Of Coffee and Cafes........

My trip to Timaru dissolved into a sea of cancellations that saw me return to Christchurch on Wednesday afternoon albeit having to revisit Ashburton on Friday morning. Unfortunately exploring the hinterland of South Canterbury for hither too unknown golf courses will have to be postponed until later in the year.

As always I was anxious to sample the local coffee. Because we are based at the north end of town I did not venture down Stafford Street but was well serviced by two delightful cafes just short of the Piazza. On one side of the road is the Purple Lizard and the other the Pukeko Care & Deli. Having frequented these before I knew both to be of a high standard.

The Purple Lizard is more of your old fashioned coffee bar but they did boast an excellent selection of slices. The Rocky Road was especially good - on the base was spread a layer of raspberry jam and then the chocolate topping, which was thick, containing numerous small marsh mellows and and nuts (I had it two days in a row for morning tea!!). Also in the cabinet but untasted on this trip were lolly cake (long & thin). Belgian slice, chocolate brownie and a date configuration(it would have been next on my list). There is also a good selection of other food but allow a little time because the service is not electric.

Across the way Pukeko has a slightly more substantial and upmarket choice of food (at an increased cost) with a wide variety available. The menu has pick and choose flavour around a number of different salads. The coffee at both outlets is more than acceptable and I would not hesitate to recommend either one.

Following my Friday jaunt to Ashburton I stopped on the return journey at The Dunsandel Store for what I considered to be a well deserved real coffee. It would be fair to say this is a much frequented cafe by the Mediation Service and apart from the Golf Club it is one of the few places you can sit in front of an open fire on a couch. An added attraction, at least for me is the wide selection of cook books to peruse! It must be said the black cat was was upset that I appeared to be encroaching on its territory but I was reluctantly accepted - it subsequently didn't move until I left. Again the coffee is of a high standard and there is an interesting selection of food, in addition the restrooms provide a talking point so have a look. The Dunsandel Store is well worth a stop if you have a few spare moments on your trip or even make a special one!