BLUE ROSE
Located on busy Sandringham Road, and in very close proximity to Edendale Primary school, we imagine Blue Rose is a popular haunt for mums dropping and collecting kids from school, a good location for that reason alone! Easy parking right outside and it was nice to see a full array of tables when we walked in – there are only 5 or 6 tables though. The Blue Rose wallpaper was striking and dovetailed visually into the collection of blue plates. The hallway to the outdoor courtyard also boasted plates and eclectic family artefacts on the walls, some of which were family heirlooms collected by the owner. We couldn’t pinpoint whether the food aesthetic was Maori or Pacific Island in origin, so we assumed both/neither/either/all. Offering everything from taro and fry up to hangi pies, and some good ol’ Kiwi tucker inbetween (read: nachos), it was hard to ascertain where they were pitching it overall. Service was laggy and eventually friendly enough. Food not mindblowing but coffee made up for it. A great local but to be honest, probably not a destination café for us.
Louise had the garlic mushrooms on toast. She said “The waitress had reserved us the front window seat which was cool. Quite enjoyed the dramatic wallpaper and the fact that the café was full of people ” a good sign. Mushrooms slightly underdone in parts and could have done with some lemon or mushroom to give them a bit of interest.”
Innie had the nutella and banana crumpet and a berry smoothie. She said “Sometimes it’s not about the service, presentation nor the flavour- it’s just the atmosphere that makes you relax and enjoy. With no particular reason, I just felt comfortable and relaxed-“
Mel had the small nachos and a banana smoothie. She said “Sweet little place, especially if you like things which are family orientated, quaint and blue! The nachos were plentiful even for the small size, the relish was delish, however the mince was very average. The experience was improved however by the lovely staff.”
Joe had the large nachos and a berry smoothie. He said “Cool little place in the burbs and great to see the inclusions of some original options (hangi pies etc). Food was a little disappointing, and missing a ‘wow’ factor.”