As far as I could tell Anidote is the only 100% vegan cafe/restaurant in all of the Christchurch/New Brighton area, which immediately put it at the top of my must-visit radar!
Upon walking in it was a bit unclear what the food options were and how to order. It turns out the big computer screen on the check-out counter is intended to order from (after you register or sign in, or something) but I didn't see anyone use it (I only came to know that's what it was for after a lengthy conversation with the owner--I had asked about it because it seemed quite out of place in an otherwise warm, cozy, and family home-like environment).
Head chef Annie and her husband Levente were just sweet as ever and clearly working very hard to make Antidote a standout vegan establishment in the New Brighton-Christchurch region.
The cafe is more of an order-as-you go/made-to-order type of thing. Which is cool and Annie's talent for making fully raw foods is just lovely. The freshly pressed juices looked particularly yummy.
They also offer weekly yoga classes in the back room, there is soon to be a co-working space upstairs, I believe (although I couldn't get the wifi to work the few times I stopped in--they do advertise free wifi on the window), and possibly other events, so do check their calendar.
I could see this place doing well in downtown Christchurch (with a bit more foot traffic) and a nice interior facelift to give it some vibrancy and oomph. My only concern is that a different location would take away from the amazing locals that seem to come in almost everyday--everything from "pirate" ukulele teachers and puppet masters, to yogis, young tourists, long-time townies, and everything in between.
All in all, the food was nice and I very much enjoyed the company and energy that Annie and Levente exuded while preparing and serving the food. read more