The Hardware Cafe, Titirangi

Brunch this morning was at The Hardware Cafe in Titirangi.

This is one of those cafe that serve a latte in a bowl by default, as I found out. I really prefer the additional boost of caffeine I feel when there is less milk, oh well I now know for next time. The coffee itself was however nice.

I had the Gluten Free Kumara Rosti with spinach, grilled tomato, poached egg and hollandaise. I didn’t enjoy the flavour of the rosti but did enjoy the rest of the dish, each of the other components was nicely done. I particularly enjoyed the hollandaise although the presentation could have been better.

The service was friendly, the food arrived in a timely manner and the cafe had a nice vibe.

I would go back, but would steer away from the rosti next time and try and remember to order latte in a glass.

Takapuna Beach Cafe

The Takapuna Beach Cafe used to be a regular location for us to go out to for brunch but it had been months since our last visit, so when we did go on Saturday I was pleased to see a revamped menu with lots of really interesting options.

I love the location of this cafe near the Takapuna boat ramp at the end of Takapuna beach with a beautiful view over the ocean to Rangitoto. The circular tables and large metal chairs however, whilst contributing to a nice beach feel, I feel are oversized and crammed in.

In addition to the complementary sparkling water, I enjoyed a good trim latte and Jane enjoyed a lovely fresh juice and long black.

I had the “Grilled King Salmon, folded free range eggs, homemade croissant loaf“ for my meal. The Salmon was quite rich but it worked well with the butter flavour from the croissant. I enjoyed the dish and would order it again.

Jane had the “Poached eggs, salsa verde, wild rocket & potato salad, grated reggiano with pancetta” which she really enjoyed.

All food was beautifully presented, our waitress was excellent, our water was regularly filled and the food arrived in a timely manner.