Zest

Zest is a funky little café decorated with an eclectic range of both New Zealandand Mexican-inspired art, but it's the brioche that catches the eye. The big, pillowy, flavour-filled breads should have even the most determined road-tripper diverting from an itinerary to follow their nose to Jel Davenport's little Paparoa eaterie. Taking over the café was a new adventure for Jel (above) — it's her first foray into business and hospitality. Still, her reputation as a cook has spread further and quicker than the smell of that brioche. Time a visit with the Friday-night Mexican fiestas, when cook Alejandra Perez takes over the kitchen to bring her favourite Los Angeles street food to Paparoa. 1994 Paparoa Valley Road, Paparoa. Alejandra is on Facebook at @authenticandblessed