The Flavour Report with Derek Goforth: Hot chips a disappointment at Kai Lani Cafe on Geraldton’s foreshore

Along with the Jaffle Shack and AJ’s, Kai Lani has perhaps the best views of any cafe in Geraldton. With an uninterrupted vista across the bay, the venue provides a relaxing environment to sip a coffee and munch on brekkie or lunch fare. We opted to keep it simple and as most of the menu is aimed at a lunch crowd we went for coffee, a muffin, milkshake, and some hot chips. It came in at just under $25, which I felt was on the pricey side considering the portion sizes. The coffee was good — no one in Geraldton seems to serve a bad coffee nowadays which is nice. Kai Lani’s was nothing special, but it did the job. The muffin was what it said, a nice blueberry muffin. I am not sure where they get them from but I would expect a blueberry muffin to have a few more blueberries in it to qualify. Another miss for the milkshake sadly, it wasn’t thick, and it didn’t taste much of strawberries. One day I will find a milkshake worth drinking in Geraldton! The chips were a letdown. I didn’t think I would get a bad “hot chips experience” in the Mid West, so I was disappointed that this was my first. The portion size was much smaller than other cafes and the chips themselves tasted stale, like the oil used was passed its best. I did wonder why the cafe was empty yet there was a queue at the other beach eatery just metres away, but I felt I got my answer. I am hoping Kai Lani just need more time to find their feet. The service was great, top notch as a matter of fact. Friendly, helpful, and speedy. Even when I couldn’t “figure out” how to pay, the lady serving me remined polite and calm. I have often felt rushed at our beach front cafes in town but not on this occasion. I can see what the owners are going for here and I wish them well in their endeavours. I shall return one day to try their lunch items, hopeful of the same top level of service — but perhaps better hot chips!