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Christchurch
Reviewed by Diana
Other
Christchurch Restaurants
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Date/Time:
Sun 21st Jan 2007, 11.00 a.m.
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Restaurant:
Trattorie Espresso Cafe and Bar
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Booking:
only necessary for larger groups generally
351 4414
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Where
to Find:
Fendalton Village complex, cnr Ilam and Clyde Roads, Christchurch
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Parking:
In the complex's carpark at the
door
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Service:
Counter service from efficient and friendly young staff. Any problems
are dealt with promptly and cheerfully. Table clearing doesn't appear
to be a priority, and as we'd sat at the only decent-sized table
which would fit the 3 of us comfortably we had to push the last
customers' dishes to the unused corner of the table - where they
sat in their splendour until we asked someone (who had chosen to
clear another table nearby first) to remove them. If you want your
maple syrup on the side you need to ask for it, which often doesn't
occur to people the first time so you can end up with your food
drowned in the stuff, which happened to one of my companions this
morning - I really hate that!
Presentation:
Food and coffees both very nicely presented, and a suitably enticing
display in the cabinet. Liked the fact that the menu is a handwritten
chalk blackboard job!
Wine List:
A respectable handful of wines
Value for
Money:
Good. Three substantial breakfasts
with coffees was around $45.
Ambience:
Spacious suburban cafe, well
fitted out, light and airy. Industrial-style ceiling tiles, and
a regularly-changing display of paintings by local artists for sale
on the walls. Cheerful, relaxed, family-friendly and pleasant. Always
full of locals of all ages enjoying treats like their truly magic
eggs benedict or excellent blueberry pancakes.
The feel
good factor:
One of our most regular breakfast
spots, and a great place to pick up the best cheese scones in town
for a quick lunch, and spectacular chocolate fudge. Excellent home
baking, and decent-sized servings of very fresh, well-presented
and delicious food in laid-back surroundings in the suburbs. Great
food guaranteed - visit them when you feel like a relaxed lunch
or a serious breakfast.
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