Angel Foods

The coffee shop gods were smiling down on this week's coffee crawlers as we made our way to Angel Foods Greek Confectionery Coffee Shop.  The shop's logo, which reads, "Angel Foods...a taste of heaven," is spot on.  The coffee, pastries, and lunches are out-of-this-world delicious!

I was joined this week by Stella Dawson, Beryl Dawson, and Beth Vieira.  Beth got her usual black coffee and the rest of us had cappuccinos.  The coffees were served with Greek orange twists on the side...YUM!  I have to make sure, on my next visit to Angel Foods, to ask owner, Yiota Kieck, where I might get my hands on some Urban Espress coffee beans...tremendous flavor! 

A good cup of coffee doesn't make itself.  Not only did Noxolo, the barista, whip up a mean cappuccino though, she also was patient with me as I practiced pronouncing her Xhosa name (which includes a click).  The clicks in the Xhosa language give me a rough time but I'm working at it.  Needless to say, after a number of my feeble and unsuccessful attempts, Noxolo told me (with a smile) that I could call her Nox.

Angel Foods has been at its location in the Perridgevale Shopping Centre on Rochelle Rd. for two years.  The shop is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 to 5:30.  They serve home cooked muffins, preserves, pastries, and lunches to eat in or take out.  All these items can be bought frozen for an easy meal later on or for fresh baked goodies when guests come around.  The shop also caters events / corporate functions with their specialty Greek foods or from their regular menu.

After the other crawlers left, I stayed and did some shopping...guess what's for dinner, Lou?  Actually, everything looked so appetizing but I decided on beef lasagne and roasted vegetables.  I also picked up some baklava and Greek shortbreads along with frozen custard triangles that I'll pop in the oven and serve as my own next week for guests (is that cheating? ... the devil made me do it!)  Many of you reading this know that I love to bake...well, I have just found a reason to stop.  These pastries are to die for... well worth the extra steps on the Stairmaster!  Angel Food has just found its newest fan.  I plan to make many return visits.

Thank you to Yiota and staff for the wonderful coffee and for being co-conspirators in fooling my guests next week.  I'll eventually give you credit but let me bask in the compliments for a bit!

The coffee gods weren't the only ones in town today... the rain gods paid a visit and supplied some much needed precipitation to the PE area.  Thanks!

Until next week,

Ellen




Meet the Owner
Yiota Kieck





Meet the Barista
Noxolo Zondani







Thiw Week's Crawlers
Beth, Stella, Beryl



Sue-Anne's

It is a beautiful sunny morning in early autumn.....a  lone woman, driving on the outskirts of town, reaches the sign she's been searching for, "Welcome to Theescombe" with an arrow pointing left and an admonition to beware of pedestrians and animals.  She makes the left turn then follows more signs toward her destination... Misty Gardens Tea Room.  She is unaware of what lies ahead.....................

Thursday's coffee crawl felt like Alfred Hitchcock's The Birds meets Stephen King's The Mist.  If you are familiar with either one or both of these classics you can imagine how creeped out I was when I arrived at Misty Gardens only to find myself in a somewhat desolate area with no cars in the lot, no humans in sight, an enormous variety of birds chirping and squawking at me, and a very dodgy looking path with months of overgrowth leading into the woods.  In retrospect, I can't believe I actually followed the path which ultimately ends at the dilapidated, abandoned, and ghostly remains of a tea garden.  At the center of the room was a bird cage on a stand with a huge black bird on the perch.  (Ornithology is not my thing, but let's call it a raven for effect... now we're getting Poe involved!)  The raven made a horrible caw that made me jump, turn, and head back down the path.  On my way back to the parking lot I saw a mysterious young woman and three toddlers in a tiny outbuilding just to the left of the path.  I hadn't noticed the building or the woman and children earlier.  I chatted with the woman who told me that Misty Gardens was closed and may reopen in a few months.  Upon reaching my vehicle I saw that my watch had stopped so I didn't know when the other coffee crawlers would arrive.  I was surrounded by birds that felt way too comfortable getting close to me.  Now, I have to say that I was kind of freaked out.

Soon, Fran and Keith deBeer, Beth Vieira, and June Nash and her daughter, Leanne Waller, arrived.  We decided to head back down Kragga Kamma Road to Sue-Anne's, a coffee shop located in the Garden Lovers Garden Centre.  Along with Sue-Anne's, the centre is the site of other businesses including a kids' play park, a Putt-Putt course, a formal/wedding designer dress and jewelry shop, and a garden/nursery.  We entered the nursery through a set of doors which was equipped with a bird chirp alarm to notify the staff of incoming patrons (Oh no!  more birds...and I was just settling down from the fowl fiasco at Misty Gardens!). 

The Garden shop is nicely arranged as a series of walkways with plants, vases, pots, stone figurines, and fountains, all for sale.  At Sue-Anne's, the six of us were greeted and seated by Floor Manager, Wilma.  After our Illy brand coffees were delivered we chatted with Wilma and our waitress, Nikky.  They told us that the owner, Sue-Anne, and the barista, Jaco, were unavailable to come out for pictures and to meet our coffee crawl group, though some of the staff would be willing to pose for a picture.  There was some confusion regarding who would be in the picture, and head waiter, Matthew, disappeared just as I got the camera out.  Suddenly, I noticed smoke and something like the smell of a brush fire emanating from an undetermined source.  Matthew reappeared looking somewhat distracted and muttered something again about Sue-Anne and Jaco being unavailable.....  Strange happenings!?!    I returned to the table.

Unfortunately, I don't remember much about the coffee.  What I do remember, however, is that an Il Divo CD was playing (Elaine, you would love that...we should have gotten the t-shirt!) and some of the discussion at the table revolved around nicknames for Elizabeth (ie, Liz, Lizzy, Beth, Betsy).  I don't know how that topic came about but I only found out later in the day that Liz Taylor had died  (coincidence?...I think not!).

After coffee, a few of us stayed to walk through the garden despite the thickening smoke from the fire.  Now, in the smoke the stone figurines seemed to take on a strange demeanor as if keeping some weird secret...and they aren't talking any time soon!

So, in closing out this week's very strange coffee crawl, and using my best Rod Serling voice, I ask you....
Who are all these stone figures and what did they do with Sue-Anne and Jaco?   Who is the dead guy in the picture? (Tell-Tale Heart?)   Michelle, why did you recommend Misty Gardens?   and...  Where can I get a new watch battery in PE?

Thank you to all the staff at Sue-Anne's, and to Fran for being my partner in crime!  My apologies go out to the coffee crawlers who showed up at Misty Gardens after we left.  Sorry, I just had to get out of there!

And... to Stephen King... if you're running out of ideas for your next book, call me and let's do lunch....or coffee!

Until next week,

Ellen







Thiw Week's Crawlers
Ellen, June, Leanne, Keith, Fran, Beth





SueAnne's Staff
Wilma, Rene, Nikky, Riana







Keg and Swan - Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Failte and top o' the mornin' to ya!  Happy St. Patrick's Day!!!

With today being St. Patrick's Day I had to forego my usual visit to a local coffee shop and head straight to a pub.  Finding a place that was open and serving Irish coffee at 10:00 a.m. proved to be a bit of a challenge.  I was fortunate, though, to find that Charles Raven, the barista and kitchen manager at Keg and Swan, was more than willing to accommodate this week's coffee crawl group.

Keg and Swan is a Pub/Restaurant located in the Sunridge Village Shopping Centre on Kragga Kamma Rd. in Sunridge.  Lou and I have had some very good dinners there while watching sporting events of some sort or another with a fun and rowdy crowd.  This morning, Keg and Swan was offering a special St. Patrick's Day breakfast (with or without Guinness!). 

This week's crawlers chose not to partake of breakfast but rather get right down to business.  Donned in green and wearing shamrocks everyone was in the mood to celebrate.  Joining me today were: Margaret Zoetmulder, Colleen LeRoux, Audrey Kerford, Dale Mitchell, Ellen Kook, Sheilah Riley, Margaret Dawson, Stella Dawson, Beryl Dawson, June Nash, Deirdre Hurter, Clary Hurter, Beth Vieira, Angela Caldeira, and Fr. Dominic Griego.  Thank you all for celebrating with me today.

Those who ordered cappuccinos or Irish coffee (that would be me) enjoyed very delicious Sumatran Pride beverages.  I also noticed at the table a Guinness or two and various other potent potables (that's the Jeopardy! fan coming out in me).  Irish music performed by "Kilrush" (via my ipod) provided the entertainment.  (Tim, Chris, and Dirk - Your Keltoi Anam CD has always been a favorite of mine.  It was nice to hear "Friends and Companions" as I am 10,000 miles from home on this St. Pat's Day.  Thanks for a great song!)

A few of us (who will remain nameless) stayed for a night cap (what?!?...it wasn't even noon yet!).  After all, it wouldn't be St. Patrick's Day for me without a morning Bailey's and a few off-color jokes. 

So, a huge thank you goes out to Charles Raven, barista, kitchen manager, waiter, and all around great guy... you're the man!  By the way, Charles, I really meant it when I threatened to bring my bagpipe next year!  Thanks also to Keg and Swan owner, David Goldberg, for being a gracious host...Lou and I will see you tonight!  One more thank you goes out to Angela Caldeira who took the great picture of all the celebrants after my efforts failed to cut the mustard.

A special Happy St. Patrick's Day to my brothers and sisters, my children and grandchildren, and all the descendants of Buzz and Katie O'Hara... Slainte!!!

May the road rise to meet you, May the wind be always at your back, May the sun shine warm upon your face, The rains fall soft upon your fields, And, until we meet again, May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

Until next week,

Ellen

Meet the Owner
David Goldberg

Meet the Barista
Charles Raven











Thiis Week's Crawlers



Marilyn's

I broke a mirror on Monday morning.  I'm not a superstitious person (I'll walk under a ladder or open an umbrella in the house, and I scoff at black cats crossing my path), but the first thing that ran through my mind as I picked up shards of mirror was ... 2018 is a long way off!!!

Despite the dubious start, the week has been excellent... no outrageous African spider sightings, drought-stricken PE has had some rain, my computer is finally fixed, I'm tearing it up at the gym, and this week's coffee crawl to Marilyn's was TREMENDOUS..  WOW!!!  is the word that comes to mind.  The coffee crawlers joining me this week were June Nash, Mandy Visser, and Marilyn Monroe.  Yes, I said Marilyn Monroe!  She is the Marilyn of "Marilyn's" (coffee shop).  I didn't realize this until today, so you can imagine my surprise when I walked in and saw huge black and white photos of Marilyn Monroe adorning the walls.  Her pics are also on the menus.  The owners, Laetitia Breytenback and her husband, bought Marilyn's in November, 2010 as a retirement project.  Laetitia says that she fell in love with the shop as soon as she saw it.  I can believe that... I Love This Place!!!

June, Mandy and I took a booth near where the homemade pastries and cakes were displayed (of course).  June and I got cappuccinos while Mandy ordered a red cappuccino (that is a rooibos tea cappuccino... so to Jackie in NY, yes, you can have tea when you come to visit),  Mandy said the tea was excellent; our Masterton Blend cappuccinos were very good as well.  Marilyn's, which is located at 123 Villiers Rd. in Walmer, is open until 4:00 pm  seven days a week.  The menu includes breakfast and lunch choices and a daily lunch special.  Laetitia says that they are working toward extending their hours into the evening, and including dinners on the menu.  There are three dining rooms with seating enough for 74 people.  The orange upholstery, and orange table and floral accents provide an interesting and fun contrast with the black/white photos on the walls. 

We had a very nice chat with Laetitia.  She showed me around the shop and introduced me to the staff, including Grace, our waitress, and Nomatter, the barista, a very sweet young lady from Zimbabwe.  The back dining room was the scene of a birthday celebration for 88 year-old Eva Clark.  The staff, Laetitia, and I joined in singing Happy Birthday to Eva in English and then in Xhosa!

I'd like to take a few lines to introduce Mandy Visser.  Mandy is the co-owner of Heritage Picture Framers located at 121 Main Rd. in Walmer.  She and co-owner, Bill, have framed a few things for us since we've been here... a piece of humpback whale baleen and an elephant footprint.  Mandy and Bill are very talented framers and came highly recommended.  I stopped at their shop and kidnapped Mandy for an hour... thanks, Bill!

Marilyn's is a must for anyone looking for great coffee/ food and an awesome atmosphere. 

A huge thank you goes out to Laetitia and staff, the people at Eva's birthday party, June and Mandy!

Lou and I have been invited to a whiskey tasting tonight... so much for 7 years of bad luck!!!!!!!!!!

A few extras:  Last week's barista pic is a perfect example of why I need to improve my photography skills...composition is not my forte.     
Fran and Keith deBeer are on their way to Jo-burg.  They did, however, stop for coffee in Craddock at a place called Country Living.  Thanks for being with us in spirit!
My daughter, Liz, has just started a part-time job as a barista at a Starbuck's in Washington, DC.  Maybe she'll be making a cappuccino for President Obama!  Who knows?...it could happen!?!

Until next week's special St. Patricks Day edition....

Ellen



This Week's Crawlers
June, Grace, Mandy, Marilyn




Meet the Owner
Laetitia Breytenback



Meet the Barista
Nomatter

The Coffee Kettle

"The sun did not shine; It was too wet to play.  So we sat in the house all that cold, cold, wet day... Too wet to go out and too cold to play ball; So we sat in the house, we did nothing at all." (Seuss, The Cat in the Hat)

The gloomy weather may have kept The Cat in the Hat kids from going out, but the rain in PE on Thursday morning did not deter the coffee crawlers at all.  It certainly wasn't cold, being summer and all, but some much needed rain fell in the area all day.

This week's crawl took us to The Coffee Kettle which is located in the Westway Centre, a busy plaza situated at the intersection of Cape Rd. and 6th Ave. in Newton Park (directly across from a KFC).  I chose The Coffee Kettle this week because I see this shop (right on the corner) as I make the turn from Cape Rd. onto 6th Ave. on my way to bagpipe band practice on Wed. nights.  It looks cool from the outside.

I arrived a bit early and had a chance to talk to the manager, Denise van Rensburg, and the two baristas, Tammy and Lisa.  Denise said that the owners are looking into doing some renovations soon.  They want to get some old photos of PE and the area to hang in the shop.  I really liked the paintings (not prints) already on the walls...bright, colorful, cheery...a direct contrast to the dreary weather.  They made the shop even more inviting.  It was very busy so I quickly grabbed a booth.  I was soon joined by Fran deBeer (Keith was home dog sitting), June Nash, and Beth Vieira.  June and I got cappuccinos while Fran and Beth ordered their usual black coffees.  The Coffee Kettle uses Caturra coffees, and I must admit (though I am no coffee critic) that it was the best cappuccino I've had since starting the PEcoffeecrawl.  Awesome job, Tammy and Lisa!!!

So, while enjoying our coffee, Beth shared with us the reason that she drinks her coffee black (she doesn't drink milk at all).  A number of years back, Beth had milk home delivered by a local farmer.  One week her coffee had a funky, sour taste which she attributed to the milk she had added.  When asked why the milk tasted strange the farmer replied that the cows had gotten into an orange orchard and had eaten a number of oranges, hence, the odd tasting milk.  (I guess if you could get the taste right, there's one less step in making a fruit smoothie!)  Anyway, Beth hasn't had a drop of milk since.  Good story, Beth!

As mentioned above, it was quite busy at the shop, which is always a good sign.  What caught my eye, though, was the menu of day-to-day specials along with a big poster advertising a Coffee/Cake Special for 20Rand (divide by 7 for dollars).  This is a coffee crawl so I held off on the cake, but I'll definitely return soon to take advantage of one or another of the specials (and a tremendous cappuccino!).

Thank you to Denise, Tammy, and Lisa for being a bright spot on such a rainy day!!!

A follow up from last week... Wednesday, March 2, I saw a flattie in our house.  That was the blood-curdling scream you heard about 7:30 a.m. Eastern Standard Time in the U.S.  Sorry if I woke you.  I emptied about half a can of bug spray on it.  Quite unnecessary, but you do what you gotta do.

Until next week,

Ellen



This Week's Crawlers
Ellen, Beth, June, Fran




Meet the Manager
Denise van Rensburg




Meet the Baristas
Tammy and Lisa