This place has been quietly building its following amid rave reviews from newspapers, foodies (and newspaper foodies) alike. The fact it is actually a Vietnamese restaurant during the evenings could be easily missed due to its non-denominational name and the blackboard menu showing Kiwi brunch classics.
I personally didn't have a lot of experience with Vietnamese food given my aversion to a large proportion of animal products including (and maybe especially) stinky fish sauce. At our early Saturday night family meal I accidentally got a good dose of it. Let me explain.
The menu has a category headed "Vegetables" and I also asked the waitress whether any of the other dishes were available without meat. She helpfully pointed out the rice paper rolls and pancake so I ordered the rice paper rolls with no meat. They arrived with prawns so I sheepishly sent them back explaining I didn't want seafood either. All of this was handled graciously and the no meat or fish version arrived shortly thereafter. They looked fresh and delicious and being a girl who loves my spicy condiments I gave it a generous dunk in the dipping sauce and had a huge bite. It was delicious until the overpowering ponk hit, swiftly followed by major unpleasant fishiness.
I talked to the waiter again, explained apologetically and asked for some plain chilli sauce which was quickly supplied. I also checked there was to be no fish sauce in my Lotus Stem salad which was coming up next and apologised again for my extreme fussiness. Really. It is embarrassing but I can't help it.
Anyway, the husband's Chicken Curry was coconutty and gorgeous if a bit on the spicy side for him. I tasted a bit of the sauce and wished there was a veggie version. The one child we had with us was more than happy with his Chicken Pho and even managed some of the curry (followed by several glasses of water!). The rolls and my salad were absolutely delicious - tasty, crunchy, fresh and zesty although not as spicy as I would have hoped but then I like things REALLY hot.
A couple of glasses of Invivo Pinot Gris for me, a Syrah and a Coke for the companions and all in all we paid $78.50 for this yummy healthy extravaganza delivered with excellent friendly and fast (not to mention understanding) service.
Although we arrived before 6pm, by the time we left, there were only a couple of tables still empty, with families and other locals making up the clientele. If you live in or near Mt Albert and haven't been here for dinner, then do so - we are definitely going back. read more