Finally. Finally the moment that we have all been desperately waiting
for has arrived. Well at least, the moment that I have been dreaming of is
finally here.
For 2 long years I have been enticed and tempted by images of Olivia
Scott’s delectable raw creations, which until now were only available through
an online store. I spent hours hunting down the locations of niche little cafes
hiding in Auckland’s busy café scene that stocked her beautiful cakes and
slices, like a madwoman desperate for her fix, which in this case happened to
be a Raw Snickers bar cheesecake.
I think I may have actually had a fan girl moment when their facebook page revealed that the Raw Kitchen had finally found a place to call home on 267 Ponsonby Road, neatly yet spaciously nestled between the little boutiques and eateries. There was hand flapping, hyperventilating and a difficulty to “even”.
When we rocked up at 9.30 on Saturday morning I was convinced it would be packed, but was pleasantly surprised when we were 2 of only 4 or 5 other customers enjoying the peace and delicious food. The slow morning meaning the upbeat staff were happy to take us through the different drinks options, have a chat about the opening and encouraging me to take a couple of photographs.
Go big or go home, (and after a 15 minute ride to Ponsonby I had no intention of going back across town) I ordered a slice of the double chocolate cheesecake and the Chai Vanilla Smoothie. Madre went ahead and got herself a Chocolate Pistachio Bliss ball, a wheatgrass shot and a nutmilk coffee. As per usual the cheesecake and bliss ball were divine and the wheatgrass came in a cute little mint green teacup, which tasted pretty damn good, considering its basically juiced foliage…
Do
you know what I love? Good food. Do you know that I love almost as much as good
food? A beautifully designed café in which to eat said good food. I was beyond
pleased to be able to say that Raw Kitchens interior and vibe alone is just
about enough to attract customers, of course the food is an added bonus.
Initially judgemental about the small location, all worries were dismissed as
the large front window and white walls make a potentially stuffy spot feel
fresh, bright and spacious.
The casual chalkboard menu and brick/tile building gives the café a slightly creative and industrial feel, although still managing to carry a homey and comforting ambience with home-made terracotta pots, fresh vases of flowers and a soft, pastel colour scheme. The Raw Kitchen has interior design in spades, already giving the week old café an edgy, fresh and friendly character. Other cafes, take note.
The casual chalkboard menu and brick/tile building gives the café a slightly creative and industrial feel, although still managing to carry a homey and comforting ambience with home-made terracotta pots, fresh vases of flowers and a soft, pastel colour scheme. The Raw Kitchen has interior design in spades, already giving the week old café an edgy, fresh and friendly character. Other cafes, take note.
A
slight disappointment was felt towards the smoothie as it appeared they had
gotten over excited about ice and it came across slightly watery, and they had
to be reminded about a latte that was ordered. A common mistake, but not one
expected to be made during such a lull in the day, although we put it down to
the café and staff finding their feet after having just opened.
Like most wellbeing cafes its a touch on the expensive side with cabinet treats ranging from $8-9 and smoothies starting from $9. While this is steep compared to some cafes,
what’s important to keep in mind is the level of satiety you get from Raw Foods, as usually one small treat will not only satisfy your sweet tooth but will keep you feeling fuller for the most part of the day. Who doesn't love a good win-win.
All in all, a beautifully well put together and staffed café, a couple of opening day kinks to iron out but a cute spot which I can definitely see becoming a special occasion favourite.
