Winona Forever

Overview

Parnell need feign nonchalance no more over Ponsonby's rep as the only brunch location worth visiting. Winona Forever— offering breakfast, brunch, coffee and cake— has erupted onto the scene placing the sleepy rise firmly back on the map.

Partially owned by a pastry chef with a CV boasting a history of Epsom's Hello Friends & Allies and Henderson's Little Sister Café— it's no surprise that this new little opening is creating big waves.

Citing must-see attractions such as: beetroot cured salmon on kumara sourdough, ricotta doughnuts with pistachio almond ice cream, and green breakfast bowls brimming with broccolini, asparagus, kale, avocado and lime. Or perhaps you will be more inclined towards a spinach and artichoke brioche? Or a roasted stone fruit frangipani tart? Both staking claim as cabinet knock-outs.

Not slipping standard at the fare, co-owners Fran and Aaron have fine-tuned the set-up, catering to the masses. Long tables for large parties, an accompanying courtyard for the more informal occasions and bar-leaners for business with a built-in view.

From the spray-painted galaxies winding up pillars and the light bulbs orbited by vast fish bowls, one can't help but note the suggestion of astronomy. Teamed with dishes named 'You're An Eggs', 'Prawn Star' and 'Chur Chia Bro' you feel the Winona flare — and possibly the crew subtlety jibing at how ridiculously outrageous Kiwi café culture has become.

Whatever the meaning to the madness, when it looks good, feels great and tastes out of this world, you know you've found your new local. Welcome to the club Winona Forever.