CafeBlog

Ack, what a disaster this was. Visiting Shore City on a weekend, one expected crowds - but I guess everyone is going to the new Albany Westfield. So it was fairly quiet, and yet Muffin Break were so unorganised it was unbelievable. The barista and the counter person seemed to have no idea what the other was doing.

The coffees were ok, but nothing outstanding. Basically the whole experience was pretty average.

Avoid. There are so many other cafes in Takapuna, that you should only patronise this cafe if you were on the brink of death from thirst - and even then I doubt you would get your order in time.

Located at the northern end of Helensville, in the old Railway Station is Ginger Crunch Cafe.

We arrived just after a group of vintage car enthusiasts and the place was humming. Although we had ordered from the kitchen and were warned that there may be some wait for the food, it arrived inside 15 minutes - quite good I thought, considering the influx of people who had walked in the door about 5 minutes before us. The food was delicious.

The coffees were of above average fare, and came with a piece of ginger crunch (hence the name). The ginger icing was smooth and drool-worthy, the base was less crunchy and more chewy. This probably suits a lot more people (such as myself) who enjoy a chewy biscuit base far more than a rock-solid tooth-breaker. Great stuff.

This cafe seems to be much better set out than many cafes that have taken over old railway buildings, and is well worth a visit.