Cezanne – the first cafe one happens upon once the corner has been turned from the rarified and gentrified air of Jervois Road. The first phrase that came to both of us was ‘it is what it is’. Hard on the heels of that was ‘and it is so much more interesting to be on Ponsonby Road’. The people are noticeably different; hard to believe from simply turning a corner but there it is.

Cezanne is an Auckland institution and has had its share of ups and downs over the years. It now sports an ‘A’ rating for hygiene you’ll be pleased to know. For all that, it feels a little ‘down at heel’ and sitting outside, as we did this morning, is a very un-pretentious experience. Interesting folk abound.

We both ordered the muesli which was terrific value – the cheapest breakfast so far and the most plentiful. The accompanying fruit was reflective of winter rather than the tropical offerings we had been used to around the corner. It was perhaps a little boring, but possibly because there was so much to chew through. Oats become boring after a while.

Coffee is Roasted Addiqtion – and could have been stronger for both of us. The flavour is smooth but lacks the hit. Back in the day, Roasted’s coffee beans were renowned for their strength so not sure what has happened there. perhaps coffee goers are now spoiled for choice and brews have become progressively stronger over the years as cafes spring up randomly and everywhere.

Bathroom is very close to the kitchen – almost uncomfortably so – and the word that comes to mind is ‘grunge’, but then that is the general vibe that Cezanne gives off either intentionally or not.

Service is average…