Mecca, Viaduct Basin

By JAN CORBETT for canvas

It's the nature of the modern workplace that some of us are called upon to work, while others are enjoying traditional days off. At least an out-of-hours Auckland City these days is not the cavernous grey hole it once was before there was weekend trading and the Viaduct Basin, and thank Mammon for both.

So on a recent public holiday a colleague and I slipped out of the office for a little late-morning indulgence, and made our way directly to the Viaduct to pretend like everyone else there that we really did have all day.

Not all the Viaduct establishments serve brunch. Soul Bar was offering a $10 breakfast but because of its recent appearance in this restaurant column, we decided for variety and moved on to Mecca.

Happily there were seats outside under the white canopy and we settled in, with at least one of us seeking immediate relaxation from a glass of Lindauer ($7.50) and the other fortification from a pineapple juice ($4). In a break from my eggs benedict tradition, I ordered the creamy mushrooms with chorizo sausage served on a potato hash (think fried cubes). The creamy part was more runny and buttery, but the whole generous and wonderfully fatty ensemble ($15.50) was truly moreish and I would have to say good hangover fodder — at least that's my theory. Brenda, who cannot go past a good hotcake, ordered the mixed berry with banana and creme fraiche variety ($15.50) and rated it well from her considerable experience.

Coffees arrived promptly, reflecting the overall efficient service.

It was a struggle to pull ourselves away from
the people-watching, but duty called.

Service: Friendly and efficient

Ambience: Casual chic

Parking: Downtown parking building or on or around
the Viaduct.

Licensed: Yes.

* 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.