The Kiosk, Auckland Domain

It’s galling to us to think that the only place many visitors will sample a milkshake on our soil is at The Kiosk in the Auckland Domain. For the love of God, we depend on these people for the sweet ambrosia of the tourist dollar – surely the least we can do is ensure a decent milkshake is waiting for them.

It all seemed so promising, a shady evergreen beneath which to rest, an authentic looking milkshake blender sitting behind the counter and the idyllic bleats of disease ridden mallards in the background.

It was not to be. Excessive use of syrup, tepid milk and a disposable plastic container usually seen encasing a … frappé. Sweet Lord, deliver us. Sweet Lord, hear our prayer.

Thumbs down, preferably all the way down the throat of the creature who sold us this muck.

Bronwyn: 0/10

José: 0/10

 

Cadillac Cafe, Putaruru

Despite the great effort this cafe’s owners had exerted in attempting to convince us we had been transported to a 1950s Midwestern diner (rather than sitting in a converted post office in a Waikato town that has seen more prosperous days) unfortunately their efforts had not extended to the menu.

The milkshakes were a touch too syrupy and served in a glass cup. Double yuck. However, they were served promptly and the ambiance of car posters and neon signage was just the right side of Burger King-esque.

The ’shakes were a bit thick, but had a good consistency. They could have been fluffier, but overall it was a satisfactory experience. Don’t expect this establishment to be featured in Cuisine any time soon, however.

For added excitement the Cadillac Cafe is located next to the South Waikato Pigeon Racing Club, and on a previous visit the neighbouring hall was hosting a psychic’s convention.

Putaruru obviously has much to offer the casual visitor.

Traveller’s Tip: don’t miss the Wood Museum. It has wood.

Bronwyn: 5/10

José: 6/10

 

Midnight Espresso, Wellington

Welcome to our first post and our first milkshake review. Let’s not muck about and get straight into it.

Our first milkshake was purchased in Midnight Espresso, one of the many cafés on Wellington’s Cuba Street. For those of you unfamiliar with the charms of Midnight Espresso it was one of the first “Wellington Cafés” and is reliably consistent – pretty decent counter food with an emphasis on to. Chattels include slightly ramshackle furniture, a pinball machine, and staff who could best be described as idiosyncratic. On the day we visited we couldn’t help but notice the dub music was played too loud. This is not uncommon (albeit it’s usually lite-metal) at ME and long, bitter experience shows that requests to turn it down are usually ignored.

Right, on to the milkshake.

We thought we’d start off with a bang and present the best milkshake we sampled during the 07/08 summer period. The ’shake was not too thick, it had body, but could not in any way be described as a thickshake; this is very good. As we post further reviews you’ll perhaps gape and gasp at the amount of establishments who can’t tell the difference between a thickshake and a milkshake. One is thick, one is not. If gorillas can grasp the basics of sign language, then surely, you’d think, food providers could at least appreciate the distinction. Alas, this is not the case. Prepare yourself for more tales of woe in the coming months. Midnight Espresso got it right and for that they are to be commended.

The ’shake was not too syrupy, yet it had a strong taste that did not overpower the palate. A successful meander across a knife blade there then.

It was prepared and served in a metal vessel. Thumbs up there (however it would have been two if served in The Longest Drink In Town cup). (actually, I disagree on this point. Serving it in a metal cup means it keeps colder for longer, as well being a bit more zero-waste; so two thumbs up from me on this one – bronwyn) (well, excuse me, but you were too busy bidding on a cellphone on trademe to come and help me with this review, so as far as I’m concerned you’ve forfeited your posting rights -José) (That’s hard work dammit. I had to see off three other bidders and a price rise of $20 to get that phone – bronwyn). 

Very quick service which was appreciated, particularly as the place had a decent amount of people reading their socialist broadsheets. Unfortunately we have to report that it was inconsistent. We both ordered two chocolate ’shakes, but were puzzled to find one was frothier than the other. We suspect they made one and let it sit while they made the other. No biggie, but something to be aware of should you walk through the doors.

Overall, we were very pleased with the experience.

Bronwyn gave Midnight Espresso a nine out of ten.

I dropped back one point to bestow an eight out of ten. I’m afraid I took the difference in ’shakes more seriously than my colleague, but I think you’ll find that a Midnight Espresso milkshake is worth your time.