The Percolator Cafe in The Octagon
1 rating since posting on Sunday, April 2, 2006
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in New Zealand
(submitted by
* A-Star *
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Overall Rating  based on 1 rating |
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I discovered The Perc on my very first day in Dunedin. I ordered a ginger beer (which I did not enjoy, but that's not their fault) and I sat outside at one of their metal tables. A crazy man sat next to me and scribbled furiously in his notebook. I sipped my yucky ginger beer for a while and then chewed on the ice as I watched Dunedites stroll by. Good times. My second visit was almost a month later, and it was one of the best "cafe experiences" I have ever had. This time, it was raining, so I scored the awesomely comfy leather couch inside. NOTE: this couch is prime territory. It is very difficult to secure it on a regular basis, but it truly makes all the difference. My decision to enter this cafe each time I pass is largely based upon whether or not the couch is free....anyway...this time, I ordered a Lemon Lime & Bitters, which is the most delightfully refreshing beverage in all the land. Having quenched my thirst, I began to peruse their impressive menu. There were several intriguing options, all within the $5 to $15 range. I settled upon two slices of their homemade vegan pizza, for $8 total. It was insanely amazing. A slightly sweet, soft crust topped with pesto, sundried tomatoes, onions, bell peppers, and crumbled up falafel. Sounds odd, but trust me--it was Badass with a capital "B." Feeling pleasantly satisfied, I snuggled up to read my Gender Studies textbook for an hour or so. No one bothered me or pressured me to leave, and I enjoyed lovely glasses of free water from one of the large glass bottles they had sitting out for customers. I got up to use the restroom (which was light, airy, and spacious) and felt so comfortable and trusting that I left all my stuff (including wallet) lying on the couch. When I returned it had not been disturbed in the slightest. That's the kind of place The Perc is. Good, mellow, non-thieving people. A young, attractive couple came in and sat down at a table across the room from me and began making out passionately as they waited for their toasted sandwiches to arrive. I enjoyed a prolonged voyeuristic indulgence from my vantage point: the comfy leather couch behind them. At this point, a scruffy-looking student/artist type walked in, gazing at the couch with hungry eyes. He perched himself on a wooden bar stool and fingered an independent news publication sullenly, ocassionally shooting looks of blatant couch-lust in my direction. Not wanting to be greedy, I decided to bring my Perc experience to a close. I quickly ordered a Malloccinno (another mistake--why ruin a perfect cappuccino with horrible pink marshmallows? Again, not their fault. I should've known better). After a few sips, I decided to abort the Malloccinno consumption, so I packed up my stuff, and headed out the door. Scruffy artist boy practically leapt for the leather couch as soon as I had left it. I completely understood. Later visits to The Perc included more Lemon Lime & Bitters, a divine toasted sandwich with brie cheese and smoked chicken, a horrendous curdled orange/coffee concotion (again, I must stress--not their fault. I insisted upon the unfortunate flavor combination), a not-quite-hot-enough-but-still-tasty chai latte, and a scrumptious chocolate chip cookie (still warm from the oven). I managed to score the couch on two of these subsequent visits. I must also note that the music selection at The Perc is consistently good: usually a sort of alternative blues/rock mix of unknown origin. The volume is just right, filling the room with a chillaxed atmosphere yet not overpowering it with sound. Having become somewhat of a cafe slut since moving to Dunedin, I can honestly say that The Perc is far and away the best option in town. With or without the couch. - * A-Star * , posted 04/02/06 |
