Giulio’s hits the spot, but needs a new address

Cafe: Giulio’s Address: 16 Loop Street Phone: 021 418 6304 Hours: Weekdays 7am to 4pm Dish Eaten: Shakshuka Price: R58

WENDYL MARTIN

I DON’T get the concept, but I love the food. New cafe Giulio’s is now on the corner of Loop and Riebeeck streets, on a prime public transport route and in a busy pedestrian area.

When I think of food in places like these, I think of quick bacon and eggs plates, sandwiches; the usual fare.

I also think of weekday budgets and simpler ingredients; not brandy-flambéed livers, pork apple and sage bangers that caught my eye at Giulio's.

To add to the leisurely feel of their service, I noticed mimosas for four and other boozy options.

The cafe is on a busy street corner and closes at 4pm. Who can enjoy this offering just before 4pm on a weekday?

Be that as it may, I tucked into a Shakshuka this week, a north African potije-cooked breakfast treat I recently enjoyed at a braai. The dish is comprised of eggs poached in a spicy pepper, cumin an pomodoro sauce.

Gulio’s carefully served the dish on a pan-like flat ceramic dish with a handle. Ciabatta was brought a while later for some “mopping”.

For another R15, you can add bacon to the dish, but I demurred.

It hit a morning spice craving with excellent flavours.

I like eggs soft-poached, and I was able to slowly break the yolks into the saucy mix.

My colleague had brandy-flambéed chicken livers served with ciabatta (R58). There is an option to add a poached egg (R8). We both found our meals filling. I was trying to stay away from a fry-up, but the La Colazione tempted me with the promise of smoked paprika beans, a poached egg, bacon, the pork apple and sage banger, balsamic-roasted tomatoes, flat mushrooms and wilted spinach.

The coffee (Americano, R18) was not burnt, which is a good start for a new place.

The service was attentive and informed, although some toast arrived late.

I really thinkGulio’s would work better with longer hours and perhaps a different location.

You don’t see many people in that part of town at night.

So, if you are on leave, and in town, or have very flexible hours, try Giulio’s. Twitter:@WendylMartin wendyl.martin@inl.co.za

PICTURE: TRACEY ADAMS BREKKIE WITH A DIFFERENCE: Giulio’s in Loop Street is serving unique dishes, such as Shakshuka.