AMIS

Our cuisine

Modern Mexican cuisine draws influence not only from its ancient Aztec roots, but equally from the Spanish and French colonial eras. More recently California and the other border states have added further layers of influence to this highly evolved cuisine. We are committed to using the best quality local fresh ingredients, so we buy our meat from a traditional local butcher, Hedgers of St Dunstans (close enough to make deliveries on foot), and we use Tota from Canterbury for all our fruit and vegetables.

Offers

History

In 1988, Bill and Emmanuelle Betham, opened Café des Amis in this 16 th century building. Whilst travelling to Mexico, they were inspired by the unique and vibrant cuisine and the Mexicans’ love of fiesta. Knowing that there was much more to Mexican food than chilli con carne and chimichangas, Bill who was already a chef and had previously worked in Paris, Sydney and Durban tracked down the real Mexican ingredients, researched authentic recipes and created the menu. Emmanuelle who is French came up with the name; she wanted to add an element of French café style to the restaurant and to this day, the menu still draws influence from French cuisine and café culture. She took charge of the staffing and instilled a team work ethos and training that made work fun, friendly and effective. Many great members of staff have contributed to this magic work atmosphere, which is still apparent today. It is one of the unique qualities that makes Café des Amis so loved by customers and staff alike.

In 1995, the Bethams expanded the restaurant by taking over the 15 th century adjacent building. Over the years, Café des Amis has become the favourite of students, residents, tourists and more than a few celebrities – all attracted by the authentic food and warm friendly atmosphere.

Bill and Emmanuelle still own Café des Amis and provide Canterbury with the finest Mexican cuisine. They have also continued exploring the world and in 1999, they opened a restaurant in Hawaii; it is a very popular place in the town of Paia, serving crêpes and Indian curries, and just to keep things simple they called it Café des Amis. In 2010, they opened Café du Soleil in Canterbury, which has gained a reputation for its delicious Mediterranean cuisine.

History

In 1988, Bill and Emmanuelle Betham, opened Café des Amis in this 16 th century building. Whilst travelling to Mexico, they were inspired by the unique and vibrant cuisine and the Mexicans’ love of fiesta. Knowing that there was much more to Mexican food than chilli con carne and chimichangas, Bill who was already a chef and had previously worked in Paris, Sydney and Durban tracked down the real Mexican ingredients, researched authentic recipes and created the menu. Emmanuelle who is French came up with the name; she wanted to add an element of French café style to the restaurant and to this day, the menu still draws influence from French cuisine and café culture. She took charge of the staffing and instilled a team work ethos and training that made work fun, friendly and effective. Many great members of staff have contributed to this magic work atmosphere, which is still apparent today. It is one of the unique qualities that makes Café des Amis so loved by customers and staff alike.

In 1995, the Bethams expanded the restaurant by taking over the 15 th century adjacent building. Over the years, Café des Amis has become the favourite of students, residents, tourists and more than a few celebrities – all attracted by the authentic food and warm friendly atmosphere.

Bill and Emmanuelle still own Café des Amis and provide Canterbury with the finest Mexican cuisine. They have also continued exploring the world and in 1999, they opened a restaurant in Hawaii; it is a very popular place in the town of Paia, serving crêpes and Indian curries, and just to keep things simple they called it Café des Amis. In 2010, they opened Café du Soleil in Canterbury, which has gained a reputation for its delicious Mediterranean cuisine.

Artwork

We have been very fortunate since our early days to have our dining rooms immeasurably brightened by the highly original, beautiful, imaginative and very striking Papier Mache artwork produced by Total Pap, aka Emily Firmin and Justin Mitchel. Every piece (with the exception of one or two that have been specially commissioned for us – you will guess which those are!) is available to buy and take away on the day. Please feel free to get up and wander round the restaurant to discover the huge variety of wonderful pictures available.