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...

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....