This is one very professional, classy and contemporary catering company! Getting married? Getting…read moredivorced? Celebrate with friends by hiring a fabulous chef with waiting staff to cook for you on site. Their website is a really great starting point - www.zestkitchen.co.nz The director/chef Stephen is happy to discuss ideas and will cater to any dietary concerns. I have personally tried some of their vegetarian options and they were divine! The list of food on offer is quite long and varied. They can cater buffet style if you like, finger food, desserts or three course meals, whatever suits your needs and budget. This chef is passionate about food and has established a great reputation for what he does; check out their site or give them a call to find out more.

This little cafe offers a small outdoor seating area which normally I would be prone to take,…read morehowever inside offers great big orange flowery wallpaper, awesome stuff! Orange is a colour that simply doesn't get used enough. The overall signage out front is a bit over the top, well, compared to their neighbours across the road who still like to opt for hand written signs scribbled in a hurry across faded pieces of cardboard (but also do equally great trade!). It was actually my first visit to this little joint as it always appeared closed (no weekend trade so I have discovered, and closes and 3:30 - 4 pm weekdays), however they offered super friendly service (and not in a sickening-kind-of-way) and pretty good coffee. The guy behind the counter was helpful with information and attentive to all customers who were regularly flowing in. I eagerly eyed off their array of sweet treats - rocky road $3.00, afgans $2.00, double choc brownies $4.00 plus more! They also had scones, gourmet salads and filo pastries with curried chicken and pumpkin that made me almost drool in public. Insiders tip - their price on some of the goodies mentioned above vary in price when ordering as a catering job, some items cheaper and some items dearer, so worth doing your research if you want the best deal possible.

This is a sadly overlooked little cafe just tucked onto Rosebank Rd near the main Avondale shopping…read morestrip. They proclaim to have the best pies in the area but sadly I have not had the chance to try them out yet so I'm sorry I can not pass judgment on these. However, I'm happy to report that they do have exemplary homemade lemonade, which is also a sadly overlooked beverage choice in many cafes. They also have pretty good biscuits, and fresh sushi, so if you're in the area, this is a great option to stop in and grab some lunch. Service is also friendly and helpful.

I got to 5 loaves with Dad probably once a year - he goes all the time, it's on his regular lunch…read morecircuit, but I probably only go once a year. I always order the same thing; stuffed chicken wrapped in bacon with some sort of side salad. Today it was a beetroot, sunflower seed number and an Asian noodle salad. The chicken is the same every time - delicious. I think it's the stuffing that makes it. It's bready, nutty and well seasoned. As for the salads, they can look a bit dire in the cabinet (I think sometimes they dress them too early) but they're yet to let me down. Today's beetroot arrangement was a tad overdressed but it had a tangy vinagrette that was so good I didn't mind and the Asian noodle was well balanced but more fresh herbs wouldn't have gone astray (ALWAYS more fresh herbs). Need something for dinner? Five Loaves also have a freezer full of take home meals - lasagna and the like.

My partner and I ended up at Five Loaves on Jervois Road one morning for brunch. We originally came…read moreby to visit Zus & Zo and it was closed for a few days in January. Five Loaves was the nearest place that looked quite good so we went for it. It's not a huge place but they've got an awesome menu, and tonnes of delicious-looking gourmet pastries to choose from. We occupied a seat just outside and I went for the muesli with yoghurt and scrambled eggs- both were incredibly tasty and being such a picky person with my eggs, I was really impressed. My partner ordered this incredible looking tortilla-type dish with eggs and beans, as suggested by one of the staff; its one of their most popular dishes and for good reason! The service here was great and we didn't wait very long for our food. As far as cafe service goes, Five Loaves gets top points from me.

Attended an event at a local rugby club while we were on the Lions Tour. We had no idea what to…read moreexpect for food as we had not had dinner, but we were delighted, when the buffet of fantastic homemade food was served! The ham was delicious as was everything else. The mini meringues are to die for!!!!! This is not a 'foodie' type of caterer, but a caterer than can serve up a crowd with delicious comfort food.

Cheese-lovers unite and head to Go Dutch for the most delicious range of authentic Dutch cheese,…read morecut to your order from the large cheese rounds. Everyone in the know knows about this place so it goes without saying that their cheese will be fresh since every customer probably buys cheese. We love the Gouda mild cumin, and the Leerdamer Kaas variety. We have also figured out that Dutch mayonnaise is even better than best foods, so that's always on my list. Save the hassle of purchasing all of the individual ingredients and then following a cheese fondue recipe where you may muck it up, go with the fail proof Emmi brand ready mix packets from here. Their Dutch windmill biscuits are to die for with a cup of dutch coffee. I finally purchased a cheese slicer from here too which makes a difference when slicing up from the cheese wedge. They even have body care products and tea towels, all and sundry Dutch can be found in this shop.

Go Dutch! This is a the store to come and buy your authentic Dutch cheese, that delicious yet…read morestrange tasting Dutch licorice and Nasi Goreng.... Nasi Goreng?????..... well, yes, I had to look twice too, all this time I have eaten Nasi Goreng out and I thought it was an Asian delicacy... The prices vary, usually towards the more hefty side, but if it is the occasional shop or a one off item you are after then look at it as a treat. They have quite an extensive range too, plus if you check out their website www.godutch.co.nz you can buy online! Go Dutch also have another retail outlet in Orewa. If you haven't ever tried Dutch licorice before, give it a go! It is very different to the soft sweet stuff in the West. This store offer a variety to chose from, ask staff about the different choices to help you decide.