Cafe Iwi https://web.facebook.com/CafeIwi2017/?_rdc=1&_rdr

Reviewed by FiFi, July 2016

The Place:

What a wonderful little treasure, essentially in the middle of residential area in a converted house.  There is an abundance of seating both indoors and outdoors.  There are even sofas to relax in. This place has a homely feel and vibe about it that oozes a friendly, welcoming vibe.  There is lots of cabinet food or a great menu to choose from.  They have specials such as garlic mussels and a great kids menu. The menu was pretty and original with Maori translations for example the Tamarriki (kids) menu followed by how to pronounce the word in brackets (Tar-ma-ree-key). There is loads of local produce, dishes with a personal twist that are quite unique, vegetarian, Gluten-free and even paleo options to chose from. The menu had four mouth watering ‘Bene’ options! The Benedict (with bacon); the Florentine (with spinach); the Avocado (self-explanatory); and the Eggs Waiwhetu (secret honey-glazed pork belly).  All came with two eggs on toast and hollandaise.  Whilst salmon was not on the menu you could still chose an extra of a fish fillet.  The sides were reasonably priced ranging from $2 to $6.

The Service:

The staff were incredibly friendly and you could tell that they genuinely enjoyed serving customers.  Service like this charms you to the core.

The Presentation:

The dish looked okay but really needed a splash of colour to add more overall appeal.

• The Benedict Waiwhetu (pork belly)  We have never come across this option before so we both ordered it.  Mine with a hash and Zilluntexas with a sausage.  We were not disappointed.
• The Eggs – were tasty, warm and runny.  Just how we like them.
• The Pork Belly – was cooked to perfection and tasted divine.  Due to its richness we found that the quantity was just right.
• The Hashbrown – was crunchy and hot.
• The Sausage – was quite yummy.
• The Hollandaise – homemade ad creamy.  I would have liked a wee bit more.
• The Bread – toasted just right with a slight crunch to it.

Would We Go Again?

Without a doubt we will go back.

Scorecard

Style: 10/10 – Original with the Pork Belly option.

Taste: 8/10 – the meal was pretty yummy.

Originality: 10/10 – very unique Benny with Pork Belly.

Value: 8/10 – All 4 Bene options were $16

Eggs: 8/10 – were runny and warm

Overall score: 9/10

58 Guthrie St, Waterloo, Lower Hutt 5011