Charmed by the fare at the Piggly Wiggly
Piggly Wiggly Coffee Shop 1 Dargle Road, Lions River Hours: Mon-Sun, 8am to 5pm. Phone: 033 234 4233 WE HAD family out from the US so we headed to the Midlands to meander. On our way to our timeshare resort, we stopped for lunch at this well-known tourism village. Our guests were charmed by the setting, attractions and relaxed atmosphere.
It was midweek and only a few tables were occupied. There are several eating areas, including a shady area outside the entrance. We chose the veranda, noticing several wood stoves and stores of wood. It must create a cosy atmosphere in winter and is necessary too, as the Midlands cold can certainly chill the bones.
Our waitron came to take our drinks order, which included sparkling water (R14), tea (R19) and craft beers. The beers caused some excitement as we were told the one barrel had been moved and the beer was cloudy. We were offered tasting glasses of two types of craft beer and chose Mandarina Ale from Lions River brewery (250ml, R27).
On the menu was a selection of toasted or tramezzini sandwiches, wraps, salads, larger lunch options, soup of the day or burgers.
From the lunch menu one of our party chose the Farmer Brown (R84) freshly baked brown bread with chicken, mayonnaise and crispy bacon topped with melted cheese and served with a light salad. He said he chose it for the bread, which did not disappoint. It was ample and tasty but perhaps a bit more like a grilled cheese.
My wife chose the Mediterranean Tartlet (R78) made up of a puff pastry base topped with vegetables, cheese sauce grilled with Parmesan cheese and served with a light salad. She loved the pastry and vegetables, including mushrooms and courgettes. The cheese sauce was not overwhelming and the salad was pleasant.
I chose a toasted sandwich of chicken fillet strips, tossed with avocado, bacon and rocket topped with honey mustard dressing (R89). I liked the bread, the chicken was fine but would have liked more avocado. The home-made chips were very good.
Our tea drinker chose the home-made cheese scones (R34) and loved the grainy texture of the pastry. The fruit jam was also praised.
It’s a lovely setting and we were amused by the cheeky sparrows whizzing by or sitting just outside arm’s reach, hoping for scraps.
The staff were friendly and attentive. I noticed they wore identical giant watches and wondered why, especially in an area where the rhythm of life seems more relaxed.