cafe inspiration
West talks to Piens, the owner of
the newest, cosiest cafe in Titirangi
Why food or a cafe?
It’s a combination of passions. It has a good mixture of creativity, community, creating a space where everyone is included and people can come together. I also prefer a cafe to a restaurant because it has a more relaxed atmosphere. It’s a place to either just grab a coffee or have a full lunch. I’m also a bit of a people watcher.
Did you bake or cook as a child?
Yes, I was always trying to get into the kitchen to make butterfly cakes and Dutch-style pancakes.
How important are the look and creativity in the decor to you in creating the atmosphere for diners?
Style and function go hand-in-hand. I love introducing touches of individualism by using plants for example to bring a sense of humbleness. As soon as you bring the outside inside it gives a mix of tones and textures that lend a place a real feeling of life.
How do you choose the food you will have on the menu?
It’s a fusion of the whole team putting their ideas together. It is evolving at the moment but is mostly inspired by fresh seasonal quality ingredients.
What do you hope to do with the kitchen in the future?
My approach is to create a consistent day trade and when we feel content we will move on to getting a liquor license and opening in the evenings with three or four main dishes at a good price point.
Do you purchase any local goods?
We purchase our coffee from a local company in Henderson called Velvet. For every Kilo of Velvet Coffee sold 40 cents goes to the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust to help wildlife in Kenya.
Which chefs or cooks do you admire?
I draw inspiration from a lot of the other cafes around. From the likes of Angela Redfern who owns Ripe, Kim Evans from Little & Friday and Little Sister Cafe. One of my favourite cookbooks is The Edmonds Cookery Book, and I really love cookbooks by Julie Le Clerc.
If you would like to find out more about the cafe and upcoming events go to their Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/ParkRdKitchen
