On the menu: Sierra is a European-style cafe serving breakfasts, brunch and lunch, as well as deli food with fresh salads, paninis and baked treats. The breakfast/brunch menu has all the standard fare, from pancakes and french toast to fully cooked breakfast. The lunch menu from 11am to 2pm hasan interesting range, from toasties to more substantial options.
The buzz: It is situated on busy Cameron Road but there is plenty of parking in the carpark outside the Hub building. At mid-morning the cafe is frequented by lawyer and banking types from nearby offices and it is not uncommon to see queues for coffees, but you can preorder your coffee. There is outside seating in a courtyard surrounded by Italian-style hedging. We went on a sunny winter's day and despite being on the main road, the courtyard is a relaxing oasis from the office. As well as the city types in the week, the cafe also caters well to mums, bubs and families.
I'll have: A salmon hash stack - hot smoked salmon with capers and minted peas resting on a bed of thickly fried potato sliced, topped with a poached egg and garnished with gremolata ($14) - the ultimate comfort food. I also had a large trim flat white. I drink decaffinated coffee which can sometimes have a sharp taste in cafes, but this one was strong but flavoursome.
He'll have: A grilled chicken open sandwich with streaky bacon, salad, beetroot, cheese and aioli on toasted Turkish bread ($15.50). It was a huge affair but gratefully devoured. He gave a nod to healthy living by ordering a berry smoothie, but this attempt at being virtuous was cancelled out when owner Lazlo insisted he have a bread and butter pudding - a huge slab of moist cake, soaked with syrup and packed with dried fruit and slathered in creamy custard. He had a steaming hot chocolate to wash it down with.
Value for money: The prices at Sierra are much the same as anywhere else downtown - you can get a reasonably priced toastie at $9.
To drink: Most bases are covered here with juices, smoothies, soft drinks, coffees and teas. Both still and sparkling water are free.
The staff: Sierra is owned by Hungarian Lazlo who is very friendly and helpful - only too happy chat. Despite long queues for coffee, counter service was quick and efficient.
The verdict: I've driven past many a time but never ventured in despite it being just a few blocks from our office. As we left I felt like I'd discovered a new gem. It's a great little spot for a working breakfast or lunch, with good coffee.
the details: Sierra Cafe Unit 2, 525 Cameron Road, Tauranga p: 07-571 8862 e: sierra@lkbs.co.nz Opening hours are 7am- 4pm weekdays and 8am-2pm weekends.
