Geraldine Johns: Cherry ripe

Red Cherry

Red Cherry is warm and cheery

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TAKE A look at this yo yo. It is a champion of its class, with a buttery citrus filling and the freshest, soothing-est, biscuity surround. It is a dream in velvet. This particular edible exhibit is plump too just like the two red leather couches that are boasted as part of the furnishings here.

Such provisions are a welcome sight for the weary traveller or hungry anybody who happens upon the State Highway 1 bit that runs between Hamilton and Cambridge. Red Cherry has occupied the site for quite some time. A woman has on previous occasions been greatly cheered by their coffee and by some of their sweets; today offers the opportunity to thoroughly road-test their menu.

We are three of us today: each hungry with anticipation.

Being a traveller of the road means being led up a few blind alleys as far as food provision and service goes. One is often met with indifference. The food, sadly, can often be crap; the environs too.

Red Cherry, thankfully, is none of these things. It is a very fine example of the way cafe things should be whatever your motive for stopping off at a place far away.

There's a sign at the entrance that says "Welcome". On the reverse it says "Thanks". By the end of this session, we will know that neither sentiment is rhetorical.

They do breakfast and they do lunch.

They are licensed too which a chauffeured woman, unfortunately, only learns too late. Lucky, then, that the coffee measures up. It's their eponymous house brand which they truly do justice to.

We will choose from the lunch options, which aren't vast in number, but quantity is not everything. The bacon (and avo and greens) butty proves a blue cheese-studded toasty delight for the Lady Thornton. The corn fritters illustrate to a woman that somebody can get this right even if that means going the extra mile to get it. The Little Prince dines merrily on a croissant studded with ham and gruyere and tomato and greens. There's a shared plum tart to finish for the mature couple. Its vibrancy is such it makes them feel young again. A celebration of ice cream is specially prepared for their young charge.

Despite its rural highway location, Red Cherry has ample polish. It's warm and inviting without being hokey. The staff both front and back of house execute their tasks with abundant competence. Damn, they even make you feel like you are at home.

Which reminds me: Red Cherry is about 145 kilometres from Auckland. It is a journey worth taking when you know such reward awaits you at the end.

WHERE: Corner Forrest Rd and State Highway 1, Cambridge, ph (07) 823-1515. WHEN: 11am to late, Wednesday to Friday; 9am to late, Saturday and Sunday. HOW MUCH: $65.50 for three happy feeders. WHAT'S TO EAT: Foods big and small all of it fresh and fabulous. WHAT DO WE THINK: Red means stop at the bright Red Cherry.  

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