Herald rating: * * * *
cnr Te Atatu Rd & Gloria Ave, Te Atatu Peninsula
KEY POINTS:
We came here because this place used to be a service station where some of my schoolfriends worked in the 80s so I wanted to see how they'd transformed it.
Parking was easy. There are plenty of parks outside the cafe and across the road at the small group of suburban shops (including a tattoo parlour that looked to be doing a good trade on a Saturday afternoon).
We walked in and immediately thought someone had terrific vision. There are no reminders of the smelly, rundown petrol station. In its place is a light-filled, stylish dining room with a few tables out on the old forecourt.
The most unusual thing on the menu was the smoked kahawai and potato cake on wilted spinach and topped with a poached egg and hollandaise sauce. One of the more interesting brunch dishes we've seen in a while. There is also a huge range of cabinet food which looked very appealing.
We ordered the kahawai and potato cake ($16.90), caramelised banana pancakes with maple butter and syrup and bacon ($16.90), and a bagel with preserves ($4.90). Top marks for the smoked fish dish - traditional eggs benedict don't come close - and the tower of thick but light pancakes was quickly devoured.
The service was great. Friendly, attentive and quick and they even provided a pens and puzzles for the toddler.
The coffee was creamy, hot and not too strong. In other words, spot on.
We recommend if you come here you head over the road to the reserve for a nice coastal stroll along the boardwalk. The views across to the city are superb.
Overall, we thought the locals must be thrilled to have this cafe on their doorstep.
