Fat Pigeon Garden Cafe, Ohakune

By BRENDA WARD for canvas

She says: Before we hit the ski slopes, how about a hearty country-style breakfast?

He says: Can we go to McDonald's?

She says: No.

He says: Please, please, ple-ease?

She says: Hey, you're 11 and I'm ... a lot older than that, so I'm making an executive decision to call into that quaint little villa cafe on the way to Turoa. Don't you dare poke me like that again.

(later)

He says: Can we sit outside? It looks nice at those tables in the front garden.

She says: Arghh, no, it must be 3-below out there. This sunny seat by the window will be nice, and look, from here we can watch those people turn blue in the icy blasts as they devour their big breakfasts.

He says: Can I have the Hawaiian pizza ($10)?

She says: For breakfast? It looks nice with those big hunks of ham on it, but you'll enjoy the pancakes with bacon, bananas and syrup ($12.50) much more - if you close your eyes, it could be hotcakes.

He says: But, mum, if I close my eyes, I won't be able to see what I'm eating.

She says: There's such an amazing choice in the glass cabinet, I don't know where to start. The smoked salmon panini, with cream cheese and capers, sounds tasty and healthy.

He says: For breakfast? Anyway, that man's over there's eating a pizza for breakfast.

She says: Yum, it must be the chorizo, feta, roast pumpkin and mozzarella pizza ($10).

(later)

He says: These pancakes are huge, but supreme and I'm going to finish them if it takes me all day.

She says: That panini was a truly religious experience, but I guess I could help you out just a little bit. The coffee's so good, I'll have another.

He says: This is a cool place. It's like our house, without all the walls, but the food's much better.

She says: Love you too, honey.

/////

Ambience: Light, bright and homely

Parking: Ample on the street or in a layby across the road.


* Read more about what's happening in the world of food, wine, party places and entertainment in canvas magazine, part of your Weekend Herald print edition.