I’m loving writing about our local spots so much that I’ve decided to give them a bit of a theme called the Restaurant Savvy Write Ups! I’m not into super high end eateries, so more than likely you’ll get a look at Cape Town’s local eateries (or wherever we happen to travel) that are family friendly, but also unique spots with quaint roots.
Most of the time I’m killing time while getting my car washed or having a quick meal with my husband or kids. So this will be my experience of these sweet places with whom ever happens to be in attendance at the time.
Today I’m at THE FOODBARN at the Noordhoek Farm Village. The village has a few good eateries and for some reason I have never eaten here before. This time I really was having my car washed and stopped in for a coffee and croissant.
I’ll tell you that I try to make healthy choices when eating out but as you will see I reserve the healthy eating mostly for our home cooked meals and indulge slightly when out.
Ok I need to rave about the decor. From the outside the Foodbarn looks pretty simple - like an old barn, but boy is it a surprise when you walk in the door! Each side of the front door are two huge bookshelves fully laiden with books. I didn’t manage to take a closer look at the actual book content, but the effect of the colourful covers is enough of a statement for me. The beautiful flower arrangement was such a special touch and definitely reminded me of the wild flowers and pastures nearby.
The tables out well situated throughout the floor plan with a central counter for drinks and payments. My favourite thing about this area are the basket light fixtures!!! I’ve been wanting one of them for my house for the longest time (side punt - you can get them at 8 Degrees South, near Kommetjie).
The next huge statement , that I could never be bold enough to pull off, is the gorgeous wallpaper. It adds style, warmth and an outdoorsy-ness to the space that reminds you that this used to be the wild mountainous Peninsula of the Cape. You can still find gorgeous wild peacocks in the area, and carakul, but hopefully no cheetah in our immediate vicinity. Did I mention the art? Local artists grace the walls scattered across the space. It has a mixed feel of a restaurant / library / art gallery and every corner is unique.
I usually don’t drink much coffee, maybe one a day, sometimes none. So when I go out I tend to order a flat white or a latte. I’ve got to say that the Latte was GOOD! I felt bad taking up space but at the same time I know that all our local restaurants are only too happy to have folk in the door for business, so I ordered a croissant as well. And that too, was GOOD!!!
The other full meals that I spotted looked divine and probably worth another visit with my husband for dinner.
One of the things that make this restaurant special is the children’s play park just off the large side doors. I’m sure it would have been one of my locals of my kids were that age. I was part of a group of moms that always got together for coffees and commiseration’s. Who had a sleepless night or who has a teething child...
My neighbours brought their cutie pie shepherd dog and he behaved so well while they worked away the whole time. I guess a lot of people are looking for alternative places to work now that so many businesses are decentralising their work spaces. I guess I’m also looking to get out of the house and make excuses to visit cute places like this too. And my hive blog is pretty good excuse.
I will definitely be back for another visit for a piece of cake and a coffee or a meal. This interior is a feast for arty creative types and such a good visit.
Pop by if your in the neighbourhood!
All photos my own