Fusion Cafe

By MARGIE THOMSON for canvas

With a growing tribe of children, a couple of things happened. My social life shifted into the realm of morning coffee, and I began compiling a list (remarkably short) of "sandpit cafes", where I can meet friends with at least some small hope of peace.

Also, of course, the coffee has to be reliably strong, rich and creamy. Consequently I move in small circles: Atomic on Ponsonby Rd is still king, TwoCan on Richmond Rd (no sandpit, but a toybox and outside seating). And Fusion.

From frequent experience I can vouch for the quality and visual impact of Fusion's hot chocolates for older children and fluffies for the smallfry.

But, while I've often sat in their excellent backyard, where umbrella-shaded tables surround a really good sandpit and herbs grow in the side-gardens, I've rarely had the chance to enjoy the cosy interior where a gas fire burns cheerily and the morning sun pours in, and never ordered anything other than a latte in a glass (delicious) and a fresh muffin or almond croissant from the counter.

So, looking for a place to eat on, of all things, a Tuesday morning, my friend Leonie and I decide we'll test-drive Fusion's brunch menu. It's not extensive but covers all the usual options and a couple of less ubiquitous ones such as salmon hotcakes, mushrooms with thyme and garlic, and Kidsfusion, a platter of fresh and dried fruit, crisps, and sandwiches ($6).

Leonie, shameless, orders the Breakfast Sandwich ($12.50) and I, circumspect, order boring old muesli, fruit and yoghurt ($11.50, but priced by component at $6.50, $2.50 and $2.50). Neither choice could have been better. We were halfway through our first coffees, which had come within a minute of sitting down, when our food arrived: the sandwich a towering edifice of toast, bacon, avocado, tomato, egg, salad ("gorgeous!" says Leonie), my toasted muesli and fruit perfectly arranged, with thick Greek yoghurt, all golden-glowing with honey.

Gobble as we may, we couldn't clear our plates. Nevertheless, and in the selfless interests of review, I also ordered a toasted bagel with jam and cream cheese ($5.50 - attractive with a flower and dusted icing sugar) and L grabbed a teaspoon to try the jam, which was chocker with whole blackcurrants. In among all this, we ordered more coffee, which arrived each time promptly and unfussily, despite the constant flow of people through the place.

By this time we were horribly late for work (who are all these people who can sit around in cafes all morning?), but felt really treated. Fabulous sandpit caf, but even better without kids.

Parking: You'll find one in the end.

Ambience: Casual, friendly, bustling

Service: Pleasant, efficient

Open: 7am-6pm weekdays, 8am-6pm Saturday, 8.30am-6pm Sunday.

* 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.