Dear Jervois

On a rainy morning I skipped between raindrops to meet to very good friends for a catch up and a spot of brunch. Having been there several weeks past, they recommended Dear Jervois in Auckland's Herne Bay and with eager stomachs we waited a table.

It's a bustling wee place, busy on a day when every normal person would rather stay inside, but cosy and light thanks to glass windows the length of the cafe front. While waiting we sipped on delicious brews from Coffee Supreme,  much needed after an early morning wake up and run in the rain for me. Rather disappointingly the coffee almost filled me up, but thankfully Dear Jervois offer half portions of all their meals. This conveniently also leaves room for dessert as they have a very intriguing pastry case at the counter - but that we saved for another day.

I chose the half eggs Benedict with salmon, served on a potato hash which was served with just a drizzle of hollandaise, but with half an avocado. Where so many other Benedicts are near ruined by a drowning in hollandaise this version triumphed - I can never turn down avocado! The half portion was the perfect size for me and left me just that little bit wanting, so I'm sure to return.

As we chatted I watched other plates go by, salads, sandwiches and the waffles for which they are so well known. One thing is for certain, on a rainy day sometime soon you'll find me, coffee in hand, making the agonising decision of what to chose for my second fabulous meal at Dear Jervois.

234 Jervois Road, Herne Bay

Auckland