Jam Organic Cafe

Overview

Not normally a fan of cafes that are situated on the floor level of business complexes, I was intrigued to find out what it was about Jam at Takapuna that had not only all my bias North Shore buddies raving, but practically any one who’d ever been there. I couldn’t have been more pleasantly surprised with the experience. Tucked away in the shopping strip of Hurstmere Road in Takapuna is Jam, a perfect little café that specialises in all organic food and masters a well rounded and original breakfast menu.

Coming here early on a Monday, we were one of the few sitting down to actually have breakfast, most of the foot traffic was the steady flow of Shore regulars coming in for their take away coffees. Nestled at the back of the cafe on the big communal table we were able to lay out our newspapers and enjoy our pre breakfast coffees. Despite the dismal wet weather outside Jam was cosy the staff injected a friendliness that warmed the place up.

On the advice from a friend, I decided to get a bit blokey and order the ‘Old Fashion Mince on Toast’ while my friend chose the slightly more sophisticated scrambled eggs with rocket and feta on five grain. Both of our meals were super tasty and just the right size to devour the lot – especially when you’re talking about eating mince first thing on a Monday. I’d definitely recommend my dish, but had I thought more carefully about it I may have realised it’s more of a morning-after-a-large-night type breaky. That being said, I’d go for it again if I ever roll up to Jam on a said Sunday. The scrambled eggs were great in the sense they were light and you didn’t feel like you were demolishing a whole hidden pottle of cream and the feta was the perfect and suprising flavour accent.

Had my sweet tooth won out, the chocolate pancakes with plum compote and cream would have won my order, but based on our visit I definitely can see many a return trip over the bridge to do a full menu sampling. For our two well sized breakfast and coffees it didn’t hit the wallet too hard either, coming to $38.

On a sunny day, looking out through the Pohutakawa trees over the reserve and down to Takapuna Beach, Jam would be that quaintly picturesque spot tucked away from the hustle bustle. A brunch here followed by a stroll and a swim at the beach being a nod to a North Shore Summer’s day.