Jess' Underground Kitchen - CLOSED

Overview

This February, Jess Daniell of Jess’ Underground Kitchen, proudly swung open the doors to her flagship store, JUK. The newest shop to grace Jervois Road is a welcoming addition to the already widely expanded JUK empire and plays host to not only perfect coffee spot but Jess’ commercial kitchen, nightly meal pick up and deli.

For those early morning walkers, Herne Bay locals dropping kids to the bus or just anyone who needs a boost after burning the midnight oil, too long can grab your morning brew through the ingenious hole-in-the-wall from 7am. However, if you’re not a morning person, rest assured, JUK is open for lunch too. Be welcomed into a light filled space beckoned by the array of lunchables piled up in the cabinet. Although it may feel more like a takeaway option than eat-in, you can score a table either curbside or on the sunny back deck to prolong your JUK experience (and lunch break) as long as humanly possible.

I scoffed down a fresh-out-of-the-oven chorizo quiche ($7.50) and was coaxed into both an afghan ($4) and ginger slice ($4.50) by my compadre. Best lunch bud ever; I gorged myself on that sweet stuff and then washed it all down with an oddly bitter lemon soda ($5).

While you’re amidst Jess' hospitality, take the time to peruse the weekly meal options on the wall, which you can order at the counter or online and pick up on your way home from work, she's conveniently open until 7pm. Or if pre-planning is not your thing, grab one of Jess’ nutritious meals from the freezers to take home. Both perfect for those busy days, avoiding the supermarket or just going all Mrs Doubtfire (RIP) and maintaining your ‘I can cook’ rep.

Jess’ Underground Kitchen has quickly become the weekday hub for good food, good coffee and feeding a number of Aucklanders delicious and nutritious meals, no longer living in fear of contracting scurvy.