Friendly Stranger

Last Thursday's Crawl site was recommended to me by Donovan McLagan, owner of Urban Espress, when we were at his establishment in August.  Donovan was not exactly sure when Friendly Stranger would be opening but told us to keep an ear out.... the PE grapevine would surely let us know.  And that it did.
Thursday's Crawlers, Fran and Mandy de Beer, June, Marie and Cayle Nash, Colleen Le Roux, Nomusa Nkomo, Stella and Beryl Dawson, Vicki Minnaar, Gail Darne, Leanne Waller, and my daughter, Liz, arrived at Friendly Stranger, situated at 1 Bridge Street in the Brickmakerskloof area of South End, on November 8 only a few weeks after their grand opening.  The place was hopping from the time we got there.  News on the PE grapevine travels fast!!!

I've come to learn, after visiting seventy-plus coffee shops in the past year and a half , that the new coffee shops that become an instant success are those whose owners have "done their homework."  Friendly Stranger's owners, Dameon Van Antwerpen and Tabita Weyer have certainly done theirs.  They have taken the Shamrock House, an old structure, circa 1881, and have preserved the charm of this once perhaps hunters' lodge, perhaps captain's porthouse, perhaps something else entirely different (PE historians feel free to enlighten us) while also giving it what my daughter, Liz describes as a contemporary hipster vibe that would be quite popular in her American stomping grounds of NYC and Wash, DC.  The original walls and hardwood floors along with complementing furnishings and maritime/hunting decor lend a homey, rustic feel to the main upstairs dining room and the fantastic downstairs lounge.  The owners have added a 21st century flair to the ambience of the shop by displaying, on the walls in the main room, work by the local "Artist of the Month."  This month, pieces by Joff are featured.  I loved them all but by the time we were there most of his pieces had already sold!

Meet the Owner
Tabita Weyer



Meet the Owner
Dameon Van Antwerpen



Now, for for the menu and especially the coffee.... again, Dameon and Tabita did their research.  Tabita is extremely choosy regarding recipes that will please her patrons' palates.  After sampling her amazing Almond Tart to go with my excellent TriBeca cappuccino(s) I was able to coerce a few cookbook/baking secrets from her.  Tabita bakes/cooks everything from scratch daily.  Friendly Stranger offers breakfast, lunch, dinner (some nights), and platter selections, and a variety of hot and cold beverages.  The shop is also fully licensed.

Meet the Barista
Byron

Meet our Waiter
 Petros

Lastly, though without whom Friendly Stranger could not function, is the amazing and personable staff. The barista, Byron (who was sporting a "Save the Rhino" bracelet) and our waiter, Petros were awesome.

All in all, Friendly Stranger is the new, fun place in town that is well worth checking out.  There is plenty of seating available with room for 55 inside and 30 on the outside deck.  The shop's hours are Mon, Tues, Thurs, 8-4,Wed, Fri, Sat, 8-11 pm, closed on Sundays.

This Week's Crawlers
Marie, June, Stella, Beryl, Gail, Liz, Nomusa, Vicki,
Mandy, Fran, Colleen
not pictured - Leanne

Marie and baby Cayle

After Dameon gave me a tour of the shop, I just had to show my daughter, Liz, the lounge area downstairs.  It was there that we met two "friendly strangers," Alison and Manuela, who were visiting the shop for the first time.  We chatted with them for a while then returned to the Crawl group.  Everyone was ogling over Marie's baby, 5-week-old Cayle, who was making his Coffee Crawl debut.... what a beautiful baby!!!
Once Cayle dropped off to sleep each of the Crawlers took the opportunity to explore the coffee shop.... bakery display, lounge, deck, .... and check out Joff's artwork. 

Friendly Strangers
Alison, Liz, Manuela

Colleen happened to have one of the new SA Rand bills that just went into circulation days before.  Like anything new, these bills will take some getting used to.  I personally like them.... not only do they include the "Big Five" animals (buffalo, rhino, elephant, lion, leopard) as the old bills did, they now feature a portrait of Nelson Mandela on the front.  The colors are way more vibrant as well.  The new Rand bills have quickly become known as the "Randela."  :)  Dameon and Tabita, hopefully you guys are making "leopards" hand over fist in your new shop!

~Thank you to Dameon, Tabita, and the Friendly Stranger staff
~Thank you to Donovan McLagan for recommending Friendly Stranger... class act, Donovan

Until next week,

Ellen