Brunch @ The Apple Shed

I’m on vacation in Nelson this week. This morning I had the pleasure of visiting the Apple Shed, a well appointed cafe on the wharf at the Mapua estuary.

This place has a fantastic atmosphere - outside roughly hewn tables sit along the water front, the cafe itself sits out over the estuary and large windows look out over the stunning vista - sea birds, boats at anchor, and picturesque marshes in the distance.

Inside the tables well appointed with comfortable chairs, surrounding a large open fire in the middle of the venue. It features a modern look with high backed red leather chairs, well designed menus and abstract art on the walls.

I have been coming here for lunch for many years with family and friends. In years past, the venue had different owners and was primarily a smoke house for the on-site fish smokery - which still exists in a slightly reduced capacity. The new owners have broadened out the menu to appeal to a wider audience.

I had the Eggs Benedict - a brunch time favourite of mine. They were sublime - very well presented, perfectly cooked. The hollandaise sauce was bright, fresh, creamy, and well seasoned - and in just the right quantity. A distinct contrast from my last brunch!

My mother, opted for a light lunch of a garden salad with homemade bread and butter. Rounded off with two large bowls of Latte it was a perfect meal. The conversation ranged from local politics, to the riots in Greece, to free speech, free will, societal expectations, and the nature of ‘work’.

We were still a little peckish after the meal, so opted to share a dessert - Orange blossom crème brûlée, with pistachio baklava, and a berry coulis. It was beautifully presented - and again the chef did him or herself proud. The brûlée was a perfect consistency and temperature, with subtle floral and citrus overtones. The brulee was thick and freshly done, without managing to liquefy the entire dish. The baklava, though a little dry as baklava go, was tasty and acted like a more lively and less traditional biscotti. The coulis, was fresh and just acidic enough to counteract the sweetness of the rest of the dish. This was definitely the best crème brûlée I have had in a long time and it was big enough to share!

I don’t really have anything bad to say about the place - except perhaps it was a little tiny bit pricey. However, for a good eating experience it is well worth it! I thoroughly recommend you visit next time you head up Nelson way!

Location: The Apple Shed, Shed 3, Mapua Wharf, Nelson