When you walk into this trendy neighbourhood cafe it’s like being on the set of The Good Place, it’s so scandi bright and airy. And the people are so happy.
It was a rainy day and the kind of day we couldn’t be forked with doing much, plus it had been so long since we actually ate in at a cafe. Dear Jane is tucked away in suburban Mt Albert in a small strip of shops where a neighbourhood bar is about to open right next door. It’s the kind of place that makes you want to check out the local real estate.
The butter yellow coffee machine is a beacon as you walk in the door, and the barista knows how to make an excellent flat white. Strong with notes of coffee and further evidence we were in an episode of The Good Place. One of us had already reached her daily coffee limit because of children so a fizzy house made lemonade soda did the trick. (On a side note, there is nothing worse than a soda with no bubbles. If you’ve left a half empty bottle of soda water slowly farting itself flat since the previous day, do us all a favour and tip it down the sink. Many thanks.)
The cabinet food looked enticing but we were after a wholesome lunch. The Teriyaki Salmon Soba Salad arrived looking beautiful, ribbons of cucumber sitting upright amongst soba noodles (only quibble is they were a little over-cooked), edamame beans and slaw with a juicy fillet of salmon perched on top. The soy ginger dressing came in its own glass and was quickly dispensed all over. A delicious dish that we thought even our children would enjoy – but we like to eat in peace. The Sticky Pork Belly Bowl was the perfect match for the torrential rain outside. Warm, filling and comforting, the use of the word sticky was justified – slices of slow cooked pork belly glazed with hoisin sauce were exactly that. Accompaniments of cucumber ribbons, fluffy rice and a glorious ramen egg made this a dish that this mum was not prepared to share.
There’s a beautiful looking deck out the back, just right for enjoying a lazy weekend brunch on a sunny day, and a large airy room for bigger groups. And yes, the deck would be a great spot to park the kids but do yourself and favour and don’t. Save Dear Jane for yourself and have a forking lovely time.
Dear Jane
39 Martin Ave
Mt Albert.