Our Saturday morning staple. To me, having Brunch is right up there with Afternoon Tea and just puts me right in my happy place. Saturday morning, come rain or shine, we can be found brunching. And it’s usually at Cafe Roux in the Noordhoek Farm Village. Which, by the way, also happens to be the perfect afternoon tea spot. The sun-drenched (or just drenched in Winter) courtyard surrounded by old oaks on one side, lush lawn on the other is always inviting. Our friends Jo and Lucy even had their wedding reception there in 2008, and I’m convinced it’s just so that they could have Cafe Roux brownies for dessert on their big day!
I knew I’d taken my obsession a bit too far when I had a work lunch meeting there yesterday and Bonny, one of the legendary waiters, was surprised that I ordered the Tomato Soup instead of my usual lunch staple of Smoked Chicken Salad with Asparagus which he had already written down. Anyway, as far as brunch goes it’s almost always the Vegetarian Breakfast for me. Poached eggs (hard please) on spinach with shitake mushrooms, grilled baby tomatoes, toasted rye and their fabulous asian sauce (on the side please). I also love their winter special Creamy Oats Porridge with banana and toasted almonds, and Rob almost always ends up being swayed by the the toasted open Breakfast Croissant with bacon, avo, rocket and grilled cheese.
The lunch offerings are just as mouth watering, and their Grilled Calamari is just as light and crispy as it should be, with delicious coriander and mustard dressing; the Warm Beef Sandwich is another crowd pleaser. And keep an eye out for my coming-soon Cafe Roux-inspired Lamb and Red Wine Pie Recipe!
WHAT I LOVE ABOUT IT
So, all this delicousness can be found in an eclectic, and funk-less-the-fuss laid back cosy farm atmosphere nestled below the Silvermine mountain that makes up part of Ou Kaapse Weg, and is conveniently also just near at the southern entry/exit to Chapmans Peak.
I can take friends there and say “˜everything on the menu is good’ and really mean it.
The waiters are more than just something to write home about. They make you feel like family. Maybe that’s because Cafe Roux is family run and you can taste that wholesomeness in every bite.
Fires in winter. Plus great coffee.
Happy umbrellas and outdoor tables in summer.
Child-friendly with a great play area.
Seriously good value. I’ve never felt ripped off. Except maybe when we’ve overstayed and brunch turned into lunch turned into afternoon tea and I think I should have just quit while I was ahead and saved my credit card (and husband) a headache.
WHAT’S NOT COMPLETELY WONDERFUL?
Since Chapman’s Peak re-opened, it’s getting busier and busier so it’s worth booking these days, or get there before the weekend brunch/lunch rush.
The inside seating space for winter is limited. Don’t you be in front of me in the queue for a table these days, it could get nasty.
I recommend you order half a slice of (honest to goodnessly exquisite chocolate, cheese, carrot, lemon meringue, flourless orange and almond) cake. They are ginormous. Unless you want to have to spend extra time in the gym next week, in which case you’re on your own mate.
