Sierra Coffee, Greenlane

By ELEANOR BLACK for canvas

Strolling to the neighbourhood cafe in the weekends is one of the true pleasures of city life.

The bustling Greenlane branch of the popular Sierra Coffee chain is just around the corner from my flat and has, from time to time, helped me banish weekend cravings for scrambled eggs, chocolate cake and mega chocolate-chip cookies.

But my latest visit, on a particularly busy Sunday, was disappointing.

I ordered the croque monsieur ($10), basically a fancy grilled cheese sandwich filled with gruyere, ham and wholegrain mustard mayonnaise ... and that's it _ no salad on the plate, just a couple of cherry tomatoes. It was small but tasted okay, although I wouldn't want another.

Tim's poached eggs with toast, seasoned potatoes and streaky bacon ($11.50), and sausages on the side ($3), didn't look much better, although it tasted good. We were hard-pressed to find the potato seasoning, and surprised at the dull presentation, without so much as a piece of parsley, or a dab of chutney, to dress the dish. The sausages were undercooked.

The cafe earned points for my delicious banana smoothie ($4.50) and Tim's Russian fudge blended ice drink ($4.95), a Starbucks-style concoction topped with whipped cream and caramel sauce.

Still peckish, we shared a caramel slice ($3) from the counter display (packed with paninis, muffins, quiche, pies, biscuits and little cakes), which was great: thick, with a chewy biscuit base and just enough chocolate.

Bottom line? Super location (there's little to tempt the bruncher in these parts), so-so food.

Parking: Plenty in Momona Rd

Ambience: Noisy urban warriors in relax mode

Open: 7 days, 7am to 4pm

* 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.