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Darlings I have the most amazing news, Joburg finally has its very own creperie! Too long we have suffered creperie-less and I for one am glad those dark, dark days are behind us. If you’re not familiar with what exactly a creperie is then it’s time that you climbed out from under that rock and join the rest of us at Arbour Café and Courtyard for a French experience of note. The new-ish French inspired café specialises in Crêpes and Galettes and is gearing up to educate Joburgers on what it means to have a true Parisian dining experience outside of Paris. Here’s why you simply must pop in this weekend for a sip, a nibble, and a chat.
The tiny café in Birdhaven opened six months ago and is quickly becoming a firm favourite with those in the know. I’m quite sure that it won’t be long before they are packed solid on Fridays after work and weekends for lunch, which is why you simply must try it now before everyone catches on! But what makes this joint so special anyway? It’s a number of things actually – the decor, the setting, the service and of course, the food all make it the place to be. But let’s start by talking about the decor and the spectacular setting. One of my favourite things about Arbour Café is the courtyard and for damn good reason.
Enter through Arbour’s front entrance and you will be led through the tiny indoor seating area, past the kitchen and out through a white, wooden door into the prettiest courtyard you ever did see. Here you can take a seat at one of the of the oh-so-pretty white painted wrought iron tables and chairs and enjoy the fresh air and sunlight while marvelling at the greenery creeping up the walls, banisters and staircase. You can also take in the sights and sounds of the hustle and bustle coming from the various shops surrounding the eatery including a beautiful gift store, hair salon, art gallery and fashion boutique. If there ever was a place for ladies to lunch or grab a drink after work it is Arbour Café!
But no French inspired café would be complete without French inspired food! Owner Robyn spent some time living and working in France and was adamant that she wanted to bring a little bit of authentic French charm to Joburg and boy did she succeed. As I mentioned the spot specialises in authentic Crêpes (traditional sweet French pancakes) and Galettes (thin savoury buckwheat pancakes which are naturally gluten free!) as well as authentic French ciders (the traditional drink to enjoy alongside Crepes and Galettes in France). I got the chance to sample some things from the menu and fell head over heels in love with the authentic French treats, and I know you will too!
I tuck into the Creamy Wild Mushroom Galette with parsley and gruyere (R85) followed by a Salted Caramel Crêpe with apples and ginger ice cream (R60) while my lunch buddy, Kim enjoyed the Duck Confit Galette with spiced cherry sauce (R85) and the same for dessert. My wild mushroom Galette was absolutely to die for and according to Robyn is one of the most popular dishes on the menu (for good reason!) and the sweet salted caramel Crêpe was out of this world. I was blown away by the ginger ice cream that accompanied the dish and almost sank into a deep depression when I realised that I was full and wouldn’t be able to finish it all.
Our lunch was paired with a traditional Eric Bordlelet Brut Cider (a dry naturally fermented French apple cider – R189 for a 750ml bottle) which was the perfect accompaniment to our meal and a pretty swish way to enjoy our lunch if you ask me. If cider isn’t your thing then you will happy to hear that they also offer a range of beers, bubbles and wines from a wide range of local producers for you to enjoy alongside your breakfast or lunch.
Of course, if Crêpes and Galettes don’t float your boat then there are A bunch of other yummy things for you to try on the menu including salads, sarmies, cooked breakfasts, artisan croissants and delicious sweet treats (Banters will adore the Banting Cheesecake – R46 per slice). The eatery is also open for dinner on Thursdays and for special events like engagement parties, birthday shindigs and anniversary parties. What’s more, dogs are welcome in the courtyard too so there’s no reason to leave them at home alone to sulk while you stuff your face with Crêpes!
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By Crystal Espin
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