plettenberg bay – Latitude Post

Clover Cafe

Clover Cafe is a gem of a place set in pure nature. It is one of those places which feels very special and has a certain spiritual energy where words would be insufficient to describe it. It is situated by a beautiful lake with a small wooden bridge. Seeing this one could almost be mistaken for being in Giverny where Monet created many of his most significant and iconic paintings. I have had many happy times over there and it has enriched my time spent in Plettenberg Bay, South Africa.

It is run by Werner and his brother Christo who do an absolutely stellar job in making Clover the special and unique place that it is. What’s more they have a small team of very friendly and charismatic staff who make sure that everyone is happy and having a lekker (South African slang for good/cool) time.

Everyday they have a different menu of delicious and creative meals made from fresh organic ingredients. They have excellent meat and fish meals as well as a decent selection of healthy vegetarian options. Their pizzas are especially good. And the prices are very reasonable considering the quality of the food.

Sundays are a great time to head over to Clover where one can see and hear excellent and authentic local live music played with real heart and soul. And when it’s a glorious blue day than it becomes truly magical. Clover has so much potential to be not just a great restaurant and live music venue but an important hub where people come to be inspired and make great things happen.

by Nicholas Peart

May 15th 2016

The interior of the Bocca Dolce Cafe

The Bocca Dolce Cafe is a paradise of a place situated in the beautiful Quarry Lake Estate around the Wittedrift area close to Plettenberg Bay and planted firmly on the lush and infamous Garden Route in South Africa. The heavenly location alone is enough to warrant a visit. I am also told that they have excellent coffee, which I completely believe judging by what I’ve seen on my few forays over there. Sadly for me, I am not a coffee drinker.

The beautiful surroundings

But for me it’s not about the beautiful location (yet it’s certainly a bonus) or the excellent coffee. My primary reason for visiting (and returning) is the divine, delicious and generous weekend vegan buffet they serve up every Saturday and Sunday from 1pm. I suppose one could split this abundant and tasty vegan buffet into three categories; Salads, Mains and Desserts.

The salads alone are a meal in itself with about 10-12 different selections to choose from. The selections change each time yet my personal favourites are the curried potato salad, the chick pea salad, the beetroot salad, the spinach, broccoli and bean concoction and, last but not least, the sublime humus. With such a selection I often run the risk of not leaving any space for the mains or desserts.

My plate loaded up with some delicious salad selections

Now for the mains. The highlights for me are the vegan lasaña and the vegan curry. Both are excellent and very tasty. There is also a table loaded with a grand selection of different and exotic vegan snacks. I particularly love the vegan satay kebabs.

Delicious and exotic vegan snacks

Finally the deserts. It would be a crime not to leave any space for those (easily done). Like the salads, the dessert selections change each time. On my last visit I got very lucky with the desserts to the point they became the highlight of the buffet that day. That day some of the dessert selections included a sensational vegan trifle, a very rich and delicious vegan chocolate and date cake, and a good no-nonsense vegan apple crumble. I have a weakness for trifle and I was very impressed with the textures, flavours and even creaminess of it all made a la vegan.

Exquisite vegan desserts

If you can’t make the weekend buffet the salad buffet is available on the weekdays.

The Bocca Dolce Cafe is a special place. The exceptional food notwithstanding, it offers a unique and unforgettable experience. The place is a real labour of love designed and created very tastefully with beautiful furniture and artworks on the wall by local artists. I highly recommend dropping by if you are in the area.

by Nicholas Peart

16th May 2016

Tag: plettenberg bay

Clover Cafe: Like Being In A Monet Painting

Bocca Dolce Cafe: Sensational Vegan Food In A Paradisiacal Setting