Ellen's Thanksgiving Crawl

Lou and I have lived in SA for almost a year and a half.  Last Thursday was the second Thanksgiving we've spent here and I have to say that, for me, Thanksgiving has been the most difficult holiday to be abroad.

Thanksgiving is the last Thursday in November, and with the Coffee Crawl falling on a Thursday each week I started back in October to think of which PE coffee shop would fit the bill for the holiday.  It was then that I decided to have the Thanksgiving Crawl at my house and, in the spirit of the holiday, would be breaking the No-Food-On-The-Crawl rule big time.  Seeing that the Crawl is in the morning I certainly wasn't going to do the whole turkey thing, though Lou and I had a nice turkey dinner (minus the fresh cranberry sauce) when he got home from work.  I did, however, spend all day Wednesday baking pies, 3 apple, 2 pumpkin, 2 pecan, and 1 mincemeat for the Crawl.  Fran and Keith stopped by to drop off their coffee maker that I was borrowing, and found me up to my elbows in flour and the kitchen quite a mess!

The plan for Thursday morning was to have everyone sit outside at the picnic tables but it rained Wednesday night (so much for the drought!) and everything was soaked in the morning.  Oh well, I hoped there would be enough room inside for everyone.  June and Leanne came a little early with their coffee makers to help me get set up.  I couldn't have asked for two better baristas!

Meet the Baristas
Leanne and June



Meet the Owner
Lou (second from right)



Three Masterton's coffees (Blend 81, Out of Africa, and Cameo on Black Velvet), an assortment of teas/cookies/chocolates, and the eight pies awaited as the Crawlers arrived.  The Thanksgiving Crawlers included Beth Vieira, Sandy Venter, Fran and Keith de Beer, Stella and Beryl Dawson, Gail Darne, Gail Taverner, Jenny Aubin, Nomusa Nkomo, Les Baldwin, Ellen Kock, Margaret Zoetmulder, Colleen LeRoux, Dierdre and Clary Hurter, Fr. Dominic Griego, June Nash, Leanne Waller, and my husband, Lou.




This Week's Crawlers
Ellen, Gail T., Sandy, Jenny, Nomusa, Beth, Gail D., Fran, June, Leanne, Stella, Beryl, Margaret, Colleen



More Crawlers
Fr. Dominic, Deirdre, Clary, Keith, Les

Let the celebration begin!  Friends, food, conversation, laughter... and some awesome coffee.... truly a Thanksgiving to remember!  All I can say about the hours spent Thursday morning with my SA friends is that I am blessed.  I have been made to feel welcome and at home by all who joined me on Thanksgiving morning.  Many, many, many thanks to all of you for making my holiday away from my NY home very special.

More thank you's
~ to Fran, June, and Leanne for letting me borrow your coffee makers
~ to my sister, Elaine in Erie, PA and my bff, Jackie in Tucson, AZ for the Thanksgiving napkins you sent--
   very festive!
~ to Splendour Fine Imported Foods on Buffelsfontein Rd for having Crisco on your shelves-- I can't make
   pies without it!
~ to all who sent Thanksgiving wishes our way

A quick anecdote:
     Back in 1994 when our family was moving to Illinois from New York, our kids were sad because they said they would miss their NY friends.  I told them, "You're lucky because now you will have NY friends AND Illinois friends."  The two years we spent in Illinois flew by and when we move back to New York the kids were sad because they said they would miss their Illinois friends.   .... Just sayin'....

One last note- Keith's useless Thanksgiving fact - A turkey could drown if it looks up into to sky when it's raining.  I'm pretty sure that's not how our Tom bit it!

Until next week,                                                     

Ellen

Conyngham's Coffee Shop

I was completely bowled over by my Coffee Crawl experience last Thursday.  So much so that I have been at a loss for even how to start this posting.

The Crawlers met Thursday at Conyngham's Coffee Shop located at the Ray Mhlaba Training Centre on Conyngham St. in Glendinningvale.  Let me start with some background on the shop. 

Conyngham's Coffee Shop is a result of the partnership between two organizations, the Ray Mhlaba Training Centre and Umzi Wethu Training Academy for Vulnerable Youth, an iniative of Wilderness Foundation South Africa.  The mission statements of each organization are as follows: Ray Mhlaba Training Centre- "The vision of the Training Centre is to contribute towards the alleviation of poverty, and job creation in the Nelson Mandela Metropole by offering fulltime training to the unemployed in the community."  Umzi Wethu- "The goal of Umzi Wethu is to fulfil the employability potential of resilient motivated youth displaced by HIV/AIDS and poverty by using the power of the wilderness, promoting personal wellness in a nurturing home context, providing credible training, and securing sustainable job placements in hospitality and eco-tourism establishments - while extending the program's social outreach to others."



Meet the Baristas
Vuyiseka and Luthando

In this, the sixth year of the partnership program, there are presently sixteen students in residence who are being trained in hospitality, hairdressing, woodworking, needlework, housekeeping, and early childhood development.  Funding is provided by individual and corporate donations along with the proceeds from the sale of woodwork and needlework items, the coffee shop, and the rental of the  200 person capacity conference/event center.  The goal of the students, upon completion of the year-long program, is placement in secure, well-paying hospitality and eco-tourism jobs at rural game lodges and urban hospitality establishments.  The first five years of the program has seen over 85% of the students successfully placed.




This Week's Crawlers
Les, Leanne, Keith, Beth, Nomusa, Stella, Tolla, Maureen, Beryl, June, Annette, Fran



As this week's Crawlers, Stella and Beryl Dawson, Fran and Keith de Beer, June Nash, Leanne Waller, Annette Tyropolis, Tolla and Maureen Kotze, Beth Vieira, Les Baldwin, and Nomusa Nkomo, entered Conyngham's Coffee Shop, we were greeted by two of this year's hospitality trainees, Luthando and Vuyiseka, and shop manager, Claudette van der Merwe.  The decor of the shop is classic, with beautiful wood furnishings along with African animal prints adorning the walls.  Claudette told us that the first year woodworking students made the tables and chairs for the shop.  The aroma of  fresh Masterton's special blend coffee and the display of baked goods completed the perfect coffee shop scene.

Fran admiring a table runner in the Needlework shop



Day students





As for the service and coffee.... incredible!.... personable and talented waitrons/baristas and excellent Americanos and cappuccinos all around.  No-Food-On-The-Crawl rule-breaker, Leanne said the food was excellent as well!  We were all thoroughly impressed.

After a few relaxing hours of coffee and conversation, Paul Longe, Academy manager of Umzi Wethu, took a number of us on a tour of the facilities.  What an amazing place!  The energy and optimism is palpable!  At one point in the tour we dropped in on a group of day students taking part in a 10-day employment class/seminar.  We concluded the tour back at the coffee shop where there continued to be a steady stream of patrons coming in for breafast/lunch/coffee.  The shop is open Monday-Friday, 8-4 and for special functions off-hours by request.

Mee the Manager and Barista
Claudette and Vuyiseka

I am going to go out on a limb here and say that Conyngham's is Number One on my list of all the coffee shops we've visited on the Crawl.  Tremendous effort resulting in excellence from the staffs and students/ trainees of Ray Mhlaba Training Centre and Umzi Wethu.

~Thank you to Claudette, Luthando, and Vuyiseka - your coffee shop is awesome!!!!!
~Thank you to Paul Longe for the tour and the info!

~Happy Thanksgiving to all in the U.S.A.
~A special Happy Thanksgiving to my family and friends
~Good luck in the Turkey Trot to Jeff, Liz, Elaine, and Roger

Until next week,

Ellen

For more info:  Google - Ray Mhlaba Training Centre
                       web-  http://www.umziwethu.org/

"Understand Your Place in the World"

Deli Street Cafe

I can't tell you how many times Deli Street Cafe comes up when people are "talking coffee" in PE.  So, the Crawlers decided it was finally time we visited the cafe located at 24-26 Stanley Street.  Lou and I frequent the many restaurants situated on and around Stanley Street.  It's a fun little area in Richmond Hill.



Meet the Owner and Barista
Tristan and Daniel



My initial impression as I entered Deli Street Cafe on Thursday was that if I had to choose the set for Act II of Puccini's La Boheme this would be it.  Seriously, that's really the first thing that popped into my head.  I've had visions of Mimi and Rodolfo et al being all bohemian at the cafe ever since!  The eclectic decor and furnishings, a small clothes/accessory boutique within the cafe, and a display of freshly baked artisan breads combined to create a busy, fun, and very "chill" atmosphere.  Owner, Tristan Tait told me that he has regulars at the shop who find a spot and spend hours either on their computers, reading, or hanging out with friends.  He loves this relaxed feel of his shop and welcomes everyone to come in and enjoy spending some down time there.  I had the opportunity to meet numerous staff members including baristas, Daniel and Luthando, and first-day-on-the-job waitress, Jess.  What a great group!  They'd all be awesome extras on the La Boheme set! 

Deli Street's hours are Mon, 7:30-2:30, Tues-Sat, 7:30-10:00pm, and Sun, 10-2.  In keeping with the coffee shop style, the daytime and evening fare is light and casual.  If you're out late and don't want a heavy meal this is the perfect place for something light to eat and topped off with a night cap.

Meet the Barista
Luthando



Meet our Waitress
Jess

Aside from being the owner, Tristan is a barista with nine years experience who has trained Daniel and Luthando.  With that in mind I put them to the test by ordering three rounds, an Americano, a cappuccino, and a machiato.  In return I got three excellent Urban Espress beverages..... and some hard-core coffee jitters (the latter being my own fault!).

While this week's Crawlers, Les Baldwin, Nomusa Nkomo, Leanne Waller, June Nash, Beth Vieira, Angela Caldeira, Stella and Beryl Dawson, Annette Tyropolis, and Fran and Keith de Beer, settled in, ordered, and were served their coffees many took the opportunity the check out the boutique and the bakery.  The scarves, dresses, hats, and accessories were very cool however, I went straight to the breads and purchased what ended up being THE BEST CIABATTA I've had in PE!  If you haven't tried it, it is well worth making a special trip to get a few loaves.




This Week's Crawlers
Beryl, Stella, Annette, Fran, Keith, Beth, Angela, Les, Leanne, Nomusa, June



The Best Ciabatta in Town!!!



Restoring and distressing furniture was one of the conversation topics at the table.  My only two attempts at restoring furniture were an upright piano and a vanity/chest of drawers.  Both turned out beautifully but what a lot of work!  The Crawlers then talked about the coffee shop Drive-Thru.  I mentioned that Heavenly Cup, a wonderful coffee shop in Painted Post, NY where my son, Jeff, got his barista training, had a drive-thru window for those on-the-go.... quite popular and a real money-maker from what I gather.  Starbucks, I hear, doesn't do the drive-thru thing because "it ruins the atmosphere."  My thoughts on the subject..... hey, if the coffee is good who cares if it's in a to-go cup?  But, to each his own.

Boutique Manager
Erranae

Keith's useless fact-of-the-week and I quote.... "I am led to believe that the first tea bags were patented in 1903 in NY and were made of silk."  I didn't check on this, Keith, since you started your statement with something sounding like a disclaimer!

One last thing - If anyone knows where a performance of La Boheme is playing in South Africa please let me know... I suddenly got the opera itch!

~Thank you to Tristan and staff for running a coffee shop with real character
~Belated Veteran's Day wishes to all military veterans around the world
~A big Hello and shout-out to the Heavenly Cup staff in Painted Post, NY!!!

Until next week,

Ellen

Sage Coffee Shop

The last few coffee shops the Crawlers and I have visited have left me somewhat uninspired.  I was needing to get to a shop that would "Wow" me.  Well, the blog and coffee gods must have sensed this and sent this week's Crawlers, Fran and Keith de Beer, Beth Vieira, June Nash, Leanne Waller, Stella and Beryl Dawson, Gail Darne, and Luanne Curren (a friend from the U.S.), to Sage Coffee Shop, #3 Pickering Park in Newton Park.  I loved everything about Sage, from its friendly staff to its sage green/black decor to its excellent Masterton blend cappuccinos prepared by barista, Ntosh. 

Sage is owned by Lindy Walker, cousin of Lise Sponneck, owner of The Picket Fence Coffee Shop (see May 6 post).  At the time we visited Lise's shop the Crawlers voted for The Picket Fence as having the "Best Coffee Deal" in town.  Lise now has to share that honor with Lindy, as Sage's coffee quality, beverage size and price make for an equally great deal! 

Meet the Owner
Lindy Walker



Meet the Barista
Ntosh



Sage Coffee Shop's hours are M-F, 8-4 and Sat., 8-2.  Lindy informed me that she will also open for private functions for up to 50 people.  Everything on the menu, including the extensive variety of baked goods, is prepared on site.  Lindy is proud of the home-cooked quality of all the meals served at Sage which includes daily lunch specials and an afternoon coffee/cake special.  The shop was quite busy while we were there but with the three-way combination of smart table/booth placement, a relaxed but efficient staff, and the calm, herbal (sage) atmosphere, we never felt cramped or rushed.  When I asked Lindy about how she chose the shop's name she said that while going through a book of baby names she came across "Sage"...not something she would name a daughter, but a really cool name for a coffee shop (w/implicit decorating ideas!!).  I'm a fan of Sage Coffee Shop and will definitely be a return customer.

The Crawl started with me delivering two messages from absent Crawlers to the group: 1) a text from Les and Nomusa saying hi, they're hiking in Cradock and will see everyone next week, and 2) Liz's reiteration of her comment on Deli Biscotti (Nov 2 post) where she blames the PE Coffee Crawl for her decision to quit her part-time barista job at Starbuck's...says her job hasn't been the same since the Crawl!

This Week's Crawlers
Ellen, Keith, Fran, June, Leanne, Stella, Beth, Gail, Beryl,  Luanne



 

As for conversation, Leanne entertained us all with stories (including phone pics!) of recent fire incidents at her house... harrowing at the time and (as long as everyone is okay) hilarious in retrospect.  In keeping with the fire theme, the bulk of the discussion centered around Guy Fawkes Day.  I was totally unfamiliar with this "celebration" and so was given the low-down on Guy Fawkes.  In 1605 he and 12 cohorts planned to blow up the Parliament buildings in England.  The plan was thwarted, Guy Fawkes was caught and executed for treason.  In memory of this event, Bonfire Night (November 5) is celebrated in England, and recognized in other countries as well.  Wow, the things you learn over coffee!  Oh, and one more tidbit of info... Keith's useless fact-of-the-week... a group of rhinos is called a "crash."  I saw a big group of rhinos on a game drive a while back... they were all nibbling peacefully on some grass (no crashing involved).

Check out the pic of a coffee shop that the de Beer's friends, the Adcocks, took on a recent trip to Taiwan!

The shop is the machine!

 

One last note- I realized this week that the only time I use sage is when making the stuffing for my

                      Thanksgiving turkey.  That reminded me to give a heads-up to watch for a special

                      Thanksgiving Coffee Crawl post at the end of November.

~Thank you to Lindy, Ntosh, and the Sage staff... everything was excellent...great Coffee Crawl venue!

~A belated wish for everyone celebrating Guy Fawkes Day.  I found Guy Fawkes e-cards and am making

   my card list out for next year!

Until next week,

Ellen  

Deli Biscotti

Holy Cow!!!... here it is, Coffee Crawl eve and I'm just getting last week's Crawl posted!  The week just got away from me.  I would blame it on carving jack-o-lanterns and roasting pumpkin seeds but those things really don't take that long.  A Happy Halloween to everyone... hope you all had fun whatever it is you did on Monday!

 Last week's Coffee Crawl site was #38 for those of you who have not been counting.  Up to this point I have shied away from going to coffee shop chains.  So, what possessed me, then, to choose Deli Biscotti (since 1945) in King's Court on Buffelsfontein Rd. in Walmer Heights, I have not a clue.  Anyway, as with most chain shops, what Deli Biscotti lacks in any kind of atmosphere it certainly makes up for in a tried and true menu and some decent coffee.  The cappuccino I had was very good, my second round Biscotti Hotti (white hot chocolate w/a shot of espresso) was awesome!



Meet the Barista
Jesse





Deli Biscotti has been at the main entrance of King's Court for four years.  The shop is comfortable and the staff, pleasant, so if your feet are tired after shopping it is a nice place to rest and have a snack or enjoy one of their Ciro brand coffees.  Owner, Lorette Dewing, and barista, Jesse were kept busy on Thursday with a steady stream of customers so I didn't have an opportunity to speak with either except to get their names and a picture of Jesse (Lorette is camera shy, so no pic of her).



Conversation among the Crawlers, June Nash, Stella and Beryl Dawson (welcome back, ladies!), Gail Darne, Fran and Keith de Beer, Beth Vieira, and Fr. Dominic Griego, started off with Halloween history and traditions.  Halloween is not a big holiday here in SA so I knew not to expect trick-or-treaters on Monday night.  The Halloween theme continued as Fran told us that she was digging into her genealogy and had dusted off some skeletons in her family closet.  No worries, Fran, I suppose we all have out share of "horse thieves and bootleggers" in our family histories.  Fran also told us what her daughter, Mandy, named her model desk skeleton but the name eludes me at the moment.



This Week's Crawlers
June, Stella, Beryl, Keith, Gail, Beth, Fran
not pictured- Fr. Dominic

Keith's useless fact-of-the-week.... The only South African invention to have traveled to the moon is Pratley Putty.  NASA chose this as one of the adhesives that they used on the Ranger Moon Module Project in 1967.  Cool or what? 

And lastly, I know this is way old news but I have to conclude my Rugby World Cup 2011 updates by congratulating the New Zealand All-Blacks on their victory over France in the Finals Match a week ago Sunday.

~Thank you to Lorette and Jesse... the coffee was great!

~A belated Happy Birthday to Stella Dawson - Oct 25

Hoping to be more timely this week, 

Ellen