Larny Sarmie Coffee Shop

Braai, bonnet and boot, green fingers, costume, robots, geyser..... these are just a few South African English words that, out of necessity, have become part of my working vocabulary since our move to PE.  Just imagine the initial confusion I experienced when these South African terms for the American barbeque, hood and trunk (of a car), green thumb, swimsuit, traffic lights, and water heater were used in conversations here.  The geyser (pronounced geezer) incident was especially humorous.  With this in mind, and remembering that forewarned is forearmed, I consulted the Oxford English Dictionary prior to heading to Larnie Sarmie Coffee Shop on Thursday just so that I knew what I was up against.  Much to my relief Oxford defines "larny" (also spelled "larney" or "larnie") as "of high status; elegant" and "sarmie" as "a sandwich."  Both "larny" and "sarmie" are, according to Oxford, considered to be "South African informal" terms.  My mind at ease now about Larny Sarmie Coffee Shop, I was really looking forward to this Crawl!

Larny Sarmie, located at 33 - 6th Avenue in Newton Park, was established in December, 2011.  Owner (and barista/waitress), Debbie Lovemore, started the business just serving select sandwiches (hence the name) but soon expanded to include a full breakfast and lunch menu along with large and small platters, off-site catering, and on-site private functions.  Much of Debbie's business at present comes from delivery and take-away orders.  As a matter of fact, while the Crawlers were at Larny Sarmie on Thursday the delivery guy was kept hopping, and there was a steady stream of customers coming in to pick up orders.  One young take-away customer in particular stopped to chat with us.  She works for Gardmed Ambulance across the street from Larny Sarmie.  This satisfied repeat customer said that Larny Sarmie has "the best chicken curry ever!!!"

Meet the Owner
Debbie Lovemore

Well, as it was breakfast time for the Crawlers, we weren't having curry but we did enjoy the Sumatran African Java coffee and the wraps/omelettes from the breakfast menu.  Debbie also offers health food options and selections for those patrons with special dietary needs.

For eat-in customers there's plenty of room with seating for about 50 outside on the patio and in the back braai area and for about 40 inside at tables and in the lounge area.  The atmosphere at Larnie Sarmie is comfortable and homey featuring decor with a continental flair that add fun and interest to the shop.  I need to check with Debbie about where she acquired the amazing wall hangings.

So, what can you expect from a visit to Larny Sarmie?  You'll find the answer stated right on the menu.... "Good wholesome food wrapped in love, covered in prayer, served with joy & shared with a friend!"  Couldn't have said it better myself.  Larnie Sarmie is open Mon, Tues, Thurs, 8-4:30, Wed, Fri, 8a.m.-9p.m., Sat, 8-2, closed on Sunday.

This Week's Crawlers
Nomusa, June, Gail, Colleen, Polly Parrot, Beryl, Stella, Beth

This week's Crawlers, Beth Vieira, Colleen LeRoux, Stella and Beryl Dawson, Gail Darne, June Nash, Nomusa Nkomo, were all abuzz about the upcoming Easter weekend.  From what we've been told and what we have seen on the SA news, the roads get insanely busy for the Easter and National Holiday (Family Day) weekend, so most of us were staying in PE and enjoying time with family and friends.  The Splash Festival which is usually held at the beachfront on Easter weekend looked, from the weather forecast, as though it may be rained out.  I can tell you now, after the fact, that PE experienced a torrential downpour from Friday through Monday confirmning our thoughts that the Splash Festival would be a wash.  Let's hope for better weather next year.

~Thank you to Debbie Lovemore, our hostess for this week's Crawl
~Thank you to the Gardmed Ambulance staff for the work you do!
~Happy Birthday to my nephew, Eric, in Binghamton, NY - April 6

Until next week,

Ellen