Seapoint Food Coma

Seapoint. An incandescent spot for the young, not-so-young and those with curves to kill. Cape Town's dynamic foodie culture has really given incongruent groups of people the chance encounter of becoming lunch time allies. I've lived in Cape Town for around 2 008 days now, and yet I only recently discovered one of it's most loved eateries

Giovanni's Deli World 

The laid-back ambience of this Seapoint institution is addictive. Patrons are planted at bustling tables on the sidewalk, the aroma of robust caffé hits you in just the right spot and dark-haired stallions are munching on delicate pastries. You immediately feel as if you have absorbed a part of 'Little Italy'. My friend Sarisha dragged me off to Giovanni's on an early Sunday morning, professing that I'll absolutely "love this little place". And, she was right. 

Giovanni's is primarily a deli come cafe, and is especially well-known for their 'make your own sandwich' bar. You pick your own choice of homemade bread - rye, wholewheat, ciabatta, bagels, baguettes, wraps, croissants - the options are endless. Off you go to the deli, where there is a wide selection of cold meats, fish, roasted vegetables, cheeses, dips, salads and pesto to choose from.

The BEST coffee I have ever had

Sarisha got a bagel with smoked salmon, cream cheese, avocado and capers, which I found to be quite reasonable at R45. I wasn't in my usual starving mood, as I had already had my early morning Sunday brekkie of scrambled eggs. Cravings? Broccoli, steamed butternut and a pickle. Some may find this amusing, but it was one of the yummiest combo's I had ever had. The thrill of a visit to Giovanni's seems to be their potent caffeinated brew - this stuff is the real deal! 

Sarisha's Salmon Bagel

Looks rather bare, but I loved it

I highly suggest that you swing by Giovanni's, whether it be to become part of the chic devotees of an infamous pseudo-Italian hangout, or if you are simply craving a 'stuff-your-face' session. This place knows good food, and they know their people. You might even find yourself a regular.

103 Main Road | Green Point | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 434 6893

..Because Hipsters Don't Lie

Breathe in some Bree Street and you will have been introduced to Cape Town's favourite hipster-watching spot. I love Bree Street. I'm a little bit obsessed with the curved paths, the whiff of coffee permeating through the air and the occasional pretty boy staring at his own reflection. 

I don't know how many synonyms I could use to convey my deep infatuation with this laid-back, free-thinking and stylish route of imagination. To me, Bree Street is like my very own yellow brick road - you discover what you want to see, or rather what your inner creative desires. 

For an insanely great cup of coffee, try Jason Bakery. I often find myself gazing into the hatch at Jason Bakery, resisting the urge to take a swipe at the array of croissants and pastries on offer. Instead, I adopt the cool kid's morning routine - sipping on a really good cup of Deluxe Coffeeworks coffee! This place really knows how to wake a kid up, between all the caffeine and morning chatter. 

I've heard their bacon croissants are pretty good too - sadly, I don't eat bacon, and I like Babe way too much to ever sway.

This is me after a cup of Jason's coffee

Frost yourself at Lady Cupcake. I really believe that I was a professional cupcake eater in my last life, which is why you'll often find me drooling over pretty creations from Lady Cupcake. The flavours vary from smooth red velvet, to a hint of spice with chili chocolate and to an outrageous bacon, cinnamon and maple cupcake. Plus, they cover happy hour too - pina colada or beer cupcakes anyone? 

Americans do lots of things right (think Honey Boo Boo & deep fried chocolate), but there are certain things that they do great - like, Clarkes Bar and Dining Room. They serve up classic American fare in huge portions, which makes this spot perfect for a hungry heart like mine. They make a mean meaty burger, magical cheesy fries and decadent french toast topped with nutella, ricotta and pecans - so I suggest that you ditch the diet, when you feel like taking in their authentic American hipster vibe. Their tagline is 'we got food, we got liquor, we got music'. Enough said.

Get dressed up for a date with a potent drink at Orphanage Cocktail Emporium. The name is rather awful, and there aren't any Oliver Twist types - but there are lots of yummy concoctions, and a decadent interior that allows you to pretend that you're at party thrown by Jay Gatsby himself. This place is pretty damn beautiful, and is devoid of the binge-drinking that often accompanies a 'quiet stroll on Long Street'. Plus, they have a cocktail called 'Daddy Warbucks' - rum, lime, ginger beer, almond & rose water syrup - that I intend on having the next time I pop by.

Chow Down For Less

We've all been to that dark and dreadful place - pockets that empty out and a bank balance that deserves some loving. 

Cereal for breakfast, lunch and supper. Boxed wine. 2min noodles when you really feel like splurging! Okay, perhaps I'm giving into my flair for the dramatics and my Thespian counterparts - but wining and dining really can blow the budget these days. 

Take a look at my picks for eating out when the Winter chills and pinched pockets hit: