Elzabeth Cafe Gains a Certain je ne sais quoi

NOURISH | feature

ELIZABETH CAFE GAINS A CERTAIN

‘je ne sais quoi’

WORDS LIZ FRENCH | IMAGES BRYDIE THOMPSON

If you are a regular of Elizabeth Cafe and Larderyou may have noticed that while it retains theatmosphere and fare you know and love, there isnow a subtle ‘je ne sais quoi’ about the place. Thiscould be due to the French heritage of its owners.

Valerie Esposito and Philippe Presti have owned Elizabeth Cafe for over 18 months. They moved to New Zealand from New Caledonia three years ago. Asked why, Philippe replies in very French fashion, “For the spirit.” There were practical reasons too. They wanted their two younger daughters to benefit from education opportunities. Romane (21) is at Massey University in Auckland and 17-year-old Clara attends Bethlehem College.

Valerie is French New Caledonian and Philippe was born near Lyon (considered France’s gastronomic capital) and has been a ‘citizen of the world’, moving regularly for his career.

They chose Tauranga for its proximity to the sea and for its medium city size. They chose Elizabeth for emotive reasons: “It looked and felt like a good fit for us.” For practical ones too. It was a well-run business with a loyal manager and head chef. There was also a social reason. As newcomers to the country and the region they wanted to work in an environment where they would meet lots of people.

Philippe and Valerie both come from an engineering background, he in civil contracting, she in the urban sector. Being French they obviously love food, and “Valerie is a fantastic cook”, adds Philippe.

In New Caledonia the emphasis is on restaurants, unlike the cafe culture which reigns supreme in New Zealand.

Respect for successful formula

In taking over Elizabeth Cafe, they appreciated the established winning formula and understood that customers like their favourite cafe to be predictable. “We respect that one of the reasons this cafe retains its popularity is the consistency and quality of the coffee, the food and the service,” says Valerie.

Elizabeth’s location on the ground floor of a building housing several major companies means that during the week corporate clients predominate. The cafe easily accommodates group meetings. The weekends attract more families, the kid’s corner a bonus. Parking will soon be dramatically improved with 120 new carparks coming on stream at the rear.

While supervisor Anna and head chef Eduardo have been fixtures at Elizabeth for a long time, the international nature of the staff has surprised the couple. This is partly explained by the attraction of New Zealand as a travel destination for young people. Staff hail from Canada, Sweden, England, Bangladesh, and there are even a few Kiwis! The five-star hotel trained English pastry chef has embraced the Gallic approach of his employers by adding French pastries to the tempting array.

Elizabeth Cafe and Larder has always offered cabinet food for busier people and a varied and interesting menu for those who wish to linger longer and perhaps enjoy a wine or beer. The menu

changes every six months with the current summer menu reflecting local produce and perennial favourites.

Festive and private celebrations

As Elizabeth Cafe and Larder is one of Tauranga’s largest cafes, it lends itself to groups; ideal for those upcoming Christmas lunches and summer get togethers. While the cafe is open every day during the day, Valerie and Philippe and the staff are very happy to help you plan your special private evening celebration at Elizabeth.

Though a little ‘je ne sais quoi’ is always a good idea, Valerie and Philippe have fostered Elizabeth’s continual success by concentrating on the cafe’s core business.

They love their new venture and their new home on a Tauranga estuary. If there is one thing they would like to change it would be our climate. “No winter!” they chorus.

elizabethcafe.co.nz Cnr Elizabeth and Cameron Roads, Tauranga