Grand service in little Pukekohe

Who’d have thought a small place like Pukekohe could whip up such a grand and worldly display of service!

My very first GF outing in “The Land of The Long White Cloud” proved a smashing hit. In the otherwise rather unpolished and rural surroundings of country town Pukekohe (south of Auckland), lies a surprisingly urban gem of a restaurant called the Monarch Cafe.

New Zealand can sometimes seem immune to the trends and fads we become accustomed to in Europe, so there’s no knowing how the average kiwi restaurant owner might react to my strange condition and wild requests. However, owner Dean Sheperd at the Monarch personally took on the challenge with a smile. He listened carefully to the information he was given, answered my questions and took extra precautions. In the end I was served a GF bruschetta every bit as delicious as those of my fellow diners, followed by a scrumptious main of mixed seafood on a baby leaf salad. I was utterly pleased, well fed and not the least bit worried about cross contamination after receiving world-class service!

Call ahead, let them know you’re GF and explain your level of sensitivity. They will take care of you!

The Monarch cafe serves lovely food, trendy drinks and good coffee. Try their fun jam jar cocktails! Good place for a meal with friends, and seems to be a buzzing little hub in an otherwise quiet town. Outstanding service, and big city feel guaranteed!

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