Mimosa

Overview

Lake Road in Takapuna seems to be the unofficial hub for both takeaway joints and hairdressers. Fortunately for those of us who are just after a good coffee and something without MSG in it, there's a little diamond in the rough tucked in there called Mimosa.

The people who've brought us the wonderful Kokako of Grey Lynn, are behind this quaint and quiet little sister café.

I wandered in early afternoon on a Sunday and felt right at home thanks to the chilled but friendly staff and the pretty space they'd created. The fit-out is clever and cool. Despite the narrow space, the use of rustic timber, vintage chairs and little slices of colour make the café feel modern yet cosy.

Completely unintentionally I had visited Kokako for coffee earlier that day, so by the time I got to Mimosa all I needed was something warm and nourishing to eat. It seems I'd come to the right spot. Along with their Fairtrade Organic Kokako coffee the food from the kitchen includes free range and organic products.

There's a definite nod to Japan with dishes such as the Osaka Rosti ($16) which has Okonomi-yaki style potato rosti served with fried egg and home-made mayonnaise and the Tokyo Plate ($16) with Teriyaki salmon or chicken with white or brown rice served with Japanese style omelet and miso soup, but a well rounded mix of classic café essentials also featured on the menu such as the Happy Bacon Butty ($9.50).

I selected the dish of the day which was a lovely little Mexican inspired number with beans in a spiced tomato sauce served on brown rice with fresh coriander, mustard sauce and sour cream ($13.50). It was simple but tasty.

There was a nice array of sweet treats in the cabinet and I nearly ordered a coffee and an attractive looking home-made afghan but I was so satisfied with lunch that I decided to quit while I was ahead. By all accounts, just like Kokako the coffee is of a pretty high standard though.

My only gripe with Mimosa is that you can't actually order one – a mimosa that is (that dainty wee cocktail made up of one part champagne and one part citrus juice). It sort of felt like false advertising, but on second thoughts I suppose if I'd matched lunch with a cocktail I may not have left feeling quite as wholesome.