Pure Bites made our transition from French living to Kiwi living much easier on our bread and pastry addiction. Based in Mount Maunganui, they are our go-to for baguettes and pastries. We are so lucky to have a baker of this calibre right on our doorstep and we love showing off this local talent to our event, corporate and wedding catering clients.
No Biggie Food met the Pure Bites team where all great friendships start, The Little Big Markets. Nichola (owner and baker extraordinaire) was still unloading her van, but vendors were flocking to her stand to get their monthly Pure Bites fix. We were sold on the first bite, the croissants were flaky and light. The baguettes, chewy, crusty and soft. We knew straight away that Pure Bites had to make an appearance on our event, corporate and wedding catering menus.
We love Pure Bites because everything tastes amazing. You could easily be fooled into thinking you’ve stepped into a top-tier French boulangerie or pâtisserie when smashing their pain au chocolat or baguette. Nichola makes everything from scratch, with top quality ingredients. She takes zero shortcuts. Baking requires tremendous skill, attention to detail and dedication. All of which Nichola has in bucket loads. We are so thrilled to be able to share these products with our clients – take a look at Lucy + Matt’s wedding to spot the baguette on their grazing table.
We asked Nichola a few questions about her baking business and the foods she can’t live without – scroll on down.
Photography: Alice Veysey of Paper & Pearl
What gets you excited about your work?
I love the precision of the pastry work, making food that is classic and technical. Getting all the details right to create something simple but standout.
What’s next for you?
I want to develop the range we stock, I have so many plans for the food – more pastries, expand the range of breads and lots of tarts…I love the idea of taking home a whole tart for the weekend to slice away at with whoever turns up, its very European, I’d love to see that happening here!
Name three foods you live for?
An outstanding scone, proper crusty chewy bread, anything oxtail.
What’s one dish you would like No Biggie to cook for you?
Any of your Kingfish dishes please!
Where to find Pure Bites
Before May 2018 the general public could only find the Pure Bites range at a few cafes around Tauranga and at The Little Big Markets in Mount Maunganui. BUT NOW – Nichola and her dedicated team have opened Elspeth Bakery at 2A Terrace Ave, Mount Maunganui. All our dreams have come true and we can now get our mits on Nichola’s breads and pastries 6 days a week. The range is continually growing and we can’t wait to taste them all!
Everything is outstanding – but you must try their mille-feuille, turn it 90 degrees and then eat. Stops all the custard falling out!
