Cafe Taboo

Auckland Cafe’s Ignoring The Coffee

I once went to Vegas and didn’t bet a cent all week, but still had a ball going to shows, the Grand Canyon, rodeo etc. Cafe’s in Auckland are a rather similar experience for me. I’m a decaf girl, and as such, I’m way more interested in the edible wears a cafe has to offer and, as such, have been compiling a wee list:

Gingerbirds Kitchen and Catering

Barely 10 seats in the this cafe (not including seats in the pokey oppressive courtyard). I’m assured the coffee is good, but it’s all about the food, as the name would suggest. As well as their own punters they also provide food for other cafe’s throughout Auckland. So pop your bum down for a great coffee, phatt sausage roll with a little pot of plum sauce and the owners hubby’s artwork for entertainment.

L’Assiette

It so French you may struggle to understand the staff, but don’t let that put you off. It works against its Britomart placing nicely; quiet, sophisticated and delicious. They do a typical French set menu, movie night’s on Mondays and my world-quest for ‘Croissants aux Amandes’ might very well end here!

Little and Friday

OK, Kiwi Cafe’s are simply the best in the world, but this one takes the macaron. The meringue on the top of the counter (piled high on glass cake stands) are reminiscent of a victorian opulence. And as you stare at the enlarged delicacies, quiches and sarnis, the only thing stopping you feel like a Dickensian urchin is the fact that you can afford these edible treasures, and will indeed be devouring them very soon on the trestle tables, elbow to elbow with others also sworn to secrecy not to talk about the place.

Big Beat

This baby nestles between Graham’s Braziers Bookshop and Stumpy’s Pizza, half way along Dominion Road. It conceals an sunny exotic courtyard, complete with herb garden, water feature, indoor outdoor tables, chinese parasols and the resident cat (name unknown). The coffee’s so good they give barista lessons and the menu is short but delish. Classic kiwi dishes, some with an Asian twist. Try the squid!