Brotzeit Ponsonby

Giving rise to the notion that the 'anti-carb' movement is well and truly behind us (sugar is the new enemy guys), Germany eatery Brotzeit has opened the doors to its city-side outpost following the success of a flagship eatery in Albany.

A delightful family-run operation that was born from the revelation that Auckland is sadly lacking an authentic German bakery, the van der Scheer family proudly offers ready-to-order doughy delights straight from their bonafide German stone oven.

The smell of beautifully baked bread wafting through the small café was worth the visit alone as I dodged a handful of curious locals nipping in to scope out what promises to be a welcome addition to the community, and as I fought my way to the counter my eyes almost couldn't take stock of all the goodies on offer.

Wholegrain, linseed, pumpkin and hazelnut loafs, deliciously dense pretzels and bountiful Berliner (German doughnut filled with fruit jelly), I knew this would be a two (or even three and four) episode review.

Taking one look around I could easily see why virtually every seat in the house had been occupied as plates were piled mile high with the likes of Frikadellen Brötchen (a minced beef and pork hamburger served on a bakers roll) and the German-Kiwi fused Gretel's Special (sourdough topped with avocado and grilled mushroom).

The delightful staff smiled graciously as I floundered trying to choose between treats and my choices did not disappoint. Carefully crafted coffee perfectly complimented the delicate flavours of the carrot sourdough and the volkornbrot (dark rye with sunflower seeds) which I took home has elevated my sandwich-game ten-fold.

Bringing an authentic taste of Deutschland to Neuseeland, the combination of melodic German accents, superb service and a delectable point of difference ensures that I will certainly be back to Brotzeit.