Cafe profile: Latin Larder, Takapuna
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The secret’s out One of the best kept secrets on Takapuna’s Hurstmere Rd is a secret garden that’s been hiding away, tucked in behind the Latin Larder cafe. Latin Larder: excellent food and great coffee. The cafe is the only in Takapuna to serve Miller’s Coffee and Justin is only too happy to please – offering to make anything off-menu to order if the customer wishes. “We can do whatever the customer wishes,” he says. “As long as we have the ingredients I’m more than happy to make anything, nothing is too big.” With its plum fruit tree and sun drenched location, those in-the-know flock to Latin Larder’s garden for their favourite breakfast or lunch, coffee and to enjoy the serenity of a peaceful garden in the heart of Takapuna. “Nobody else has a garden like this and customers love it, even in winter on those days when the sun is shining people are coming out to enjoy the garden,” says owner/chef, Justin Muller, who before taking over Latin Larder two years ago was head chef at a well established Takapuna restaurant. As well as the garden, the name Latin Larder has become synonymous with excellent food and great coffee. The menu itself offers a few treats as well, and the L.L. Caesar Salad has become quite infamous in its own right. Other highlights of the menu include the Corned Beef Hash with poached eggs, wilted leaves and hollandaise; Gen’s Special, of avocado, roquette,
latin larder
poached eggs with bacon or salmon; and for the healthy, the Latin Larder Life Style Omelette – made with egg whites served with five grain toast. There is also a cabinet display of prepared muffins, cakes and popular Turkish bread sandwiches. “Our focus is on offering superb customer service, excellent coffee and great food – that pretty much sums up what we’re all about,” says Justin. Justin has a loyal following of local patrons, stopping every morning for their coffee fix and breakfast favourites as they enjoy the
outdoor to that secluded garden. Adding to that, the cafe’s walls are adorned with art works by local artists, which are all for sale to eager customers. Currently, Latin Larder is hosting works by Milford artist Janet Knight, as well as Jayren Dixon of Devonport. Jayren also works at Latin Larder as the Head Barista every Sunday. “It’s our way of supporting the local community and people love to come in and see the art on the walls,” says Justin. “We get a lot of enquiries about the works and the artists themselves frequent the café, which the customers just love. They are very talented people and we thoroughly enjoy having them in the café.”
We can do whatever the customer wishes, as long as we have the ingredients. I’m more than happy to make anything, nothing is too big. Latin Larder
Off-site catering for up to 20 people Call: (09) 489 5563 Address: 170 Hurstmere Rd, Takapuna Open: Tuesday – Sunday 6.30am – 3pm
flavoursome cuisine with a European flare from breakfast to lunchtime. The staff have a great rapport with customers and are always welcoming, greeting and interacting, as they enjoy the comfortable surroundings and fast paced but relaxed atmosphere with the two dimensions flowing indoor and
Breakfast & Lunch served all day Our garden courtyard is available for hire. Ask about our private catering service. 170 Hurstmere Rd, Takapuna. 489 5563. Open Tue – Sun 6.30am – 3pm.
www.channelmag.co.nz Issue 2 - AUGUST 2010