Pretzel, Blockhouse Bay

By PHOEBE FALCONER for canvas

It's a nice place, Blockhouse Bay. Sort of ordinary, the usual range of shops, wonderful views over the Manukau Harbour from still-affordable houses along the clifftop, nice beaches, boats, a real slice of suburban Auckland.

And it was here that we found Pretzel, in the same premises as the late-lamented Artichoke. It was worth a visit to see if the high standards had been maintained.

Bill and I gathered up a couple of hungry Australians we happened to have around the house, and took what is a surprisingly short drive. We snagged an outside table, which was sunny but noisy, courtesy of the bus-stop beside us. Well, we figured that at least cafe patrons could arrive in bulk.

Menus arrived smartly, chilled water was offered and accepted, and coffee came briskly.

As did the food. Cher's pancakes with banana, bacon and syrup ($9) were accompanied by a blob of whipped cream, an unusual touch but quite edible, said Cher. Another pancake or two would have been welcome though.

Peter, ever conservative, went for the sausage and eggs (a very respectable $7), which came with tomato, mushrooms and a delicious chutney and disappeared as quickly as it had arrived.

My eggs benedict ($11) were tasty but unremarkable. Bill chose the special of the day and ended up with a large, properly-made potato cake smothered in mushrooms and bacon and topped with a balsamic dressing ($12). The dressing nicely set off what could have been rather a rich dish, and Bill was well pleased.

The coffee at Pretzel is very good, the food is good, and the prices reflect the location. It's worth a visit.

Hint to proprietors: lose the mural. It's terrible.

Hours: Closed Mon; 10am to 4pm Tue; brunch and dinner the rest of the week.

Ambience: Very casual.

Parking: It's Blockhouse Bay.

* 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.