coffee – Love.Life.Daley

Dear Jervois, Herne Bay

November 9, 2018by lovelifedaleyLeave a Comment

If you are looking for a laid back cafe to make the most of your weekend (or week day), then Dear Jervois should be at the top of your list.

It spreads out onto the sidewalk and is the perfect location for breakfast or lunch on a sunny day.. If however the weather is not holding up, like it can in Auckland, then head on inside as is just as inviting. There is a cute little back room that gives you an outdoor feel, whilst you’re snug and warm inside.

The food is unpretentious and wholesome and whether you are a fuss-free eater like me or a gluten-free/vegan/dairy-free fairy, there is something for everyone’s taste. They serve an all-day menu up to closing time at 4pm and prices are mid-range, mostly in the early $20’s.

Edit12 — Smashed avo on swedish-rye with poached eggs and dukkah

I love feeling emerged in my suburb, watching as people doing their thing. It buzzes with families, singles and everyone in-between and is a true gem in the heart of Herne Bay!

food – 4/5

price – 3/5

service – 3/5

atmosphere – 5/5

Reviews

Black Frog Cafe, Kingsland

July 13, 2018July 14, 2018by lovelifedaleyLeave a Comment

Anyone who knows me well, knows that my favourite meal of the day is breakfast. Eggs and bacon make my heart explode with joy.. I kid you not! I make a mean fry-up – if I do say so myself – and so we most often eat breakfast at home in our free time. Occasionally though, to spare my husband doing dishes, we venture out in search of the best eggs around.

Black Frog Cafe is situated in the lovely suburb of Kingsland, on the ever expanding New North Road. It has a rather inconspicuous entrance that you would miss if you weren’t paying attention, as there is not much space to sit out on the sidewalk. Look out for the French flag and head on inside as it has an awesomely lit sun room at the back of the shop overlooking the train station and Sandringham road.

The cafe boasts french cuisine with a hint of Kiwi and is run by owner Guillaume and his team. It is in many ways authentically french as most of the pastries, croissants and breads are actually regularly imported from France. Guillaume is not only a good cook but clearly has green fingers too as there are a number of beautiful plants spread around the room.

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We kicked the morning off with some orange juice and delicious coffee, then settled on Eggs Benedict (NZD 23) and a Kiwi breakfast in a Galettes (NZD 19.5). Our waiter was really friendly and the dishes we received were as pretty as a picture. Best of all though, it was all delicious with perfectly poached, soft eggs! Eggs Benedict is always a surprise, as no one chef makes it taste the same and so I am happy to report that this one got my full nod of approval! The Galettes was an interesting twist on a regular breakfast and was really filling – definitely worth a try.

And then in case we hadn’t stuffed ourselves enough.. We settled on a french pudding made of blended croissants and a dollop of cream, just to try out something new. Yum!

They are open for breakfast and lunch every day of the week and serve dinner Thursday through to Sunday. A lovely spot to just hang out and enjoy good food!

food – 4/5

price – 3.5/5

service – 4/5

atmosphere – 3.5/5

Reviews

Elisabeth, Kingsland

February 21, 2018June 24, 2018by lovelifedaleyLeave a Comment

Having arrived to the tail end of a cyclone heading towards the South Island, we were showered down on during our first few days in Auckland. We were recommended Elisabeth by our hosts to combat our cabin fever and it definitely did the trick.

Located on New North Road, in one of my favourite suburbs of Kingsland, this charming coffee and dessert spot is definitely worth a visit.

They have a wide variety of hot drinks, so if you are not a coffee fan, there is something for everyone. Their Hot Chocolate ‘Mess’ ($7) consists of fair-trade, organic cocoa chocolate imported from the African islands of São Tomé and Príncipe as well as from the Dominican Republic. They get the bits of chocolate by shaving it away from these big blocks of decadence.

There’s a street gazing section up front or you can opt to lounge in the back and rather read your book or hang out with a group of friends.

We tried their Hot Chocolate ‘Mess’ (of course) and a Vanilla/Chai latte ($6). The chocolate was delicious and not overpoweringly sweet due to it consisting mostly of dark chocolate (72%). The latte was very much on the sugary side but I suppose that’s not unusual considering the description. Their portion size is generous and you will satisfied with your fill. They also have an array of desserts available which look delicious if your sweet tooth gets the better of you.