Cafe Adventures; York Street Mechanics

Tucked away in the side streets of Newmarket along Kent St is a little Western gem called the York Street Mechanics. Decked out with enough Harley motorbikes to entertain any boyfriend or father before the food arrives, the leather fringed jackets and cracking fire makes you feel like Route 66 is just outside the door.

York Street has a small but delicious selection of muffins and cakes to choose from and the blueberry and oat is to die for, but who can resist the beckoning smell of bacon and egg on a Sunday morning?

The menu food was refreshingly varied and the staff were happy to cater to any requirements, such as my unending obsession with avocado which didn’t happen to be on the menu; could I be any more predictable?

Nothing silences a loud Pollok family like a round of coffees, 3 orders of scrambeled eggs on toast and a chilli bean salad with an array of delicious sides. Needless to say we left considerably

fuller and happier than before, regardless of the food taking a little while to arrive.

Cafe Adventures; Freds

Another lazy Sunday means another beautiful café to try out. It seems that they are endless but I’m determined to try every last brunch and dessert eatery, and of course I do it all for you!

Enter Fred’s Café, the new quirky kid on the Ponsonby Block, notorious for its fresh and kitchy décor and of course amazing milkshakes. Nestled on the corner of Franklin Road on 181 Ponsonby rd it’s almost too easy to miss, but its little orange door can’t help but stand out against the grey concrete streets. Previously known as Agnes Curran (the name of Fred’s first wife) but underwent some much-needed renovations to become the much-loved cozy café with the best milkshakes in town. I know, I know, that’s a big call for someone who is pretty new to café adventuring but as one who fancies themselves as a bit of a thick shake connoisseur I’d have to say that these creamy treats are on par with those served in Americas Famous Cheesecake factory. And as a Ponsonby café in little old New Zealand, that’s pretty impressive. 

I went straight for the Salted- Caramel while Cooper chose Banana and we will continue to rave to anyone and everyone about them probably for the next month.

The food is moderately priced with breakfast/lunches from $9-15 and they are quite small. With seating for about 15 people its heaven at 8.30 on a Sunday morning for a small spot of breakfast, but wouldn’t recommend a large brunch there unless you share a few plates and don’t mind a busy atmosphere. While I didn’t personally get coffee judging from the number of Ponsonby locals popping in and out for just take away I assume its pretty good.

So if you are around Ponsonby (or feel like taking a special trip) this is most defiantly a spot you want to check out!

http://www.fredsespresso.co.nz