Deli on Main - Crawl #2 Revisited

Back in February, 2011 for Crawl #2 Beth Vieira, Fran de Beer and Ken Stewart joined me for coffee at Deli on Main located at 123 Main Rd. in the 9th Ave Shopping Centre, Walmer (see Feb, 2011 post).  In February 2012, one year after our visit, the ownership of Deli on Main changed hands and Heather Martens took over the business.  Now, for Crawl #118, Heather is still running the shop, and Deli on Main continues to be a popular hangout among coffee lovers in PE.  And popular for a reason.....the Masterton's cappuccinos and Americanos are extraordinary and served as they should be.....in hot cups.  Also, it was nice to see some cool  barista art that we haven't had in quite some time.  Kudos to barista Johnny!!!

Meet the Owner
Heather Martens

Chai Latte

Love my cappuccino!

Heather has done an amazing job in creating a fresh, modern look in the shop while maintaining a sit-back-and-relax atmosphere.  Booths, tables, lounge and patio seating are available for up to fifty patrons.  Fresh flowers strategically placed add a nice touch.

The Deli on Main menu includes breakfasts and lunches for eat-in or take-away.  The site is available for small functions, and Heather's business also offers off-site catering.  For take-aways or catering service info call 041 581 7316.  Deli on Main hours are Mon-Fri, 8-3:30, Sat, 8-2, closed on Sunday.  Free WiFi and various daily newspapers are available to all patrons.

Meet the Barista
Johnny

Now, I know that the Crawl is supposed to be all about the coffee but.....almost immediately after our waitress Sandisiwe took our orders, Hugh Hart, salesperson for Real Produce, popped into Deli on Main selling fresh blueberries.  Once everyone tasted a sample (or two) we just about bought out Hugh's whole stock....the blueberries were that good!  Real Produce is a home delivery business that supplies produce, meats, breads, dairy products and more to PE households direct from the farmer.  Crawlers Beth Vieira, Vicki Minnaar, Lee Rodwell, Stella and Beryl Dawson, Margaret Zoetmulder, Sylvia Mynhardt, Margaret Marshall, June Nash, Leanne Waller, Gail Darne, and first-time Crawler Celeste Hudson were impressed with Hugh's sales pitch and presentation, and the quality and price of his produce.  The Real Produce guys will quite possibly have some new deliveries on their next run into PE!  Readers- to request the list and prices of products from Real Produce, email them at:  tuan@realproduce.co.za     Definitely worth checking out!

Meet our Waitress
Sandi

So, with our blueberry buying bonanza over and done with, and our coffees delivered piping hot to the table, we got to talking about the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.  On the Crawl we have followed them through their wedding, pregnancy, birth of Prince George, and now, the young prince's Christening.  The pics happened to be on the front page of Thursday's newspapers provided at Deli on Main.  It was agreed, after passing around all of the various newspapers, that the Duchess never takes a bad pic.  I feel that way about the Crawlers as well.....they always look awesome in the group shot!  Don't you agree?

This Week's Crawlers
Margaret Z., Beth, Beryl, Gail, Sylvia,
Vicki, Margaret M., June, Stella, Celeste, Lee
not pictured - Leanne

Our conversation then turned to Sunday afternoon drives "back in the day."  Funny that regardless of our different cultures, countries, continents, we all have that same experience in common.  I mean, really, the exact same.  As I heard everyone telling of their Sunday afternoon drives when they were children it was as if they were describing my childhood Sunday afternoons in northwestern Pennsylvania.  We could have been in the same vehicle!  I was never a fan of these rides, but to each his own.

For the next Crawl, Oct 31, we will be putting aside the Crawl Revisited Series, and instead will be having a special Halloween Crawl at Barnacles in Seaview.  Come in costume, celebrate the occasion and enjoy some coffee with us!  Perhaps we'll even spot some whales!!!

~Thank you to Heather, Johnny, and Sandi
~Happy Birthday to Luke - October 29
~Happy Halloween to everyone! - October 31

Until next week,

Ellen

Windsor Coffee Shop - Crawl #1 (Shelly's) Revisited

It's been two years and eight months since I started the PE Coffee Crawl.  During that time the Crawlers have visited over 100 different coffee shops in and around PE.  I knew that eventually we would run out of new places to visit, though we are not quite there yet.  We still have a few shops on the docket that I'll post by the end of 2013.  In the meantime, the Crawlers and I will still be keeping our eyes out for new coffee shops that open or for ones that we've missed, and we have plans for the occasional Thursday morning road trip!

Over the course of the last 32 months some of the coffee shops I've written about have closed, some have moved to a different site, some have changed ownership, and some have changed their names, all the while a few have remained the same in every regard.  In light of this, and to keep PE residents and PECC readers up to date and informed, I'm launching, as of this post, the "Crawl Revisited Series."

So, where else to begin but back at Crawl #1.  Our maiden Crawl in Feb, 2011 was held at Shelly's, 43 Circular Drive in Charlo (see post).  About a year or so after our visit Shelly's closed.  Now, fast forward to August, 2013, and the new Windsor Coffee Shop (previously Shelly's) opened for business under the ownership of Kylee Nel.

Meet the Owner
Kylee Nel

Delicious Pavin cappuccino

The Windsor Coffee Shop is adjacent to the Windsor Play Park and Party Venue on Circular Drive, though the coffee shop is a separate entity with indoor and patio seating for 25.  There is also outdoor picnic table seating in the play park area for customers with young children.  The Windsor menu, available to both coffee shop and play park patrons, consists of quiches, wraps, toasted sandwiches, cakes, and the R30 Windsor Breakfast Special.  Beverages include delicious Pavin coffee prepared by barista Niki, Ceylon and Rooibos teas, hot chocolate, and a variety of cold drinks.  The shop's hours are Mon-Fri, 9-4 and weekends, 9-1.  Stop in soon and enjoy a quick bite to eat and some fabulous coffee at the recently opened Windsor Coffee Shop.....and for some fun pics check them out on Facebook!

Meet the Barista
Niki

Indoor seating

Patio seating

Of the 13 Crawlers at Windsor on Thursday only two of us (Beth Vieira and yours truly) were present at Shelly's for Crawl #1.  Two other Crawlers, Fran de Beer and Gail Taverner, joined us that day as well.  It was a first time visit, though, for Thursday's remaining Crawlers, Nomusa Nkomo, Vicki Minnaar, Lee Rodwell, Stella and Beryl Dawson, Margaret and Arthur Marshall, Sylvia Mynhardt, June Nash, Gail Darne, Nicolette Hijmans.

This Week's Crawlers
Gail, Beth, Margaret, Arthur, Nomusa, Lee, Nicolette,
Vicki, Beryl, June, Stella, Sylvia

Our first topic of conversation at the table was how the PE Coffee Crawl has evolved since Feb, 2011. We started with no history and no expectations.......four Crawlers, a few pics, a quick couple of paragraphs and no readers.  Wow....we've come a long way and are looking forward to what the Crawl Revisited Series will bring!

The rest of the morning was spent with each end of the long table engrossed in separate conversations.  While at one end, Nomusa told me later, they were "talking rubbish," the Crawlers at my end were discussing how best to use our God-given gifts and talents.  The tough part is recognizing them in ourselves.  During the course of this conversation my piano and bagpipe playing came up.  (No one who has heard me play the pipes would ever describe it as a gift or talent!!!)  Gail asked, then, how difficult it is to learn to read music.  I responded in turn by giving a 5-minute crash course in musical notation.  It's never too late to learn, Gail.  Now you just need to apply it!

So, there you have it.  I hope you have enjoyed the first installment of the Crawl Revisited Series.  The Crawlers and I welcome one and all to come along with us as we explore the PE coffee shops.......again.

~Thank you to Kylee and Niki for hosting our first Crawl Revisited
~Happy Birthday to Crawler Stella Dawson - October 25

Until next week,

Ellen

Chatterbox

In going over the Crawl archives a few weeks ago I noticed that we hadn't been to a coffee shop in Newton Park since July.  Later that day, almost as though she'd read my mind, I received a text message from Crawler Heather Anderson telling me she noticed a new coffee shop.....where else but on 4th Ave in Newton Park!  So for the first time in three months the Crawlers headed to Newton Park for our Thursday morning coffee.

The new shop, Chatterbox, is located at 83 4th Ave in the small plaza on the corner of Hurd St. and 4th Ave.  If you want a spot in the parking lot you must enter from the Hurd St. side, otherwise there is some parking available on the grassy lawn in front of the shop.

Meet the Owner
Edward Conway

Chatterbox owner Edward Conway opened the coffee shop on Saturday, September 28 and has been open and busy every day since.  The hours may change but, for now, PE coffee lovers can get Miko coffee, whipped up by barista Stella, along with breakfast, lunch or cake, all prepared on-site by chef Jenny, at Chatterbox any day from 7:30-5:30.  The shop's menu also features daily specials Monday through Saturday.

Meet the Barista
Stella

Meet the Chef
Jenny

The menu highlight of the week is a Sunday lunch served from 12-2 which includes two meats, a starch, a veggie and a dessert.  As the shop's seating is limited to 30, booking for Sunday lunch is essential.  For reservations call Joan at 041 364 0111 or email her at:  chatterboxon4th@telkomsa.net
If the quality of the food we sampled on Thursday is any indication I imagine the Sunday lunch is quite delicious and a real bargain at R50.  Edward and his chatterbox wife, Joan, will be seeing much more of the Crawlers on upcoming Sundays!

Chatterbox is available for small group functions, tea parties and off-site catering.  Call the number above for details.

Yummy cupcakes!

As per usual on Thursday Crawlers, Gail Darne, Nomusa Nkomo, Vicki Minnaar, Margaret Zoetmulder, Beth Vieira, Stella and Beryl Dawson, Margaret and Arthur Marshall, Fran and Keith de Beer, Cayle Nash, Lee Rodwell, didn't have any problem finding things to chat about.  The funny thing is that at a venue called Chatterbox our topics seemed, unintentionally, to revolve around all things silent.  In what has become our weekly "book review" we discussed three books (2 non-fiction and 1 historical fiction), Left To Tell, Walden, and Silence.  In each book the main character experiences either externally forced silence or self-imposed solitude.

This Week's Gabby Group
Arthur, Margaret M., Vicki, Lee, Nomusa, Gail,
Margaret, Cayle, Fran, Keith, Stella, Beryl, Beth

Then, just as our book discussion was coming to a close, in walked Vicki who proceeded to tell us about a 10-day silent retreat she recently attended.  WHAT?!?  Vicki, you actually voluntarily spent 10 days in complete silence?  I'm totally impressed, as were all the other Crawlers!  I, for one, couldn't last one day let alone ten without talking (keep your comments to yourself, Keith!).  So, for quite a while we pummeled Vicki with questions regarding the retreat.  Given all the info, and having heard about how much Vicki got out of the experience, it would be nice to say that I would attempt it........nah, ain't gonna happen.  How about all you other Crawlers?........Any takers?.........Thought not.

Well, after three hours of non-stop chatter at Chatterbox another Crawl came to a close.  And, the Crawlers are unanimous......Chatterbox is an awesome place to have coffee and chat the day away!

~Thank you to Edward and Joan, Stella and Jenny
~Thank you to all the PE Coffee Crawl readers......Who would have thought that little coffee shop blog
  would get 50,000 hits?

Until next week,

Ellen

Gio Caffe

After a few weeks of intense wind and chilly temps, Spring has sprung in PE.  We can finally shed our jackets and scarves!  And, what better way to spend a gorgeous Spring morning than coffee with friends at the beachfront.  Thursday's Crawlers, Margaret Zoetmulder, Margaret and Arthur Marshall, Fran and Keith de Beer, June and Cayle Nash, Lee Rodwell, Nicolette Hijmans, Stella and Beryl Dawson, Les Baldwin, Nomusa Nkomo, Gail Darne, and first-timer Louise Adkins, met at Gio Caffe at Shark Rock on Marine Drive in Summerstrand.  This newly renovated cafe is bright and airy inside but we chose outside seating under shade so as to enjoy the wonderful weather and awesome ocean view.

Inside the newly renovated cafe

For those of you who haven't been to the Pier/Shark Rock in the past few months you'll be pleasantly surprised to see that the "sweets shop" that was quite the eyesore has been torn down and replaced with Gio Caffe's ocean view seating for 40-50 patrons....just in time for the beach season.

The view from Gio Caffe

Pavin cappuccino

Gio Caffe's manager, Venoo Pillay, and waiter, Bibas, bent over backwards to accommodate the Crawlers on Thursday, from pushing tables together to taking/serving our food/beverage orders quickly to making sure the numerous shade umbrellas were in the perfect spot for us, moving them around as the morning wore on.

Meet the Manager and our Waiter
Venoo and Bibas

Meet the barista
Mathew

As Gio Caffe is open every day from 8 a.m. until late the menu offers selections that suit their customers' tastes all day long.  Two feature items on the menu are the Pavin coffee, prepped by barista Mathew, and Gio's homemade gelato.  There were so many gelato flavors on Thursday that I couldn't make up my mind so I stuck with cappuccinos and Americanos, saving the gelato for a post-prandial peregrination some summer evening.  (Reminiscent of Italy, Liz?)

So many gelato flavors!

Gio Caffe is available for private functions and birthday parties, and offers platters and birthday cakes made to order.  Check out Gio Caffe on Facebook or find them at:  www.giocaffe.co.za

This Week's Crawlers
Keith, Arthur, Margaret M., Margaret Z., Beryl, Les, June,
Nomusa, Stella, Gail, Cayle, Fran, Louise, Lee
not pictured - Nicolette

The Crawlers weren't the only ones taking advantage of the beautiful weather on Thursday morning.  The beachfront was packed with people who appeared to have just come out of winter hibernation.  A guitar player/singer performed outside of the cafe as boaters and snorkelers enjoyed time on/in the ocean.  And, as if on cue, a pod of dolphins played just offshore entertaining all of us landlubbers.  Gio's Caffe was the perfect setting for an early Spring Coffee Crawl.  Loved it and will definitely be back for more!!!

~Thank you to Venoo, Bibas, and Mathew for all of your efforts
~Congrats to Nicolette on the birth of your granddaughter, Zoe - October 1
~A belated Happy Birthday wish to Cayle Nash whose first birthday was October 5

Until next week,

Ellen

Crossways Country Kitchen

The Coffee Crawlers took a quick road trip out of PE last Thursday for Crawl #114.  Crossways Country Kitchen, owned by Mika Venter and Trevor Steyn, lies halfway between PE and Jeffreys Bay off the N2 from the Sunnydale/Thornhill Exit.  Once off the exit Crossways is very easy to find....just follow the orange cow signs!  Fresh air, good food and friendly service is awaiting you a mere twenty minute drive away!

Meet the Jr. Manager/Barista
Charlene

Set in a rural area, Crossways is a coffee shop/farm stall that offers stunning scenery and a relaxed country atmosphere.  The sprawling Crossways property features indoor and outdoor seating for about 100, a play area for children and plenty of parking.  This country venue, with its wonderful view of Lady Slipper, would make a beautiful setting for a wedding, large family get-together or other special function.

Meet the Head Baker
Hilton

A sample of the goodies prepared by Hilton

Banana Bread for sale at the farm stall

The Crossways' menu includes breakfast and lunch selections on weekdays and Saturdays, and a set brunch menu on Sundays.  Thursday's Crawlers, Margaret Zoetmulder, Lee Rodwell, Nicolette Hijmans, Stella and Beryl Dawson, Sylvia Mynhardt, Gail Darne, June Nash, Leanne Waller, and my husband, Lou, enjoyed Sumatran coffee prepped and served by Jr Mgr/Barista/Waitress, Charlene Seaman, and breads, spreads and finger foods made specially for us by head baker, Hilton.  The shop's hours are Sunday-Friday, 8:30-3, Saturday, 8:30-2.  Booking is essential for Sunday brunch....call 042 286 0678.

This Week's Crawlers
Beryl, Stella, June, Leanne, Sylvia,
Gail, Nicolette, Lou, Margaret, Lee

Inside dining area

Picnic area and playground

I don't know what got into all of us on Thursday.....perhaps guilty consciences coupled with the fact that we were "out-of-town"..... but our 114th Crawl will go into the books as the "Tell All Crawl."  What started with innocent story-telling very quickly degraded to tales of the dubious pasts of many of the Crawlers.  All told it turns out that this seemingly harmless group of coffee lovers is actually a bunch of dagga brownie-eating, curfew-breaking, pot-smoking, school-skipping, skinny-dipping liars, burglars and thieves!  WOW, what you find out about people over coffee!  One Crawler, though, Margaret Z., did admit to being "honest about some things."  I knew someone among us had to have one redeeming quality...wtg, Margaret!!!
In any case, having purged our souls of long-suffering guilt, we all left Crossways on Thursday morning with clear consciences.  Now Lee can begin her 7th decade of life with a clean slate....good luck with that, Lee!

~Thank you to Charlene and Hilton for the wonderful service.
~Happy Birthday to Crawler Sandy Zoetmulder - October 1
~Congrats to Sandy Z. and her husband on the birth of their son - September 30
~Happy Birthday to my wonderful husband, Lou - October 5

Until next week,

Ellen