Herald Rating: ***
Address: 20 Wyndham St
Phone: 308 9140
Open: Sporadically it seems. Usually weekdays from 7am
Bottom line: After mourning the loss of Columbard, we're happy to see this handy cafe site resurrected, serving inner-city workers
KEY POINTS:
The decor may be sparse but the staff more than make up for it with their friendly enthusiasm. The toasted coconut bread with passionfruit silk was delicious, as was the vanilla cookie and cranberry and almond biscotti. Not so great were the boiled eggs, which needed a tad longer in the pot, as the whites were still runny.
Thirty Nine, Ponsonby
39 Ponsonby Rd
We ordered the 39er bacon, tomato, lettuce, avocado and pesto on toasted Turkish bread; and the Big Brekkie. The service was so fast the food practically arrived before we sat down. The coffee wasn't hot but was still very tasty. We recommend you avoid peak times and try to grab a seat in the popular courtyard setting.
Matakana Village Brasserie, Matakana
2 Matakana Valley Rd
An elegant blend of industrial chic and a little luxe. The manchego cheese, roast capsicum and basil pesto on crostini is delicious if a little dainty, and the open sandwich with grilled chicken, brie and mesclun is pricey at $17 but beautifully presented.
