Salt River welcomes this refreshing corner café to the local coffee scene
Coffee Shops come a dime a dozen in Cape Town. Retro-themed cafés will specialize in bagels, chocolate or pastries just to stay relevant. The Burrow at Luni Art Gallery stands apart for its honest service and humble offerings. Balancing the tightrope that is the Woodstock/Salt River boarder, this hole in the wall has quickly become a neighborhood favourite in the 6 months it's been open.
One windy winter afternoon, I run into this eatery to escape the cold and nurse the harrowing hangover I've suffered all day. I'm not looking for much - just a plug to power my laptop and enough food to fill the black hole that is my stomach. I want to eat my body weight in carbs and hydrate until I burst.
"You don't look so good lady. No offense," the barista behind the counter says. We both laugh.
"Trust me. I feel much worse," I confess.
I create a chaotic workstation in the corner and as I whip around to regard the menu chalked on the wall behind me, the compassionate barista has a brimming glass of water outstretched. Either he feels bad for his earlier comment or he pities me in my sorry state, but I don't mind. The water is ice cold, refreshing and restorative. I drink it quickly and ask for another, as well as chai with water instead of milk.
"Hot water instead of milk? Are you sure," he asks. He must think that I'm still drunk.
I explain that I am lactose intolerant so I limit my dairy intake. "I'll make a little bit for you to taste first because that's really strange ma'am"
I sample the complimentary taster gratefully but maintain my initial order. To eat, I get The Burrow Griller.
The panini I'm served is oozing mozzarella cheese and smelling of fresh basil. I'm so happy I want to cry. I inhale the ciabatta sandwich and wash it down with a piping hot chai latte but I'm still restless from hunger so I order brownies.
Dense and decadent, I only manage a few bites before I put it down. Every mouthful is lousy with chopped dates and I can't be more pleased. The medley of textures and harmony of sweetness with the the muted saltiness of the nuts make for the perfect brownie. The white chocolate drizzle is literally the icing on an already delicious cake.
The hospitable barista has watched in amazement as I demolished every dish he placed in front of me. Had it not been for my desperate hunger and unforgiving hangover, I would've never happened upon this oasis. Through the pained haze of my headache, this hidden gem appeared - as if a mirage in the desert - and saved me.
My meal cost less than R100 but I leave the crisp note, which comes with a hefty tip, under my bill. I need to sleep my meal, among other things, off for the rest of the afternoon.
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The Burrow is the perfect place to get some work done if you need a break from your desk. Check out other cool coffices in Cape Town here.
While I was in Cape Town, I also popped into Honest Chocolate for a nibble.
Well written! Also just around the corner from me :)
Ooh, salivating already!!!