On the menu: Everything from smoothies through breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner. The weekday breakfast and "all-day" menus are expanded versions of the weekend summer brunch menu. Breakfast and brunch covers the cafe standards, alongside vegetarian options and several more substantial chicken and seafood dishes. The all-dayer features several main
meal salad options, plus beef, lamb, tuna and salmon selections. A starter or "small plates" menu runs from fries with aioli ($6) to fried prawns with chilli, garlic and lemon ($13).
I'll have: The chicken breast sandwich ($24). Served on grilled "flatbread" that was more focaccia than the real unleavened stuff, it was a beast of a breast on a bed of salad greens, tomato and avocado. Topped with a hefty helping of black beans and sliced chorizo, it was an interesting mix of Mexican/Spanish flavours.
He'll have: A load of protein in the form of Scotch fillet. Perfectly cooked, it was served with a couple of large portobellos, rocket, pine nuts, parmesan, and a tangy red wine jus. He also had a helping of treacle-y pecan pie.
For the adventurous: Try the beef cashew satay with spiced watermelon salsa, roasted kumara and farro salad, $23.
Value for money: The chicken and prawn spring rolls from the starter menu, $10.
The coffee was: From Allpress.
The drinks were: A short but comprehensive and well-priced wine list, plus beer.
The staff were: Unpretentious, efficient and helpful.
The buzz: Relaxed and chatty, but with a pleasantly sophisticated vibe.
The verdict: A definite bonus for the area and in a great location. I'll be back.
Tay Street Beach Cafe
Where: Cnr Tay St and Marine Pde, Mt Maunganui
Open: Mon-Sat 8am-10pm, Sun 8am-4pm
Phone: 572 0691
