Back in May we visited the punnily named Perk Up" in Kingsland, the menu (the physical object, not the items on the list) has changed totally with no a "striking" almost garish vaguely 50s style laminated item. The actual items on the menu have not changed so much except that now several are grouped into an invent your own section. This is superb value, I had:

• "chicken liver and bacon" (one item) beautifully cooked, almost as good as last times' dish,
• "mushrooms" small ones, conveniently sliced in a very mushroomy gravy (I imagine made using the juices of the mushrooms with some of the mushroom concentrate we tried at the Food Show - note to self, must find the brand and supplier) which were also superb,
  
• "five grain toast" what can I say, crisp, tasty, with a soft core
• "hash browns" the nearest to a disappointment, beautifully cooked, but "merely" from a Watties packet!
  

The combination though was beautiful, varied and filling, and cheaper than Sarah's corn fritters or Barbara's spicy potato cakes, which themselves were well done and priced.

The service was also superb, friendly, welcoming and without being intrusive solicitous. The only missing step was failing to ask Sarah how she wanted her eggs. Still they came what I would call "between" firm enough so she ate most of them, but still slightly soft.

The coffee was good, the mochachino and cappuccino were quite happy, my long black was good and strong, hot water on the side, the only quibble was a slight bitterness (perhaps the beans were nearly but not quite as highly roasted as my last batch) but overall better than last time.

So, in conclusion -

Service: Superb

Food: Excellent

Coffee: Good

Perk Up
438 New North Road,
Kingsland,
Auckland
09 815 0434