Puss in Boots

You all know it. That place with a bit of a homely quality, or that x-factor that really flicks your switch, or simply the place where everyone knows your name.

It’s your favourite. It ticks all the boxes. Well, at least a fair few of them.

I wanted to tell you about my current favourite (because we all know they change). I’ve been parked up deep in the heart of Manners St for a while, working a few floors up and surrounded, even drowning, in options for a bite to eat, a caffeine hit or a pot of ale.

I have to admit I’ve been struck down with indecision on more than one occasion. Standing outside the office looking left, looking right, “what DO I want for lunch?”, looking down Victoria, back up Manners, and more often than not, I go back to where I know.

I first struck Meow when they were up on Willis, having taken over the old roti chanai next to Quoil. They have since taken the brave move of jumping to that nook that is Edward St.

Meow is an acquired taste. They ooze eclectic, which I used to equate with a bit rough. But at every turn, I’ve tempted them to let me down, and time after time, I get pleasantly surprised.

Daily baking that is delicious. Hot, early and cheap breakfasts. Bacon and egg sammies in pumpkin bread ($5). A happy and friendly crew with a relaxed way about them (not saying its lax, but every now and then you have to go with the flow). I don’t mind that for a nice atmos.

They do beers (good ones), and have live music weekly. And the boss is in house more often than not, monitoring things, clearing tables and not micro-managing. That’s worth more than you know. They do special tricks too like Gluten Free (famous  for it), organic food, and they send their baked goods all over town. Check out their website for the gig list too. Again, an odd socks blend, matching the decor.

The other day I walked in to Dire Straits, had a coffee to some gangster rap, and headed back to office with a brownie to the tune of the Big Bopper’s “Chantilly Lace”. None of the furniture is quite right, and none of it is quite wrong either. There’s tables for meetings, a booth for discussions, a lounge for lounging, a balcony and a bar. Take your pick and see if you can notice the record skipping before the Meow team do. They’re pretty quick.

All in all, it’s a warm and inviting place. It’s got some rough edges, a bit like my favourite pair of boots. And I like hanging out in both.

Tell me a story of your favourite and what makes it so.