Cafe Adventures: Goodness Gracious

Goodness Gracious! Yet another bagelry has decided to grace the Auckland Café scene, and there are most certainly no complaints here as finally the humble bagel is gaining the kiwi recognition that it deserves. Brainchild of Greg Cornes, the already Popular Goodness Gracious café came about after Cornes did a short-term stint across the ditch in Melbourne cafes, where he first had the idea.

8.30am Tuesday driving down the Eden Terrace I was dreading the task of hunting down a park along the packed street that wasn’t too long a hike from this shoe-box café. GG had me before I even walked through the door with the free 5-car car-park located right outside. So.Much.Win. You go GG, you know how to woo a busy Auckland Foodie.

Of course the only thing that impresses more than free parking is a café design that is sharp, well executed and full of character. Regardless of it's narrow and long room layout, GG delivered an minimalistic, hip and stylized space with glossed white tile walls, grey concrete floors and urban brick/metal detailing. Definitely a place where you want to occupy for the afternoon, sipping on their salted caramel smoothies while breakfasting, lunching and dinnering on golden rings of doughey goodness.

Not feeling the need to be super fancy with flavor combinations, GG’s bagels proved to remind us that the classic combinations are classic for a reason, they’re damn good. Although there are some new, exciting fillings for the adventurous bagel lovers. Craig went straight for ‘The Classic’, coming out with generous creamy layer of lemon infused cream cheese, packed in with light pink salmon and a sprinkle of capers.

I instead went for the other old favourite, the BLAT. Golden crispy toasted sesame seed bagel, slathered in copious amounts of  sweet tomato relish and savoury garlic aioli. Overstuffed with hunks of butter-like avocado, ribbons of warm bacon and delicate leaves of wild rocket. This is the sort of bagel that needs your full and undivided attention, a bagel that silences any doubts of disbelievers who think “yeah bagels are alllright I guess, I don’t see the big fuss’… “Hush” says the mighty BLAT in all its delicious glory. Not wanting to make any threats, but a certain popular Bagel café better watch its back.

Leaving just past 9, the café became quietly busy with a small crowd of customers patiently milling outside, waiting for those little cups of caffeine that gave their Tuesday permission to begin.

So, if free parking, awesome designed cafes with good music, attentive friendly staff and delicious bagels overstuffed with fresh fillings sounds like your jam then give GG a visit. If it's not your jam, I seriously advice you take the next 2 hours to quietly reflect on your life priorities.

Happy Tuesday, may your week be filled with productivity and good coffee!

Cafe Adventures: The Raw Kitchen

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”.

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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.

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.