Picnics have never been so stress-free.

The digital space had been aflutter recently with news of the arrival of an exceptional, child-friendly café in the Te Atatu peninsular.

With resounding endorsement from a variety of tweeters, the family was packed-up and set off for the newly opened Luscious Food Store.

Word had obviously spread (the digital age has a lot to answer for) – and this particular Sunday morning the Te Atatu Rd café was heaving. With mid-day sleeps still very much a necessity for our troupe, time is very much of the essence.

With all the tables spoken for (and a fair few people patiently waiting), one of the friendly staff members suggested we may like to grab a couple of mats and sit ourselves down on the grass – what a novel idea.

Sheltered by the wind, and within lunge-ing distance from the large sandpit, Luscious’ outdoor setting is an obvious draw card with Te Atatu’s young families and with good reason.

It’s not just the setting however that is getting tongues wagging (and tweeters tweeting) – the food, both in selection and quality is simply remarkable.

Our choice of the big breakfast, breakfast wrap and mini homemade pies for the kids was spot on – although there was plenty more on the blackboard menu (or at the counter) that I’m sure would have been just as satisfying. The scrambled eggs were perfectly done, and the addition of chorizo, honey bacon and mushrooms certainly hit the spot, as did the coffee.

Te Atatu (and in fact greater Auckland) has been calling out for a café like Luscious – relaxed and carefree without sacrificing quality dining – do believe the hype and take a trip out to one of the Peninsula’s worst-kept secrets.

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