Vovo Telo

There are many things people equate with PE: wind, Nelson Mandela Bay, drought, host city of Ironman South Africa (held this past weekend) among numerous others, two of which I encountered on Thursday.

The first encounter occurred early in the morning.  I was in auto-pilot mode making a pot of coffee and some toast for Lou.  In my bleary-eyed, half awake state I spotted one, then two, then an army of ants..."THE MARABUNTA!!!"... attacking the toaster!  It could well have been the opening scene of a very "B" horror movie we saw years ago where killer ants ravaged a city in Alaska.  I saw the ending and it wasn't pretty, so armed again (see March 3 posting!) with my trusty can of insect spray, I set about the task of saving PE from the "Killer Ants!"   Later, when I saw June she told me very matter-of-factly, "That's typical of PE this time of year."  So much for my self-proclaimed super-hero status.

The second encounter, on the other hand, was at the site of this week's coffee crawl.  The mere mention of Vovo Telo Bakery and Cafe brings a smile and a contented sigh from PE residents.  Vovo Telo, located at 16 Raleigh St. in the Richmond Hill area, is "the place where the locals go," so you know it's gotta be good.  The shop has quickly become a PE institution and a favorite of PE dwellers since its opening in 2007.  The building is unremarkable and unassuming but the wonderful aroma of freshly baked artisan breads and other goodies emanating from it waft in the breezes to be sensed blocks away.  Upon entering the shop the display of baked goods looks as good as it smells.  I've eaten lunch at Vovo Telo a few times and the food is amazing...no need to ask what's good on the menu... order anything and you won't be disappointed.  Unfortunately, the "No Food On The Crawl" rule was to be strictly enforced this week.  Otherwise, I would have had one of each!

We did get a pleasant surprise when barista, Wandile Vuba, knowing our crawl group was there, sent two lattes (on the house!) to the table in order to show his mad skills.  Wandile is an artist... check out the pics I took!  He has coached competition winning baristas!   I vote that he should be competing... what do you think?  My son, Jeff (retired) and my daughter, Liz, are my two favorite baristas, though neither one has made a cappuccino for me (nepotism at its best!).  They will be dethroned by Wandile, though, if they don't step up their game!

Our crawl group this week included June Nash, Fran deBeer and her sister, Prudie Brown, Stella and Beryl Dawson, and Colleen LeRoux.  June ordered a double shot cappuccino because she's taking care of her two grandsons this week and she needs all the help she can get!  June's order, coupled with Vovo Telo's unique atmosphere and Wandile's amazing lattes, convinced us all to jump on the double shot bandwagon.  Everyone, that is except Fran, who ordered black coffee...c'mon Fran, get with the program :) !

So, they say there are only two certainties in life... death and taxes.  Well, I have a third to add to that list...bad driver's license photos.  Somehow, our conversation about the Illy brand coffee we were enjoying changed to passport and driver's license pics.  Before you could say, "Cheese," we were circulating our driver's licenses and commenting on bad hair and goofy glasses, while wondering where those years went since the pic was taken.  All that "fun" was broken up when waiter/photographer extraordinaire, Zimbabwean, Wade Armstrong JD. came over and showed us the PE coffee crawl blog he had brought up on his phone.  Wade then took some great shots of our group.  Wade, if Will and Kate are still looking for a good photographer for their upcoming nuptuals, you'd be a shoe-in!

Unfortunately, Vovo Telo's owner, Matt Repton, was not in the shop during our visit.  He was probably at the Vovo Telo Newton Park shop or at Vovo Telo Pizza a few blocks away.  In either case, thank you, Matt, for providing PE with a super bakery/cafe!  With an accommodating, skilled, good-humored, and upbeat staff along with great food and coffee, there is no wonder Vovo Telo is a local favorite!  Thanks to all!

The jury is still out on whether to divulge the identity of the next week's coffee shop visit.  I've received mixed comments on this issue.  In light of this, I will not reveal next week's shop at this time.  If you have a thought on this, please let me know.

As for the brigade of appliance attacking ants, I stopped on the way home to buy more ant spray and some traps.  That may be a little over the top, but if left to their own devices, who knows?...this week, the toaster, next week, the coffee pot?!?

Until next week,

Ellen




Meet the Awesome Barista
Wandile Vuba



This Week's Crawlers
Stella, Beryl, Fran, our waiter Wade, June, Prudie, Colleen





Foong's

If you are new to PE, here on vacation, or just passing through, a visit to Foong's will make you feel like a long time resident and old friend.  Grant Foong, the owner of Foong's, personally welcomes all patrons, and is sure to visit every table for a quick chat.  The positive energy in this shop is a result of Grant's hospitable manner as well as that of the whole staff, including Luvuyo, the barista, and chefs, Nina and Adrian.

Foong's is a long time family owned and operated business located in the Emerald Square Shopping Centre on Buffelsfontein Rd. in Mount Pleasant.  Traditional and Asian style breakfast is served all day.  Lunch with an Asian flair is served from 11:00 a.m.  Pastries made on site or provided by other local businesses as well as packaged Asian food products are available for sale.  Keeping in line with supporting local businesses, Foong's uses a "secret" coffee blend supplied by Masterton's with Foong's specifically in mind.  According to Grant, Foong's and Masterton's have had a decades long relationship that is mutually beneficial.  We have had a variety of different brands of coffee since "The Crawl" started and I have become a real fan of Masterton's.

Grant seated this week's crawlers at his "Cherry Blossom" mosaic tile table.  (This is the closest I'll get this year to the Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, DC.  Word has it that this is peak week for the blossoms.  So, to Liz, Amanda, Marleah, and Chris... enjoy and take lots of pics!)

Foong's barista, Luvuyo, delivered cappuccinos to crawlers June and Howard Nash, and Stella and Beryl Dawson, and black coffees to Fran and Keith deBeer.  I got my usual cappuccino.  Grant stopped by the table bearing trays of bowties and low-fat cheesecakes (check out the picture, I'm not convinced about the low-fat part!).  Fran and I broke the "No Food On The Crawl" rule and sampled the bowties; everyone else showed a little more restraint.  I even bought some bowties to bring home for dessert.  I may have to employ my Dad's MO tonight.... "the heck with dinner, let's go straight for the good stuff!"

Fun and good conversation (though, for some reason, the subject of brothels kept popping up) was had by all.  Foong's is a bright and happy place for both the patrons and staff... a great combination that made for a very successful coffee crawl.  Thank you to Grant and staff for making us feel at home!!!

By the way, you should definitely check out Foong's very cool and user friendly web page at:  http://www.foongs.co.za/
I went on the site...it is awesome!...includes cooking tips, recipes, history of Foong's, and complimentary games! ... I love "Simon," "Pacman," and the others... now, I'm hooked!!!
"FOONG'S - FOREVER AND INTO THE FUTURE"

A few notes -
* In the intro to my blog, I mention that writing this blog may improve my computer and photograpy skills.  That is yet to be determined..... Little did I anticipate, though, what an impact it would have on the drought that has stricken PE for years!  It seems that almost every Thursday since The Crawl started the area experiences rain... today being no exception.  Whatever works!!!
* Some people here have requested that I mention in my posting where I'll be "crawling" the next week in case they would like to join me.  So, at the expense of giving away secrets, but for the benefit of potential crawlers, I will be at Vovo Telo next Thursday morning at 9:30 a.m.  See you there!

Until next week,

Ellen










Meet the Owner
Grant Foong







Meet the Barista
Luvuyo



Thiw Week's Crawlers
Howard, June, Stella, Beryl, Ellen, Fran, Keith

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