KEY POINTS:
Herald rating: * * * *
We came here because we had a 2-year-old in tow so we wanted a child-friendly brunch spot.
Parking was behind the cafe in a small carpark. Otherwise on busy Crummer Rd.
We walked in and immediately thought the owners are onto a winner. You can choose to eat with your children or pay $5 to have them looked after by the onsite registered nannies while you dine in peace.
The most unusual thing on the menu was creamy cinnamon porridge with raspberry compote and honey swirl yoghurt ($8). Okay, not exactly unusual, but a nice twist. There is a long list of traditional and non-traditional "sides" so you can build your own meal as well as a separate kids' menu.
We ordered pancakes with hazelnut butter, maple syrup and berry compote ($13.50), eggs benedict with bacon, spinach and tomatoes ($15.50), a bagel with a side of cheese ($7) and a pig-in-a-blanket ($4.50) for the young one. The pancakes were terrific - thick with loads of fresh berries on the side - and the eggs benedict similarly delicious. The bagel and sausage in pastry disappeared quickly.
The service was excellent despite the full tables.
The coffee was just right. The long black came with a side of hot water without us having to ask.
We recommend if you come here you let the nannies take care of your young ones in the nanny room while you watch them having fun on the video screen.
Overall, we thought what a great idea. The cafe is also open for dinner till 9pm on Sundays and you can use the nanny service (kids get a story and "quiet play") while you have a glass of wine with your meal.
- NZ HERALD
