Brunch'in at Freedom Café

When FIFA brought the World Cup to SA in 2010, with it came a new wave in our coffee culture and the likes of quaint spots like that of Freedom Café were born. Hidden away on St Mary’s Avenue, the café boasts an artsy and creative vibe, from cute little doggy salt and pepper shakers to walls adorned with mirrors and tables set with fresh flowers, it’s all the pretty touches and embellishments used that creates a serene ambiance.

So an Environmentalist friend of mine recently invited me over to join her for a cuppa at the café. We always try to find places to visit and boy oh! boy, was she spot-on this time around. It was a Thursday morning when we headed over and the place was already buzzing at 11am. We chose to sit inside as its looked uber comfy.  The service was great and the staff was super friendly. First on our list of to-do’s was to catch-up obviously, which mostly meant ooh-ing and aah-ing over how cool this place was and what a great job Kim did in recommending it.

On the inside

Then we took some time to look over the menus. So although it is a café, mixed drinks, wine and cocktails are also served along with a pretty great coffee selection. I opted for a frappe and Kim chose a fresh fruit juice. It was clear that they pride themselves on presentation and, I was glad to see that the café carried that out with their drinks and food too.

Fruit Juice+Coffee Frappe= Happiness

Onto our food orders (which was a tough choice), we chose the sublime, yogurt parfait and avo on toast. The parfait was layers of Greek yogurt laced with raspberry compote, topped with freshly sliced bananas. The avo on toast combo… well that’s pretty self explanatory. Both were delicious and I would totally order them again.

Now that's a good spread!

We ate, talked and on our way out we drooled over the cake selection whilst planning our next visit!

From Sunday to Thursday the café is opens at 7am until 4pm and ONLY SERVES BREAKFAST all day long. Then on Friday and Saturday they are open for business from 7am-9pm and the breakfast, lunch and dinner menu is available to choose from.

Rainbow please!

Freedom Café suits any occasion, whether you’re on a first date, talking business or looking for some family time-out then they have it all covered.

The Concierge is built right next door to the café and here guests can stay the night I was told that bookings are essential and the experience is one of a kind. For the low down on sleeping over, visit

http://www.the-concierge.co.za.

Freedom Cafe is situated on 37- 43 St Mary’s Avenue, Greyville.

For a map click here.

To check out the menu or book a table, visit their website on http://www.tastefreedom.co.za.

Or call them up on 031 309 4453/4434.

Have fun ^^

Spend your Sunday at The Morning Trade

The buzz around town, ahem Rivertown is all about the recently launched artisan produce market, "The Morning Trade". Sunday mornings are establishing a different kind of culture here in Durban and adding to that are traders whom descend upon a shed turn market where socialites and locals can gather and take in the chilled vibes.

Photo Source: Facebook

Here, you can find artsy exhibitions that display the progress of our city as well as what's to come. Adding to this, visitors can find a host of locally grown fresh produce on sale. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee also fills the air and what would a market be without stalls satisfying our sweet-tooth. Cupcake, pastry and sweet treat lovers will find their needs happily met with the sublime selection of all things sweet and delicious.

Fuel up on some great breakfast options at one (or a few) of the food stalls, which are ready and eager to serve up fresh, yumminess. Breakfast selections range from pancakes to Indian food and foodies will be able to find whatever they are craving. Actually even if you aren't hungry The Morning Trade will leave you wanting to sample a bit of something.

The first edition of The Morning Trade. Photo source: Facebook

So just ahead of the second ever market to take place, I thought I'd add to the buzz and send out my troops to see what's happening. This past week organizers of the market were nice enough to share some great tips on how to maximize your market experience. Seen on their Facebook page were the following tips:

“-Arrive early to get the pick of the crop. Gates open at 8am.

  -Bring cash.

  -Don't forget your reusable shopping bags. 

  -A great idea is to load up a cooler box in the boot of your car to keep your pickings fresh - then if you happen to bump into friends and make a impromptu day of it, there will be no spoilage."

My first visit here was awesome, and Durbanites really showed their support. The Morning Trade takes a real initiative and I look forward to stopping by again soon. If you have not already checked it out I suggest you make it happen this weekend and invest in some really great fresh produce.

The Morning Trade happens EVERY Sunday at 8 Morrison Street from 8am to 2pm. It's family friendly, so be sure to take ouma with you as she's bound to love the fresh veggies that she will be able to get her hands on.

For directions click here.

So to stay updated like " The Morning Trade" on Facebook or follow them on Instagram at the same name.

For more information email themorningtrade@gmail.com or call 083 378 1237.

Go get ready, because Sunday is around the corner.

I'll see you there ^^