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Cafe Polo's David Thurlow and Julie Le Clerc during filming of new TV3 show Cafe Secrets

Two of the culinary capital’s many tasty spots will star in a new TV3 show dedicated to New Zealand’s best cafes that starts this Sunday.
Fronted by top chef, food writer and former café owner Julie Le Clerc, Café Secrets sees Julie meet the owners and find out how they got started, what their signature dishes are and learn the secrets behind them. In return, Julie shares some of her favourite recipes and reveals professional culinary tricks to demonstrate how to create perfect café cuisine at home.

In the second episode of the series, Nikau Gallery Café’s Kelda Hains will show Julie how to make her famous sage fried eggs. In return, Julie prepares roast pork belly, using free-range pork with a spicy caramel sauce. The episode airs next Sunday 24 July.

Producer Kari Hall says the show’s creators drew up a wish list of locations and then whittled them down. Two of the inaugural season’s eight episodes are based in Wellington.

“We decided the café owners all had to have an absolute passion and love for what they do; they had to serve fabulous food and great coffee and they had to have a close link with their local community.”

Julie Le Clerc had all the credentials for the presenting role, says Director Maxine Clayton.

“Julie knows all about the 90 hour weeks that go with café life because she’s done it herself. She related to the café owners really well. I think jumping in and out of boats and feeding dogs probably came as a bit of a surprise but she was willing to try anything!”

Café Polo chef and co-owner David Thurlow, who reveals the tricks to his special grilled haloumi salad in episode 4, said it was an honour to be part of the inaugural series of Café Secrets.

"After years of using Julie Le Clerc books for inspiration and recipes it was a joy and privilege to meet and cook along Julie herself and be part of what we are sure will be a great series."

The crew were treated to 5 Star accommodation at Bolton Hotel during their Wellington stay.

Café Secrets starts on TV3 this Sunday at 5pm. Nikau Gallery Café will star in episode 2 on Sunday July 24 and the Café Polo episode will air over the first weekend of Visa Wellington On a Plate 2011 on Sunday August 7.