South Africa, Cape City, December 2018; A brand new informal espresso and eating hang-out has opened reverse the long-lasting Dalebrook tidal pool in Kalk Bay and already it’s a stalwart.
The Kalk Bay group is known for its arty residents, its quirky companies, timehonoured consuming and eating locations and naturally its historic tidal swimming pools that see swimmers younger and outdated take their each day dips on daily basis in summer time – some in winter too. Newly opened Dalebrook Café, located instantly reverse Dalebrook tidal pool within the landmark constructing Dalebrook Place, appears set to turn out to be a Kalk Bay stalwart, due to the cautious renovation of the heritage house and an on pointe, right-for-the-times menu by proprietor Charmaine Lilje of Chardonnay Deli fame.
The seaside sibling of Constantia-based Chardonnay Deli pays homage to its historic roots – the constructing is over 120 years outdated and has nearly at all times been residence to each companies at avenue stage and residences above.
“We wished to reclaim that sense of place and historical past with the café, which is why we’ve left the attractive authentic brickwork we found uncovered and why we labored so onerous with native craftsmen to construct an area that has integrity from the woodwork up”, explains Charmaine, herself a Kalk Bay
resident who earlier than beginning her personal catering firm and later opening the favored Chardonnay Deli, reduce her culinary enamel working on the legendary Olympia Café simply down the highway, adopted by a stint at La Colombe restaurant underneath then-chef Franck Dangereaux.
Charmaine has a ardour for genuine, seasonal meals, typically with a country contact and that is particularly evident in her menu growth for Dalebrook Café. “I actually consider that individuals are shifting again to fundamentals with a want for easy, uncomplicated good meals and good vibes”, she says – and judging by the hum of ‘good day’s’ throughout the café as folks greet one another and the excitement of individuals as they tuck into hearty breakfasts and healthful lunches, she’s definitely hit the mark.
As with Chardonnay Deli, the deli aspect of the enterprise is simply as necessary because the breakfast and lunchtime commerce and prospects can refill on just-baked artisinal breads in addition to scrumptious deli items, and in time – meals to go.
“We would like folks to know they’ll pop in and refill on do-it-yourself, high quality fundamentals and a few spoils too”, says Charmaine, whose enterprise is already a favorite with locals and out-of-towners alike. “I feel dwelling in Kalk Bay and figuring out the realm has given me some perception into the temper of the place and with Dalebrook Café, we need to serve high quality merchandise and be as inclusive as we presumably can – we’re actually joyful for folks to return in barefoot from the seashore”, she laughs
It appears Charmaine’s quest to create an genuine eatery is certainly what folks have been ready for. Dalebrook Café is already an all-day pop in espresso spot in addition to a linger longer lunch vacation spot. Early morning swimmers know they’ll seize top-of-the-line coffees and pastries within the ‘hood earlier than or after their swim, whereas cyclists who used to zoom previous the constructing are placing in further kilometers to allow them to justify the scrumptious calorific consumption at Dalebrook Café just a little later.
A stunning contact for locals and regulars alike is the wall of lockers the place folks can go away their keys and telephones earlier than popping to the pool for a dip – simply one other element that emphasises simply how tapped into what folks need from an area Charmaine actually is.
With the summer time season nearly in full swing, there’s little doubt Dalebrook Café can be doing a roaring commerce nevertheless it’s the deal with authenticity that little doubt will see it turn out to be a Kalk Bay outdated devoted in years to return.
Dalebrook Café opens for breakfast, lunch each day and dinner (three nights every week: Thursday, Friday and Saturday) from 07h00 to 21h00. For more information name 021 795 0606 or ship an electronic mail to information@kalkbaycafe.co.za
Dalebrook Café is located at 20 Fundamental Highway, Kalk Bay, Cape City.