A real sunrise surprise on the Bluff

Heidi’s Cafe

Where: Ansteys Beach Self Catering Apartments & Backpackers

Open: Tuesday to Sunday 7am to noon.

Call: 063 555 0661

We’d been told the coffee was fab, the vibe super chilled and the breakfast a real feast that certainly wouldn’t break the bank. Heidi’s Cafe sounded delightful.

And so the Glass Guy and I set out for the Bluff early on Sunday. We negotiated the treacheries of Whoonga Valley in Glenwood and then the wall to wall trucks on Soloman Mahlangu (Edwin Swales), but once we got onto the Bluff itself, everything changed. We were on an adventure, even though the sea was grey and angry. I had expected the rows of flower-painted combis with the Beach Boy’s California Girls blaring out. But no, just one such combi and no owner - perhaps he was surfing in the ominous ocean. 

We find the backpackers and a parking space up a little hill. We’re greeted warmly. Heidi’s is a simple establishment, the room of an old house with a large covered deck out front. We sat on the rustic wooden benches on the deck with views of the sea. And soon had a wake-me-up espresso (R21) in our paws.

Now the person who recommended Heidi’s called their coffee award-winning. Now that might be a bit of a stretch but it was very good, and comforting and the best I’d ever had on the Bluff by a couple of country miles. Afterall, so much of the Bluff is Wimpy territory with their buckets full of warm milk. Talking of milk we ordered a cappuccino (R28) while perusing the simple menu. This was another pleasant surprise, a nicely rounded, mellow cappuccino with light froth - and latte art too. We were impressed.

There’s a sunshine breakfast which is just bacon, eggs and toast, a health breakfast which, you guessed it, is fruit and muesli and yoghurt and stuff. The veggie breakfast includes eggs and tomato and beans and mushrooms, the Bluff breakfast boerewors and beans. And then there’s a range of toasties and smoothies and juices and things. And you can add a number of items like cheese or avo onto your breakfast.

I opted for the hangover breakfast (R80) which was eggs, bacon, sausage, fried onions, tomato and toast - with the addition of a side portion of mushrooms. The eggs were fried nice and soft, as requested, and everything else was just how it should be. The mushrooms arrived separately a shade after the picture was taken, but that was no problem. I’m impressed. Where can you get a better breakfast, cheaper?

The Glass Guy went the French toast route, this time with bacon and fried banana (R62). By the time he added the cinnamon sugar and maple syrup he was very happy. Although personally, fried banana has to be one of the worst things in the world.

We lingered for a second cappuccino, and while we looked at the day’s baking for something sweet we had been so well fed for breakfast we couldn’t stomach cake now. But next time.

We were happy to have found a breakfast which offered exceptional value.

Food: 3 ½

Service: 3 ½

Ambience: 3 ½

The Bill: R273 for two.

Humble Coffee Florida Road

Where: 264 Florida Rd, Windermere

Open: Monday to Friday 6am - 4pm, Sat to Sun 7am - 2pm

Call: 071 634 5510

I popped into the little takeaway shop of Humble Coffee opposite Holdens Spar the other day for a quick pick-me-up after a groceries run. I’ve always liked this little hole-in-the wall that serves a few toasted sandwiches and interesting cakes as well as first class coffee.

The cappuccino was everything I expected it - full flavoured, well rounded, rich and rewarding - which is so rare for a beverage served in a take away cup. And while there my eye spotted their butternut and pecan loaf with a simple sugar icing drizzle on top. Now it’s not something I would normally order, but something said try it - and it was delicious. 

It’s also a delightfully sociable little venue as what little seating there is is out on the pavement, and you soon meet people you know. A perfect mid morning pick me up.