Was on the way to Scorching Bay beach, which is one of my favourite spots in Wellington, to take advantage of the good weather. V seemed to be getting hungry so I stopped for at the Chocolate Fish cafe in Shelley bay.
It's a great place! There are a lot of positives to mention about the cafe.
There is plenty of space inside and outside. There's even a courtyard that's sheltered from the wind-very handy in Wellington. The courtyard also has a kids play area. The front yard is spacious and bean bags are provided-great for a nice summer day. Sunscreen and sunhats are available for use.
I had the fresh fish sandwich ($10) and the flat white ($4). All coffee is served in disposable cups, which some people may find a bit off putting ( and it can fly off in the wind!). The coffee was very good and strong. The sandwich was very good. The fish and salad were both fresh and the fish was cooked perfectly at the barbeque. My only gripe I guess would be about the quantity; I would've liked a larger sandwich for $10.
The facilities for kids are top notch. A high chair was provided for V and after he was done eating, some toys were brought over-great service! There's a change table as well. For bigger kids, free pedal cars are provided. Well, I had a go on one as well! Probably not advisable for grown ups. I went again with the big kids and they loved the place.
The staff were wonderfully friendly. They were great with V and interacted with him when they could-a great touch.
Overall, I'd definitely go there again and recommend it to parents and non-parents especially on a sunny day.
Saturday, October 30, 2010
7.Kiallas, Newtown - 25 October 2010
Kiallas has to be one of my favourite cafes.
It's s relatively small place but we've always managed to find a table. I had the Souvlakia and a flat white. The Souvlakia was excellent. The lamb was well seasoned and came with lots of salad, some greek yoghurt and rice. A very reliable meal. I think it was priced at around $16 or $18. Although slightly out of my price range; it was good value for money. The flat white was good and strong.
As for facilities for V, we were offered a high chair by the staff-good stuff. I didn't see a change table which is a bit of a minus but not a big deal (I've learnt to change V in the back of the car).
The cafe is a great place to eat for those looking for something a bit different to the usual cafe food. Being Greek, there's a range of greek sweets which are very appealing. And fluffies are free (with a smile!).
Overall, I'd definitely recommend going there, especially for the food.
It's s relatively small place but we've always managed to find a table. I had the Souvlakia and a flat white. The Souvlakia was excellent. The lamb was well seasoned and came with lots of salad, some greek yoghurt and rice. A very reliable meal. I think it was priced at around $16 or $18. Although slightly out of my price range; it was good value for money. The flat white was good and strong.
As for facilities for V, we were offered a high chair by the staff-good stuff. I didn't see a change table which is a bit of a minus but not a big deal (I've learnt to change V in the back of the car).
The cafe is a great place to eat for those looking for something a bit different to the usual cafe food. Being Greek, there's a range of greek sweets which are very appealing. And fluffies are free (with a smile!).
Overall, I'd definitely recommend going there, especially for the food.
6. Foxglove, Queens Wharf - 24 October 2010
Went to Foxglove for a break from the Diwali festival at TSB Arena (which by the way was pretty good, there was a good range of Indian food but we left when it became apparent that the Rajasthani music would not be stopping anytime soon!).
Foxglove is where the Loaded Hog used to be. The pace has been done up superbly and the atmosphere is very good, much more 'classy'.
I had the flat white, which was very good-strong and smooth.
As for facilities for kids, there are none. I went to the counter to ask if they've got a change table; the reply I got from the young lady was "This is more of a bar". Ouch. Not great service but I guess they're not really looking to attract parents. I went there earlier at night and it was an excellent bar, too bad that it doesn't morph into something more suitable at daytime.
Overall; I'd go there for coffee if need be and in the evening for a drink if I don't have V with me. The service wasn't the best (typical bar service really).
Foxglove is where the Loaded Hog used to be. The pace has been done up superbly and the atmosphere is very good, much more 'classy'.
I had the flat white, which was very good-strong and smooth.
As for facilities for kids, there are none. I went to the counter to ask if they've got a change table; the reply I got from the young lady was "This is more of a bar". Ouch. Not great service but I guess they're not really looking to attract parents. I went there earlier at night and it was an excellent bar, too bad that it doesn't morph into something more suitable at daytime.
Overall; I'd go there for coffee if need be and in the evening for a drink if I don't have V with me. The service wasn't the best (typical bar service really).
Saturday, October 23, 2010
5. Phoenician Cuisine, Cuba Street- 23 October 2010
I went to the cafe while Kate took the big kids were to their swimming lesson.
The place has been open for just over a month and offers Lebanese cuisine. It's got a few booths and a couple of tables near the the front. A relatively small but cosy looking place, a bit dark though away from the front.
I had the lamb shish ($12) and a lebanese coffee ($3.50). The lamb shish was very good, served with lots of lettuce, some tomatoes, hummus and tabbouleh. It was good to get some tasty protein and greens at the same time. The quantity was good as well. The coffee was good and very strong. It didn't taste 'chemically' as some strong coffees I've had before have tasted-good stuff.
As for facilities for babies, there were none but to be fair, it's a new establishment and they probably don't have too many parents with babies coming in. When I asked if they had a high chair, they said no but nobody's asked them before and they seemed to be willing to consider it-good stuff. They had plenty of soft surfaces to out V on, so that was good.
Apparently they'll soon be starting a facebook page and a twitter feed for the cafe when they start introducing new items. It'll be interesting to watch.
The service was very good and friendly.
Overall, I'd go there again if I don't have V with me. The quality of the food should be reliable.
The place has been open for just over a month and offers Lebanese cuisine. It's got a few booths and a couple of tables near the the front. A relatively small but cosy looking place, a bit dark though away from the front.
I had the lamb shish ($12) and a lebanese coffee ($3.50). The lamb shish was very good, served with lots of lettuce, some tomatoes, hummus and tabbouleh. It was good to get some tasty protein and greens at the same time. The quantity was good as well. The coffee was good and very strong. It didn't taste 'chemically' as some strong coffees I've had before have tasted-good stuff.
As for facilities for babies, there were none but to be fair, it's a new establishment and they probably don't have too many parents with babies coming in. When I asked if they had a high chair, they said no but nobody's asked them before and they seemed to be willing to consider it-good stuff. They had plenty of soft surfaces to out V on, so that was good.
Apparently they'll soon be starting a facebook page and a twitter feed for the cafe when they start introducing new items. It'll be interesting to watch.
The service was very good and friendly.
Overall, I'd go there again if I don't have V with me. The quality of the food should be reliable.
Friday, October 22, 2010
4.Cafe Villa, Ngaio - 22 October 2010
I was meeting a friend for a coffee in Ngaio and this seemed the most appropriate place to meet.
It was quite crowded as we came in at just past 1pm. It's a mid-size cafe with a decent amount of tables. There are outdoor areas at the front at back when the weather's better. I ordered a flat white ($3.70). The food menu was too expensive for my budget with most of the appealing items at $17.50 or above. I was tempted by the mushrooms with bacon on toast but at $18.00 it was a bit too much. I would order it if I was going to split it with someone else. There wasn't much else on the menu that appealed to me. As the neighbourhood cafe in Ngaio, there does seem to be a bit of 'lock in' for the locals; driving or walking to Khandallah or anywhere else is probably not convenient (plus the food might be worth it, but I can't comment since I haven't tried it). On the plus side, the flat white was very good. As with the other cafes, it was quite strong but not bitter.
High chairs are found to your right as soon as you enter the cafe. The staff however did not volunteer to assist setting it up (my hands were a bit full when I came in and it would've been nice to get assistance). In any case, we didn't need it as I wasn't having anything to eat and my hands were freed up to hold V as I sat down. The staff were friendly, smiles all around and one young lady offered to carry the order number for my coffee-good service there.
The cafe didn't have a change table. It's a big drawback. As I found out when I had to cut the coffee meeting short when V started to small a bit suspicious. I had to change him in the car (turns out V was just playing with me-it was just the smell and nothing else!). A change table would be handy though.
The rest of their menu can be found at http://www.cafewellington.co.nz/ . It would've been nice if they used actual pictures from their cafe- a couple of other issues with the website as well but I wont be pedantic about it. However I did like the ' Wazzah's quotes' sidebar. Made me chuckle and it shows they regularly update the website-good stuff.
Overall, I'd only go the cafe if I needed/wanted a coffee. I can see how it appeals to the locals but it's not my preferred option.
Right, I need to eat something now...
It was quite crowded as we came in at just past 1pm. It's a mid-size cafe with a decent amount of tables. There are outdoor areas at the front at back when the weather's better. I ordered a flat white ($3.70). The food menu was too expensive for my budget with most of the appealing items at $17.50 or above. I was tempted by the mushrooms with bacon on toast but at $18.00 it was a bit too much. I would order it if I was going to split it with someone else. There wasn't much else on the menu that appealed to me. As the neighbourhood cafe in Ngaio, there does seem to be a bit of 'lock in' for the locals; driving or walking to Khandallah or anywhere else is probably not convenient (plus the food might be worth it, but I can't comment since I haven't tried it). On the plus side, the flat white was very good. As with the other cafes, it was quite strong but not bitter.
High chairs are found to your right as soon as you enter the cafe. The staff however did not volunteer to assist setting it up (my hands were a bit full when I came in and it would've been nice to get assistance). In any case, we didn't need it as I wasn't having anything to eat and my hands were freed up to hold V as I sat down. The staff were friendly, smiles all around and one young lady offered to carry the order number for my coffee-good service there.
The cafe didn't have a change table. It's a big drawback. As I found out when I had to cut the coffee meeting short when V started to small a bit suspicious. I had to change him in the car (turns out V was just playing with me-it was just the smell and nothing else!). A change table would be handy though.
The rest of their menu can be found at http://www.cafewellington.co.nz/ . It would've been nice if they used actual pictures from their cafe- a couple of other issues with the website as well but I wont be pedantic about it. However I did like the ' Wazzah's quotes' sidebar. Made me chuckle and it shows they regularly update the website-good stuff.
Overall, I'd only go the cafe if I needed/wanted a coffee. I can see how it appeals to the locals but it's not my preferred option.
Right, I need to eat something now...
Thursday, October 21, 2010
3.Cafe du Parc, Khandallah - 21 October 2010
I went to the cafe after Victor's 'learn to swim' class at Khandallah school.
I was offered a high chair and toys as soon as I came to the counter. Excellent service. I haven't been offered toys at other cafes yet; it's a great way to keep Victor happy and occupied while papa eats. They seem to have a dedicated toy box.
The cafe is quite small and cosy with a couple of outdoor tables. It has the advantage of being next to Khandallah park and the summer pool (which is an excellent place to take the kids during summer- there's a sheltered pool, playground and a cafe all in one place).
The high chair was all wooden and quite old fashioned, it seemed uncomfortable to me but Victor didn't complain and was happily playing with his toys-good stuff.
I ordered a flat white ($3.80) and the creamy garlic mushrooms ($10.50). The coffee was good. Strong but not bitter. The creamy garlic mushrooms proved good value as well. The dish was hotter than I expected but it was appreciated (especially after coming from the pool and with the rain outside). I could see and taste the garlic as well. At $10.50, it was much better than the $16 equivalent at Huckleberry. The rest of the menu at Cafe du Parc is pretty standard cafe food.
The cafe did not have a change table. It's not a deal breaker though as right outside the cafe; the public toilets have change tables. I guess it's matter of saving space at an already small cafe- outsource the facilities!
Overall, it's a pleasant cafe which I'd visit again. I enjoyed looking at the art for sale as well.
Right, back to the never ending housework....
I was offered a high chair and toys as soon as I came to the counter. Excellent service. I haven't been offered toys at other cafes yet; it's a great way to keep Victor happy and occupied while papa eats. They seem to have a dedicated toy box.
The cafe is quite small and cosy with a couple of outdoor tables. It has the advantage of being next to Khandallah park and the summer pool (which is an excellent place to take the kids during summer- there's a sheltered pool, playground and a cafe all in one place).
The high chair was all wooden and quite old fashioned, it seemed uncomfortable to me but Victor didn't complain and was happily playing with his toys-good stuff.
I ordered a flat white ($3.80) and the creamy garlic mushrooms ($10.50). The coffee was good. Strong but not bitter. The creamy garlic mushrooms proved good value as well. The dish was hotter than I expected but it was appreciated (especially after coming from the pool and with the rain outside). I could see and taste the garlic as well. At $10.50, it was much better than the $16 equivalent at Huckleberry. The rest of the menu at Cafe du Parc is pretty standard cafe food.
The cafe did not have a change table. It's not a deal breaker though as right outside the cafe; the public toilets have change tables. I guess it's matter of saving space at an already small cafe- outsource the facilities!
Overall, it's a pleasant cafe which I'd visit again. I enjoyed looking at the art for sale as well.
Right, back to the never ending housework....
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
2.Huckleberry Cafe, Northland - 20 October 2010
For parents, the big advantage of this cafe is that they've got a playpen. The cafe seems to be deliberately branded as a child friendly cafe;more on that later. I put V down while a went to the loo. Quite handy as my one handed pee technique isn't quite perfected yet.
I was handed a menu and a bottle of water as I sat down-good service with smiles all around. The cafe has lots of tables, one elevated and a cushioned sofa area. There's a dedicated changing table; though the lights are directly above it, the position could probably be changed. High chairs are provided, all very handy.
The menu was interesting. There was a limited range for my budget. I ended up having the garlic sauteed mushrooms on toast and a flat white. The mushrooms were OK. The meal wasn't very heavy and was lightly seasoned-a good thing as you could taste the mushrooms, however I could not really taste the garlic (maybe my taste buds are used to the handfuls of garlic I usually chuck into my cooking). At $16, I personally found it a bit expensive- but in keeping with the general cafe prices I guess. There weren't many appropriate lower priced items I could choose from. The lamb sausage roll at the The Larder seems to be my baseline for now.
The flat white was quite strong but not bitter, not all cafes manage to pull it off. You'd only need one, which is a good thing!
With regards to the child friendly branding, the cafe provides kids snack packs for $5 (plus a kids menu) and there were signs requesting parents not to bring food for their kids in lunchboxes. Although I understand their reasoning, I would personally find it very expensive to bring my stepchildren to the cafe. My meal cost $20 and if I came along with my partner and kids, it'll be upwards of $50 for a session.
Although the playpen was handy, I couldn't really put a baby in there once a group of toddlers arrived. Very handy for parents of toddlers though.
Overall, I'd recommend it for parents of kids who are happy to play in the playpen. It's plus sides are good coffee, friendly service, good facilities and the playpen. Minus; the cost. Not quite for me but I can definitely see the appeal for other parents.
I was handed a menu and a bottle of water as I sat down-good service with smiles all around. The cafe has lots of tables, one elevated and a cushioned sofa area. There's a dedicated changing table; though the lights are directly above it, the position could probably be changed. High chairs are provided, all very handy.
The menu was interesting. There was a limited range for my budget. I ended up having the garlic sauteed mushrooms on toast and a flat white. The mushrooms were OK. The meal wasn't very heavy and was lightly seasoned-a good thing as you could taste the mushrooms, however I could not really taste the garlic (maybe my taste buds are used to the handfuls of garlic I usually chuck into my cooking). At $16, I personally found it a bit expensive- but in keeping with the general cafe prices I guess. There weren't many appropriate lower priced items I could choose from. The lamb sausage roll at the The Larder seems to be my baseline for now.
The flat white was quite strong but not bitter, not all cafes manage to pull it off. You'd only need one, which is a good thing!
With regards to the child friendly branding, the cafe provides kids snack packs for $5 (plus a kids menu) and there were signs requesting parents not to bring food for their kids in lunchboxes. Although I understand their reasoning, I would personally find it very expensive to bring my stepchildren to the cafe. My meal cost $20 and if I came along with my partner and kids, it'll be upwards of $50 for a session.
Although the playpen was handy, I couldn't really put a baby in there once a group of toddlers arrived. Very handy for parents of toddlers though.
Overall, I'd recommend it for parents of kids who are happy to play in the playpen. It's plus sides are good coffee, friendly service, good facilities and the playpen. Minus; the cost. Not quite for me but I can definitely see the appeal for other parents.
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