City cafe full of modern charm
Cosy, modern and boasting food made with a genuine love for cooking, Table at Monks is a cafe superbly positioned to capture the vibrancy of a new Christchurch.
Just east of the Margaret Mahy Family Playground and opposite a newly opened mini-golf course, the cafe on Madras St is the creation of chef-owner Richard Monk, whose dedication lends the venue so much of its charm.
Monk was an a la carte chef for more than 30 years in hotels across New Zealand, Europe and Australia before returning to his hometown to share a passion for beautifully presented home-style food in an eatery of his own.
Intimate and laidback, Table at Monks has a light, airy feel with a colourful mix of plants, tiles and light timber in the contemporary setting of a new building. It is at its best when the bifold doors are thrown open to form a single flowing space with the sunny streetside courtyard.
Named after Monk rather than anything monastic, the cafe focuses on high-quality dishes and cabinet fare that play to its owner’s skills in the kitchen. Classics such as eggs benedict and a delicious granola and rolled oats porridge with baked apples and cream are joined by lively modern favourites like baked frittatas with chorizos, spinach, eggs, feta and red onion.
Meanwhile, more sophisticated options hint at Monk’s a la carte background: a pan-seared, marinated salmon salad is a great way to make the most of a summer day, while the slow-cooked confit duck with herbed polenta cake and salad greens is a standout for any weather.
Because Monk is so accessible, even running dishes to tables at times in a nice touch of the boutique, tweaks to cater to dietary need or taste are easily made. Sauces are almost all created from scratch, so Monk knows exactly what’s in them.
‘‘It’s all about the customers, what they like and dislike,’’ he says. ‘‘We pay particular attention to their experience.’’
Monk’s wife, Banu, is also closely involved in the daytime cafe, and an expert barista – also a Richard – produces coffees so smooth and rich that connoisseurs often drop by from all over town. Beans come from Auckland roaster Atomic.
Fresh scones, muffins, sweet slices and pastries fill the cabinet along with new inventions of Monk’s own, released as the urge takes him. Drinks include smoothies, organic juices and herbal teas, as well as the intriguing Brod Kvas, a probiotic wonder drink of Slavic origins served wonderfully cold.
A family and pet friendly venue, the cafe features live music by Lizzie Cook on Saturdays 1pm-3pm.
Table at Monks is located on the corner of Madras and Armagh streets, central Christchurch, and is open Tuesday to Friday
7.30am-3.30pm and weekends
8.30am-4pm. Phone 03 377 3777, visit tableatmonks.co.nz or find them on Facebook to get in touch. Weekend bookings are advised.