Get a taste of the divine sweet life
Places to delight your taste buds with beautifully baked treats
WHO makes the best red velvet cake, the most delicious carrot cake, the yummiest chocolate brownies? Does anyone serve cream cheese icing that is more like polyfilla or sells chocolate brownies with no nuts? It is a tough call as tastes differ but here is a listing of several places in the Bay that The Herald can recommend for coffee and cake.
Some of the stars on the 2013 list have dropped off, while others have zoomed in.
ý Vovo Telo in Richmond Hill is still the classic up-market favourite, and still makes one the most sought-after red velvet cakes with cream cheese icing that is so more-ish!
ý Bocadillo’s in Sixth Avenue, Walmer, is more popular than ever, and has one of the best selections of cakes in town. Free wifi is a drawcard and not just the measly 50Mbytes you get at some “free wifi” shopping centres. Try its caramel and macadamia nut cheesecake, and there is even a Banting version of cheesecake on this menu.
ý Brioche, also in Walmer, is buzzing this year, with the drawcard of Banting chocolate cake that tastes – thankfully! – decidedly un-Banting. Cinnabuns and chocolate truffles should also be on your cake and coffee list.
ý Dessie’s at Bloomingdales is another stalwart which has beautiful food, attractively presented. Dessie’s prettily packaged biscuits make a thoughtful emergency gift.
ý Dresden has changed hands and locations, moving from Parliament Street to Pickering Street (the old Atmosphere Craft premises) and its chelsea buns and apple tart are reportedly good. Try its roosterkoek, starting at only R7.50 for a plain buttered version.
ý Raak in Pickering Street, Newton Park, has upped its game this year, with twice the space for the coffee-shop crowd. Not only that, but Brownie-queen Lindie Alcock now also makes “Blondies”, a squidgy, caramelly, cranberry version of her famous original. Try the hummingbird cake also – a moist tropical version of carrot cake.
ý The Friendly Stranger in Bridge Street has prices that match the quality – and the cakes are magnificent, particularly the lavishly iced carrot cake.
ý Cafe Cappellini gets a mention for its lemon meringue.
Then, which of these are child friendly? If you are on holiday, you might be wanting to take the kids along, and we can suggest the following:
ý The Pink Fig in Heatherbank is a lifesaver for families with small children due to its extensive play area, enclosed in a shaded country setting.
ý Something Good has a kids’ play area and is open at7am – great for those with energetic offspring who rise with the sun.
ý The Grass Roof, on the Seaview Road, and Crossways, just on the other side of Van Stadens Bridge, are lovely restaurants to take a drive to with visiting family, with child-friendly play areas.
ý Elephant Walk has lots of fresh produce at its restaurant and coffee shop, and a garden with swings.
ý The Rose Garden Tea House at Floradale Nursery in William Moffett Expressway has an outside section where children can play.
ý On the road and need a breather? Nanaga on the N2 is a far bigger and more versatile “padstal” than it was the olden days.