Hashbrowns and baking in Miramar - Cafe Polo

It's a treat to have Pavarotti with me on a Saturday. The rain has delivered a rare Saturday together, so off for a post-yoga brunch we go. Pav said he knew where Polo in Miramar was, so he drove and took us straight there. Turns out his intensive knowledge of Wellington's football fields has its culinary advantages.

I spotted the hand made croissants within 2 seconds of arrival (they're within 2 metres of the door in a beautiful glass/wood cabinet displaying lots of baked goodies of the savory and sweet variety – more of which later!). So that was 'entree'. A delightful morsel, light but with a bit of density and chewiness, not like some of the flaky exploding varieties you can get.

There were plenty of enticing offers on the wall and written menus, but I plumbed for a favourite – jerusalum artichoke soup. Partly because they're seasonal and a 'get 'em while you can' vege in my book. And partly because I love the fact that they're neither from Jerusalem nor an artichoke. Enigmatic food names hold a definite attraction to me.

Pav had the eggs bene' after much thought – straight with the Harrington's bacon, rather than either smoked salmon or spinach variations on offer. That bacon was very salty, but mixed with the other aspects of the bene it was a fine combo. In a stroke of genius, Pav also ordered a pair of Polo's homemade hashbrowns. We're both partial to a spud, and a grated fried spud especially. These lived up to the expectation we had enslaved them with. A beautiful outer crisp protecting an internal golden hue. Spectacular. Worth the trip alone.

I'm pretty sure that the jerusalem artichokes didn't have my soup to themselves.  The grey with black flecks and the richness make me believe that it should really have been described as mushroom/jerusalem artichoke soup.  But it was smooth and earthy, capturing the special smoky nuttiness of the main ingredient(s). The accompanying slightly wholemeal bread was chewy and rewarding. Pre-buttered, which might bother some people, but personally it saves me struggling with myself whether to have the butter or not. Clearly if the chef believes the butter enhances the bread/soup experience, who am I to argue?

The baking won the day – both of us chose a treat to take home and have later – theoretically for afternoon tea, but actually in the end for dessert. Maple and walnut Schnecken (I've got a German degree so I still feel the need to capitalise german words, bless me) pastry and a 'chocolate croissant' as we insist on calling them in this country. Both of a quality to make swing past Polo just for the baking a worthwhile exercise.

Lasting impressions:

atmosphere – suburban and welcoming

food/menu – well made, tasty and worth the trip to the 'burbs from just about anywhere

coffee – fair trade L'Affare, hot and good

service – charming

kid noise factor – there weren't many there when we were there, but if there were a bunch I think the acoustics would trap the noise if you were seated in the wrong room

parking - easy

We'll be back for dinner.

Cafe Polo

82-84 Rotherham Terrace
Miramar
Wellington