Freshly shorn I left my hairstylist & meandered to the very end of the Northern Concourse, one of the behemoth tentacles that typifies the Sylvia Park Shopping Mall. I hadn't a particular reason to visit that part of the mall other than curiosity. With a spate of "international" retailers opening recently, I was seeking therapy! And I found it in the form of Columbus Coffee, Sylvia Park!
The first thing I noticed was the fact that every table was occupied (or so I thought) so the place exuded a very busy vibe. The next thing I noticed was the aroma of freshly ground coffee beans, a definitely alluring smell. And then I spotted their display cabinet. Inside were an array of the freshest, tastiest looking open sandwiches I've seen in ages. Baps filled to overflowing with avocado, chicken & fresh greens looked outrageously delish. Slices of lasagna & quiche, both freshly baked & beautifully presented, set my tastebuds flowing! It wasn't until my eyes fell upon the last, solitary Lemon Tart on display, that I made my mind up to stop for coffee. Ordering a mocha, I inquired if the Tart came with cream. The young serving person nodded enthusiastically & handed me a laminated number. Table service in a cafe - very refined. I squeezed myself onto a table & grabbed my phone. Before I could even open my Twitter app, the barista arrived with my coffee & the young serving person with my tart. The whipped cream was presented on a small side plate - 10/10 for this! So many cafes will either put the cream on the same plate, or worse, dump the cream on top of your purchase. This is a big no-no as it will impede on the delicate flavour of the tart. The coffee was robust & flavoursome, as all freshly ground coffee should be!
Sylvia Park is ostentatious, I will refrain from taking coffee at most of their cafes - especially those plonked in the middle of the main concourses, too noisy & impersonal. However I can state that for wonderful food, exceptional service & far away from the heaving throngs, Columbus Coffee gets a top rating from me. It is my intention to make this my regular on any future sojourns to Mount Wellington! read more