Lazari.

Lazari have opened up a new shop in the Cape Quarter 2, but I think their original Vredehoek neighbourhood outpost is still far superior. It has the charm and quaint aspect the new one is lacking. I used to think the Cape Quarter 2 was going to be an awful  Joburg-in-Cape-Town piece of ‘outdoor mall’ architecture. That was until it opened, and I realised it was exactly that, and worse! Aside from the awesome Spar downstairs, there isn’t much reason to go there and many reasons not to. Anyways, there’s something about cruising into Vredehoek and getting a vanilla cupcake from the original Lazari that beats going anywhere near Cape Quarter 2. And those vanilla cupcakes are so good you might find yourself licking the pink icing off the box you took them home in. And then going back for another one. Or two. This has to be the best cupcake in Cape Town? Yes? No? I think so…

They also do a great breakfast – try the Greek, with two boiled eggs and salami – and their lunch menu is quite broad. Had a chicken, mushroom & leek pie here yesterday that was delicious. Mmm, pastry. Can’t avoid the stuff it’s so good. Yes, Sunday’s are rather mad for breakfast. And there’s a bit of a mommy-lunch scene here during the week (the X3 brigade parked outside during lunch is an early warning sign), but seated outside on a warm day it’s about as relaxed and serene a neighbourhood spot there is around town.

Lazari. 021 461 9865.

Giovanni’s.

Giovanni’s is a bit of a paradox for me. For many reasons. On the one hand, it’s the kind of place you wish you were a regular at because it really is the best urban deli in Cape Town. There’s a formidable lineup of foods at the deli counter. A great coffee bar with outside seating and always a decent crowd of people. Plus a few models for eye-candy. Great. On the other hand, you want to be a regular because if you’re not, the barmen are rather indifferent to you. Seriously, some grouchy guys behind there. Not great. On the one hand, the coffee is really good, but on the other they make a flat white the same way you’d get a cappuccino at Milky Lane in the 80′s: overflowing with foam and covered in chocolate sprinkles. You can get pretty much any imported delicacy and plenty of locally made jams and spreads and all manner of spices and breads and what looks like the whole NoMu range of rubs (which is now about 30 different types) – but, and while there’s often a cute butt at Giovanni’s there’s always a negative but too, everything seems to be a little too pricey here. Go in for a coffee and sandwich and don’t be surprised if it costs you R75. Now if you have the Chalmar Rump sandwich and a real flat white at Jardine, that’s okay. And the steak sandwich at Caveau might be around R90, but it’s probably the best in town, served with fried onions and straw chips. I’m talking about a basic chicken schnitzel sandwich and a coffee for R75. That, with some indifferent service from the barman leaves a slightly sour taste in the mouth every time I visit. I mean, if you’re going to make coffee all day, do it with a smile on your face. You don’t have to sing like the Vida boys, but you’re not at a funeral either. Come on, man, you get to look at pretty girls all day!

On a separate note, meandering around Giovanni’s deli area is a dangerous activity if you’re a food-loving shopper with no willpower. The place is littered with awesome foodstuffs: Foie Gras, Caviar and sizeable blocks of Parmesan cheese; Big tins of Portugese olive oil; Jars of Italian artichokes. Mmm, I had just eaten lunch and I was hungry again. They really do have a great selection and it sets them apart from other deli shops. Well, it’s that and the so-cool-it-hurts crowd that congregates there. I’ll be back for the occasional coffee (stick to espresso) or lunch. And it’s always useful to pop in for a bottle of wine. But I don’t think I’ll ever be a regular here.

Giovanni’s. Lots of different foods and some indifferent barmen. 021 434 6893

Professional luncher.

My speedy lunch from the Engen/Woolworth on Orange yesterday got me thinking about some of the better lunches I’ve had in the last few days. So here they are…

Sushi at Caveau Deli… I think there are some people that have yet to realise Caveau has a separate Deli area. Entrance is on Shortmarket Street and seating in Heritage Square courtyard. Wake up, people! This place is packed for lunch even when sitting outside is barely manageable. They serve the full menu from Caveau restaurant (and you can actually order from HQ next door too), plus you can cruise the pasta station, sandwich/charcuterie area (always order a custom-made sandwich) or sushi bar and decide what you’d like made up. I had a platter of octopus nigiri and sashimi along with some salmon fashion sandwiches (they’re cut smaller than normal, which works better). Sushi is always fresh here. And they make their own soy sauce, less salty than normal. A smart move since most people seem to enjoy drowning their sushi in soy (in case it comes back to life?). The service can be distracted, but wine always helps when you’re waiting. And there’s a model agency office on the square, so you’re guaranteed some quality eye exercise.

Pies from Jardine Bakery… Yes, Jardine Bakery makes great Pain au Chocolat. And delicious sandwiches. And their coffee is always fantastic. But maybe these are all secondary to their stupendously indulgent pies. I’ve had a pork belly and apple pie here that was mind-blowing. I had the mushroom and emmental pie here this week which was also quite spectacular. Rich portobello mushrooms and tasty Swiss cheese in a moreish crust. Can pies be sexy? Who cares. Best part is they’re quite small, so you can still have a proper lunch after…

Pork prego from &UNION…  Amazing beer. Check. Hippest interior design in Cape Town. Check. Famous entrepreneur owners on hand. Check. Artisan meats hanging from the ceiling. Check. Small but quality wine selections. Check. Cute urban foodie hipster girl in the corner. Check. Pork prego rolls so good you want to cry. Check. Longing desire to move to Portugal and raise pigs after eating here. Check.

Chicken pie at Joostenberg Deli… Yes, it’s a little further out than the rest, but I often drive the long way to Stellenbosch (they’re off the N1) just to pass this place. Why? Take a bite of that freshly baked chicken pie, mister, and you’ll stop asking stupid questions. This place has an entire butchery dedicated to pork. Wait, let me repeat that: this place has a butchery dedicated entirely to pork! Most of the cured hams and proscuitto-style meats you buy from your neighbourhood deli are actually made here. But even if you don’t stock up on cured meats, sausages and bacon, just pop in and get one of their chicken pies. You won’t be unhappy you did. Usually sold out by 2 p.m. though, be warned.

www.caveau.co.za

www.jardineonbree.co.za

www.andunion.com

www.joostenberg.co.za