O' Bite Me, Albany

By CARROLL DU CHATEAU for canvas

Where to meet for brunch when one couple live at Kaukapakapa and the other at Kumeu?

Why, Albany, of course, says Pete. "Let's try the cafe at the Petals'n' Pots garden centre."

So off we drove through rolling paddocks, and were delighted with the look of the O' Bite Me cafe set under shadecloth
alongside a selection of gurgling water features.

The menu looked good, too. We lined up to order, oohed over the delectable-looking cakes in the cabinet, then settled for the steak sandwich which headed the "specials" list, a panini, and the special pasta. It wouldn't have taken much to please us on this sunny holiday, but then, we didn't get much.

Our steak sandwiches, served on a garlic ficelles, were so dry we had to force them down with gulps of water. The steak was tender enough, but without a hint of salt or seasoning.

The ficelles turned out to be a dry, toasted roll which tasted of nothing, including garlic. There was no butter or
mayonnaise, or dressing on the salad that I had requested rather than the potato wedges, although when I asked, some dressing arrived promptly. All this for $10.95.

Peter's panini was equally dry and tasteless. Only Anne's Special Pasta, (creamy pasta in lemon, caper and smoked salmon sauce) with Greek salad ($10.95) was pronounced fine, though the salad looked tired.

To try to save the day we moved on to desserts, which were much better. My Apricot Toffee Tower was lovely, as was the Chocolate Apricot Cheesecake ($4.50) and the Coffee and Chocolate Tartlet ($3.50).

Only Brian, still smarting from the sandwich, did not like his Brownie ($2). Our coffees, tea and chai latte were up to normal standard and normal prices, taking our bill to $67.70.

I'd like to mention that this was the holiday period, it's
possible the regular chef was away, and that the table service was fine. However, judging by our experience, I'd suggest you give O' Bite Me a swerve before it bites you, too.

Hours: 8am-5pm daily

Service: Service: Reasonably prompt, though you have to ask for things

Ambience: Relaxed

Parking: plenty

* 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.