MODERN TOUCH: The Coffee Club is cosy yet modern. PHOTO/BEN FRASER
MODERN TOUCH: The Coffee Club is cosy yet modern. PHOTO/BEN FRASER
Now the debacle of getting in and out of the Redwood Centre has been resolved, we can all safely duck into one of Rotorua's newest foodie spots.
The Coffee Club opened in August last year in the heart of the bustling eastern shopping centre. It has given those customers atthe centre something more upmarket than takeaways to choose from for breakfast, brunch or lunch.
Open from 7.30am to 5pm, it is a great spot for those on the eastern side of town to enjoy without having to make the trip into town.
The food is basic without being boring and is simple to understand. All your favourites are on the menu, including eggs benedict, Caesar salad, chicken burger and beer battered fish and chips. The most expensive meal is the Coffee Club big breakfast ($21) and the cheapest is the French toast ($10).
The menu is in easy to read sections. I like how it starts with the "healthy start breakfast" ... good luck with that. I chose the chicken schnitzel and chips ($19). It was just the right size without leaving me feeling bloated. While it generally delivered what it promised, the relish was more like a salsa. My friend had the Philly cheese steak and he was mmmm'ing - a good sign.
The drinks: My hot chocolate was perfect and my friend said the banana smoothie was just right. I was particularly impressed with their Coke selection. They had them all, normal Coke, Diet, Zero and the new Life. We Coke drinkers are very particular, you know.
The service: Was friendly and zippy. Not long after we began eating we were asked if everything was okay, always a nice touch. I'm often tempted though to joke with wait staff when they ask this and say straight-faced "actually, no". But maybe that's not funny.
Overall: Franchises such as the Coffee Club are great if you want to go somewhere and know what to expect. The food is fresh and delicious, the atmosphere is cosy yet modern and the service is spot on.
