Honeytrap - CLOSED

Overview

As the name fittingly implies, Honeytrap is an enticing place.  It's all kinds of cute, with it's shabby chic turquoise seats, vases of fresh flowers and an ever-changing selection of delicious things to eat. Yes it is petite, but there are a range of seating options to suit your mood: inside for an intimate lunch, a secluded mezzanine offering an escape from the real world , or 'outdoor' tables in the arcade which are perfect for small groups who like to keep tabs on the action or be part of the fashion.

Unlike the trickery Honeytrap may allude to, this cafe's got nothing to hide. Everything they sell is made from scratch in their little kitchen, which you can see right into while you contemplate the simple menu and daily specials. Contrary to popular belief, when it comes to menus, less definitely is more. If the selection is limited it not only makes choosing easier (although everything  Honeytrap's had to offer was appealing), it also means fewer and hence fresher ingredients.

And if I had to choose one word to describe the food at Honeytrap, 'fresh' would certainly be it.  Their talented chef certainly knows how to make the most of seasonal produce which means there's always something new to sink your teeth into. Sandwiches, salads, soups and smoothies are the main fare along with a variety of freshly baked sweet treats in case you're feeling indulgent. I succumbed to a pecan and chocolate cookie and didn't regret a crumb of it. It was light and crispy on the edges and just the right amount of chewy in the middle.

As for lunch, even though the Mexican chicken (with avo and slaw) and falafel (with hummus, cucumber yoghurt and beetroot) sandwiches sounded delectable,  we couldn't go past the sandwich special - fresh tarakihi with iceberg and homemade tartare. We weren't wrong to order two because they were so good the food envy would have been unbearable. The bun was high quality and lightly toasted, the fish fresh and crispy without being dry and the tartare sauce struck the perfect balance between creamy and tangy. At $10 a piece, we thought the sandwiches were great value and the best lunch we'd had out in ages.

Whether you're after a quick bite  or a cosy corner to linger in over a bottomless cup of coffee, Honeytrap has definitely got what you want. I can't wait to go back.