dishes with the 1001 pumpkins or broad beans or chokos or marrows that my father overgrew in his vege garden is not just an inspiration but a genius.

What is your favourite dish and drink?

Mum's Christmas pudding (she still puts money in it and allows us to attack it brutally to seek [it] out) with as much brandy sauce and whipped cream as possible. As for drinks, it's coffee, made specially for me. It's quite complicated but our barista at Sitio makes it perfectly. It resembles a shot of coffee with a fluffy on top, but it has to be decaf and trim milk.

What is your favourite restaurant?

Cibo. I have been to weddings, engagements, 40th's, reunions with old friends, girls' dinners, book club dinners and always come away from there having had a memorable time.

What is your idea of the perfect meal?

Our regular, chaotic family gatherings (we are all very loud). There are children everywhere, people coming and going, delicious homemade food and lots of laughter.

What do you always have in your fridge and kitchen cupboard?

For me, wine in the fridge and sea salt in the cupboard. For the children, broccoli and carrots (do as I say not as I do!).

Do you ever eat convenience food?

No, but the children love it. Having been brought up on so much home cooking, it is a real treat for them. They will eat anything from any fast food outlet.

What do you eat when you can't be bothered to cook?

If I can't be bothered to make anything I'll have a slice of pineapple.

What do you think is the most overused ingredient?

Aioli - what is it with aioli? Sorry, I just don't get the appeal.

What is your favourite cookbook?  

I would love to say some exotic French number but sadly I have to go with the Edmonds cook book - you just can't beat it for the basics.

Do you have a cooking tip?

When baking, measure the ingredients thoroughly and accurately. When cooking, if you think it might work, give it a go.

Is there anything you would not eat?

I'd pretty much try anything (are you going to hold me to this?).