Denizen Magazine - Simon & Lee

WORDS HARRIET JOHNSTONE | 23 JUN 2017

Considering the culinary credibility behind new Parnell cafe Simon & Lee, we feel that it is safe to say that the place is going to take off. (Oliver) Simon previously worked with Six Barrel Soda and Supreme Coffee, while (David) Lee is the founder and owner of Major Sprout. The menu at the lads’ new spot, however, is something quite different from their past ventures, taking familiar breakfast and lunch dishes then changing them up with intriguing Asian twists.

This Parnell cafe is bringing something unique to the neighbourhood.

For breakfast, generous acai bowls are laced with tapioca pearls and topped with house-toasted granola; the eggs Benedict is served on buckwheat crumpets with kimchi, miso béchamel and epically thick house-infused bacon; and the ‘Big Breakfast’ comes adorned with sous vide pork belly, crab croquettes and caramelised anchovy butter to slather across sourdough at whim.

At lunch, the goodness just keeps on coming with bibimbap; agedashi tofu soba bowls; a pork belly miso ramen and the stellar SL Burger that packs a traditional Korean tteok-galbi (short rib) patty between a grilled bun with tempura kimchi, rich Romesco sauce and smoked cheddar cheese.

The cafe is cosy, but utilises its space to the fullest, with a large communal table surrounded by smaller settings and bar seats. With Flight espresso and Supreme filter blends for perk up purposes, this is a cafe that knows what it’s doing. And one that’s sure to gain followers fast.

Opening hours: 7am-4pm, Monday-Friday 8am-4pm, Saturday Closed Sunday (for now)

Simon & Lee

Corner St Georges Bay Road & Faraday Street Parnell

www.instagram.com/simonandlee

http://www.thedenizen.co.nz/gastronomy/simon-lee/