Bean There Cafe

There comes a point in life when everything changes. Maybe it's when you start university, maybe it's when you move out of home. Maybe it's when you get married or buy your first house. But nothing, nothing changes life like having your first child. I say this, because I am very much afraid of this change and therefore cling to my little furbaby, nocturnal wanderings, and sense of domestic control with an iron grip. I'm not ready for a mini-me to be unleashed on the world (not to say anything of a mini-Wil; we shall prepare for the apocolypse if any child of ours takes after him!). 

But friends of ours are significantly more grown up than we, and have recently introduced wee Elroy to the world. He's a super cute little guy, especially with a full head of hair that would make most men jealous.  But apart from making all the girls clucky and all the guys freak out, this little guy is changing the dynamic of our group. In a good way.  Instead of the up-all-night drunken munters we once were, we've joined the brunch set: we get up early, walk the dog, do some laundry, tidy up, meet the group for brunch, and still have the afternoon for DIY and a little bit of a relax. With one teeny little gurgle and smile Elroy has revolutionised the way we do things around here. And also provided another excuse to brunch.

This past weekend we headed down to the Bean There Cafe in Onehunga - Elroy's local as it is just around the corner from home meaning it's a quick escape if he's not up for lots of attention all of a sudden. Service is friendly, prices are very reasonable and they serve marshmallows with all hot drinks, not just hot chocolates. This is a big win in my book.  We all ordered coffee and then went for a very predictable table split: boys for the ultimate breakfast including sausage, schnitzel(!), bacon, potatoes and eggs and girls for eggs benedict.  They arrived promptly and altogether and we dug in. Suddenly conversation dried up and everything but the food in front of us was forgotten. Having eaten earlier, Mr Elroy was taking a nap.

We all pronounced the food to be quite delectable, although the hollandaise was a little mustardy for my liking, and I probably should have chosen a bagel or something lighter given my hopes for an afternoon run. We finished with a chocolate cherry slice from their very impressive sweet treats cabinet - it was different and delicious and I will certainly be saving space to try another next time we're back.

And I'm sure there will be a next time. After all, Elroy's helping turn us all into responsible people now so I foresee a few more brunches in our future. I wonder how long before he orders his own fluffy?

Bean There is at 306 Onehunga Mall (closer to the Royal Oak end)