New Zealander Nasim Clark brings a passion for her homeland’s cafe culture to Everyday Eatery – a charming little bistro with scratch-made brekkies and knowledgeable baristas. “We are a breakfast‑and-brunch cafe serving beautiful food with exceptional coffee, which makes us distinctly New Zealand,” Clark says. The Sand Canyon Plaza restaurant seats 25 inside and over 100 on the patio.
What’s the vibe?
We have a modern New Zealand decor that also connects with California. The espresso mascarpone is definitely a Kiwi influence, as well as the honeycomb butter on our hotcakes. The honeycomb is a classic candy that Kiwi kids call Hokey Pokey.
How important is coffee to your menu?
It’s close to my heart. We invest a lot in training and educating our baristas to ensure we serve a great product. And we’ve worked with Stumptown Coffee since Day 1 because of their focus on education, support and amazing coffee. We also make all our syrups in-house: vanilla, cardamom, rose, lavender and other seasonal flavors.
What are some popular dishes?
Our ricotta hotcakes with honeycomb butter. Our green brekkie bowl. And our breakfast burrito with everything made from scratch – people love the aioli and salsa that goes with it.
You also live in Irvine?
My husband, Brian, and I have been Irvine residents for 10 years and absolutely love it. We live close to the Jeffrey Open Space Trail and walk our dog there twice a day. I feel so fortunate to have this amazing green space in our city – and privileged to share what we love with our community.
