KEY POINTS:
Herald rating: * * * *
184 Garnet Rd
We came here because it was time to head in Gaby's direction but there wasn't much on offer in her home suburb of Mt Albert. Westmere seemed the perfect compromise.
Parking was plentiful.
We walked in and immediately thought How will we ever decide? The blackboard menu was overflowing with delicious-sounding morsels, including gin-soaked salmon.
The most unusual thing on the menu was a toss-up between the Huevos Rancheros - corn tortilla with beans, fried eggs and spicy chorizo ($19.50) - and the peach ricotta and Cointreau-stuffed crepes with fresh berry sauce ($14).
We ordered the crepes, fish cakes with poached eggs ($14) and risotto cakes ($16.50), all of which were wolfed down quickly and happily. But the piece de resistance was the buttermilk pancakes with limitless maple syrup and fresh seasonal fruit. Without doubt the best we've ever sampled.
The service was friendly but not entirely co-ordinated. Two dishes arrived, followed by another two, a few minutes later. But the final dish took a further 10 minutes to appear.
The coffee was hot and creamy. Definitely worthy of a second round.
We recommend if you come here you take a jersey to combat the gusty sea winds. Although there is a handful of seats indoors, it's mostly an al fresco experience, which can be a bit chilly if the sun's not out.
Overall we thought tasty food at reasonable prices, with sea views to boot. Who needs Ponsonby when this is just round the corner?
