The morning after the big July party
If it’s a brilliant breakfast you need, here’s the perfect pick-me-up
WHETHER its endless cups of coffee over a hearty breakfast with lashings of bacon, sausages and eggs; or waffles dripping in honey; or a Caribbean cocktail of freshly squeezed juice along with some finely sliced salmon on rye, the “morning after” the Vodacom Durban July deserves to be laid back in Durban’s warm winter sun.
The Independent on Saturday found some popular breakfast spots where readers can unwind from that July Fever. Blue Zoo Restaurant, Mitchell Park, 6 Nimmo Road, Morningside
A lovely garden setting, there is seating indoors or outdoors and loads of space for the kids to play as well as an area with activities such as beading and painting.
The menu is a la carte. Choose from the farmhouse breakfast for big appetites to a vegetarian option or simply fresh fruit and a cappuccino.
You can even enjoy a late lie-in as breakfast is served all day from 8am, although the Sunday roast is also on offer.
There is a pianist on Sundays to put you in relaxed mode. Booking is not required.
The zoo at Mitchell Park Gardens provides a fun stroll for the whole family.
Tel: 031 303 3568. Beach Bums, Casaurina Beach, Tongaat
With the slogan “Where life is for ever chilled”, Beach Bums about 15 minutes from Durban and 10 minutes from Ballito, is where you can put your toes in the sea and feel a sense of peace.
The food is simple, with two types of breakfasts on offer, and gourmet burgers and pizzas, served from 9am to 12.30pm
Booking not essential, but advisable for large groups.
Tel: 032 943 1132 The Oyster Box, 2 Lighthouse Road Umhlanga
For a five-star breakfast overlooking the Indian Ocean with that “tropical in winter” feeling, The Ocean Terrace buffet is a real treat, offering continental and cooked breakfasts.
From freshly sliced spanspek, Bulgarian yoghurt, fresh berry coulis to spiced lamb shish kebabs and smoked haddock in cream sauce, there is a wide selection of mouthwatering dishes.
Breakfast is from 7am to 10.30am and booking is advisable.
Tel: 031 514 5000 The Big Easy, Hilton Hotel, Walnut Street, Durban
Ease into a relaxed Sunday with a complimentary bloody Mary on arrival.
The brunch menu is extensive ranging from charcuterie platters, buckwheat and papaya salad, horseradish and spiced pear bruschetta with your choice of eggs and fillings – and everything in between. Brunch starts from 11am. Tel: 031 336 8100 The Pot & Kettle, Old Main Road, Botha’s Hill
If you feel like a leisurely Sunday drive to take in the magnificent views of a Valley of a 1000 Hills, head for The Pot & Kettle. The menu offers a wide variety from the fullhouse breakfast to scones and waffles. They also have a range of speciality teas.
Breakfast is served from 8.30am to 11am. Booking is not essential and there are some fab stalls to wander around afterwards.
Phone: 031 777 1312 PheZulu Crocodile & Snake Park, Old Main Road, Botha’s Hill
Another stunning breakfast spot in the Valley of a 1000 Hills with breathtaking views, specialises in a popular “fully loaded” breakfast bun to simple eggs on toast, along with a variety of coffees. Breakfast is served from 8am to 11am.
The Reptile Park is open all day and if you want a bit of an adrenalin rush, you can have lunch surrounded by crocodiles. Telephone: 031 777 1205 Freedom Café, St Mary’s Avenue, Greyville
This trendy café has indoor and outdoor tables and is pet friendly.
The eggs Benedict is a must, whether it’s classic, porkie or chakalaka. They also dish up old-fashioned scrambled eggs with sausages and bacon. They have a lovely variety of toppings on toast and for the health conscious and dishes such as the lemon Greek yoghurt and granola are tempting.
From espresso to latte, the coffee is an in-house blend and juices are cold pressed.
Booking is not essential, but preferable, especially on busy weekends.
Tel: 031 309 3343 Lords & Legends Sports Café, Amanzimtoti Sports Centre, Picnic Lane, Toti
Drive to Amanzimtoti’s well known breakfast spot where the big boy breakfast is in demand. This is the whole works spiced up with some Mexican relish. Also a full range of coffees. Breakfast is served all day from 8.30am, although the very reasonable carvery is popular for Sunday lunch. Booking is not required. Tel: 031 903 4534 Durban Beachfront
The place to be on a Sunday morning, the beachfront promenade offers an endless number of places to put your feet up and enjoy breakfast while watching the surfers, cyclists and skaters – or those who simply enjoy a walk along the edge of the Indian Ocean.
From uShaka, Moyo’s and Surf Riders on South Beach to Suncoast and Moses Mabhida in the north, there are some great spots from individuals like California Dreaming and the on-trend Afro Chicken, to popular franchises such as Circus Circus, Mugg & Bean and Wimpy. Take a stroll…