KEY POINTS:
Herald rating: * * * * *
We came here because the boys wanted to go somewhere "flash" and Rosehip used to be a favourite when I lived down the road.
Parking was plentiful along the main road. It gets a bit trickier when the weather warms, as visitors flood the adjacent rose gardens.
We walked in and immediately thought how cleverly they've converted the usually open and breezy cafe into a warm enclave on a crisp winter's morning.
The most unusual thing on the menu was borlotti beans with scrambled eggs and chorizo on ciabatta ($16.50).
We ordered brioche french toast with rhubarb, yoghurt and bacon ($18.50) and buttermilk hot cakes with bacon ($17.50). The french toast was deliciously thick and eggy, yet still light and fluffy, while the hot cakes were perfectly golden and spongy. Both came with generous sides of honey-cured bacon. Yum.
The service was warm and welcoming. The food took a little while to arrive but we were kept well watered and caffeinated in the interim, so didn't notice too much.
The coffee was piping hot but not burnt. A fine line that few baristas can master.
We recommend if you come here bring your dog, which is welcome to curl up under the table and drink from the special doggie bowl at the entrance.
Overall, we thought Rosehip was even better than we remembered. It may not be our local anymore but we'll definitely make the effort to head this way more often.
