Service at SavCafe

Staying in the South Peninsula? Looking for somewhere new for breakfast? Look no further than SavCafe in the new Harbour Bay development in Glencairn. This more casual eatery is part of the Saveur Restaurant Group, a modern European-style restaurant group with an outlet at the Simon's Town waterfront (highly recommended) and as a fan of their quality food and great service, I looked forward to trying out some more of their fare.

The place was buzzing (it being brunch time and a public holiday), and I was unable to get a table near the windows which have gorgeous views over False Bay and Simon's Town. Despite being on the main road that winds around the scenic Peninsula and subject to a continual stream of traffic, there was no noise from outside. A delightful young lady served me, but gave me the bad news that the shakshuka was not available, and so I fell back on an old favourite, Eggs Benedict. I consider two things to be a test of a good restaurant - perfect poached eggs the way I like them (soft yolk, set white) and tea that doesn't taste of chlorine (the water has not been freshly drawn). 

The tea was perfect, the eggs a little too hard and there was grit in the rocket. My waitress came over to enquire how I was enjoying my meal and, as she had asked and honest feedback is a necessity, I mentioned the last two. She was very apologetic and I hastened to add that it in no way lessened my enjoyment of a very tasty, well-presented dish, and that the tea was excellent! I had a lengthy chat with the GM who came over to keep the customer satisfied and I was extremely impressed by his professional, friendly and informative approach and I totally understood the circumstances relating to teething problems in the new centre. There are many restaurants that could learn from him.

I have no hesitation in recommending SavCafe as a place to enjoy a light meal whenever in the area. The décor is welcoming, the atmosphere alive and purposeful and the food fresh and tasty. Oh, and the view!

Sublime salad at Lime Tree Cafe

Lime Tree Café in Dreyersdal Rd, Bergvliet, never fails to please the palate. Somehow there is always a reason to pop in when in the area, either for a late breakfast or early lunch. savouring his dishes that focus on flavour, flavour, flavour. There may be some dishes without the searing heat of chilli and ginger, but as one who enjoys food with a bite, I have not tried them. For those with a cast iron constitution, the firecracker burger is for you.
Breakfast dishes include a powerful shakshuka that will kickstart the metabolism, and for the less adventurous palate, the eggs benedict with the Lime Tree twist are a perfect start to the day. On cooler days, the chicken and prawn curry is my choice, but for the ultimate in sublime salads, try the roast chicken salad - a mixture of tender chicken, quinoa and salad ingredients that tantalise the tastebuds and provide all the textures required for a satisfying culinary experience.
The sweet side of the menu caters for those who enjoy cakes and specialist confectionery, but I try to avoid these, although I am sure you will not be disappointed in any of the items on offer!
Pricing is excellent for the quality and quantity of the portions, and the steady flow of clientele is testimony to the consistency of this highly recommended eatery. Casual and rustic, spur of the moment satisfaction. Location: Sherwood Centre, Dreyersdal Rd, Bergvliet (Cape Town).

New reviews in the offing

After some years of being side-tracked by the more unexciting aspects of life, I find myself getting out more and more into the world of those unencumbered by work i.e. the retired and tourists. Such outings inevitably mean lunch at a range of places from local coffee shops to upmarket wineries, with the plethora of offerings in between. We are so spoiled for choice that there is no excuse to ever eat twice at a place that is less than above average and we also don't have to break the bank to have a really enjoyable experience. Sometimes our choices are limited by distances and times of day, not just budget, and it is always helpful to get an idea of other views on a restaurant that we have not tried out before.
I hope that the forthcoming blogs will help fill that gap and that you may even follow me! 😄