Ann Chaimontree - Banh Mi Caphe

We caught up with Ann to see what her and Pat have been up to while in lockdown and what they’re looking forward to when restrictions ease.

How many people have you been isolating with?
Our little bubble of 4 and Dotti our Labrador.

What does your daily routine consist of?
Taking the dog for a walk first thing in the morning, home learning with the girls, Pat cooks lunch, then I get stuck into admin/ planning for the restaurant, then Pat and I both cook dinner. It is probably the most time we have spent together as a family. We normally work opposite shifts and the only time we see each other is at handover with the kids.

What food are you most looking forward to when we get out of lockdown?
Sushi!

What have you been working on while in lockdown?
Basically we have caught up in the gardening, house work, spring cleaning and catching up on all the jobs that got neglected when you are busy running a business.

Best thing you’ve watched/ read/ listened to?
To be honest, I haven't watched TV or read any books - I’ve been too busy doing the gardening or cleaning the house.

What is something you miss?
Having the freedom to visit family and friends.

—

Are you from Hamilton?
Absolutely ! Born and Bred 

What do you do in the Lane?
Pat and I own Banh Mi Caphe, but I generally keep a low profile. 

Fave thing on the menu?
Ginger Chicken Banh Mi

Fave coffee spot for your day off?
Raglan Roast in Te Rapa 

Your idea of fun?
Making memories with our daughters

How do you deal with hard customers? 
I rarely work Front of House, so I am lucky that I don't really get to deal with them.

Fave food of all time?
Northern Thai food would be my absolute favourite. 

Summer or winter?
Winter as I enjoy my sleep, which is extremely rare these days especially when you have children and a business to run. 

What’s your favourite thing to spend money on? 
Making memories with our 2 daughter by going away on holiday, either locally in NZ or overseas.

What did you do before getting into this job?
I was a Medical Radiation Technologist (Radiographer) for 16 years and was specialised in CT scanning. I also spent 8 years managing the CT department for Hamilton Radiology.

What do you snack on when you’re at work?
Not a lot to be honest, I am always on the run! 

Early bird or night owl?
I used to be an early bird when I worked at Radiology, but with hospo hours I have slowly moved to the dark side! 

FACEBOOK @banhmicaphe