Edenvale is the place for hidden coffee spot gems. Some are so well hidden, that even the suburb's most savvy residents don't know they are there. One such cafe and eatery is The Landing. Tucked away just off Linksfield Road, this is a coffee and cake lover's ultimate dream. They opened in 2017, but I only recently spotted their signage while stuck in an afternoon traffic jam. Needless to say, I headed back that same weekend to check out what they have in store. I was not disappointed in the least.

The Restaurant 

The Landing is more than just a coffee shop. It has an attached artisan deli, which features top quality cured meat, preserves and cheese. But, let's begin with the restaurant. There are three separate dining areas, 'Landing 1', 'Landing 2' and 'Landing 3'. I chose the third option, which is outside under the shade of lovely old trees. The overall feel of the restaurant is rustic, home-style with an urban sensibility. The decor is simplistic and comfortable. It accommodates both family-friendly dining and date night diners. As far as quaint coffee shops go, this is one of the finest that Edenvale has to offer. Open from 06:30 am between Monday to Saturday, there really is no reason not to stop by.

The Landing

Brekkie Sorted

The Landing's breakfast menu offers a variety of options, including budget breakfasts and healthy choices. I tried the Bacon, Egg and Avo Rosti - two potato rostis topped with crispy bacon, two eggs and avocado. With four rashers of bacon, this breakfast is super generous. The much-loved combination of bacon and avocado works perfectly alongside the salty potato rosti, which is a great alternative to the usual toast. Paired with a famous Landing Cappuccino, this went down quite well. Breakfast is served between 06:30 and 12:00, so you have ample time to get yourself down to the Landing.

However, if you are unable to rouse the family for breakfast, the Landing also serves up a selection of Mediterranean and French inspired lunches. I will definitely be back to sample the Sandwich au Jambon - ham, emmentaler cheese, mustard and cornichons on a French baguette, served with chunky chips and salad. If that doesn't float your boat, they also offer quiches, hamburgers, wraps and salads. Kiddies have their very own menu, too. With scrambled eggs, chicken nuggets and fries and a cheese and ham toastie on offer, their bellies will be singing with joy.

Surprise!

The Landing recently extended their hours to offer their patrons a cafe dinner experience. The dinner menu is still in development, but so far it's looking pretty good. With starters of mussels, peri peri chicken livers, crumbed mushrooms and caprese salad, you are off to a good start. Follow up with a choice of salad, seafood, steak or pasta dinner. We are particularly intrigued by the Salmon and Asian Salad, which includes a 200g Salmon fillet served with an Asian salad of carrots, cucumber, radishes and a soy sauce dressing.

Their selection of wine, beers and ciders makes any date night just that bit more romantic. Enjoyed on the patio, under the glow of the stars, there is no better way to spend time with a loved one. While the drinks menu isn't extensive, it offers all the good old classics. But, The Landing is always open to suggestions on their menu, so go right ahead and let them know what you would like to see on the list.

For dessert, you are equally as spoiled for choice, with classic Creme Brulee and Amarula Creme Brulee, as well as a divine selection of cakes, including their famous Baklava Cheesecake. For those without a sweet tooth, there is a three cheese platter to enjoy. Overall, it's a superb dining experience.

The Village Deli 

I suppose that Edenvale could be described as its own village. Although, you need not reside in the avenues to enjoy the wide array of treats at the Landing's Village Deli. Their freshly baked bread is picture perfect, and it tastes good too. This is ideal for a quick lunch after the big breakfast feast you have indulged in at the restaurant. Pick up some deli meat, fine cheese and preserves to serve with it. The deli also stocks kitchen staples and luxury items, such as pastas, sauces, olive oil and spices. Sourcing their products directly from manufacturers, this humble store will have you whipping up Nonna's old recipes in no time.

Looking for something sweet? The Village Deli's cakes are available in slices for sit-down, or as whole cakes with pre-order. So, whether you need a little sugar fix or a last-minute celebration cake, they can help you out. The cake menu features classics like carrot cake, red velvet, chocolate and lemon meringue. They also make gourmet cakes - Lindt Chocolate, Red Velvet Cheesecake, Apple Toffee Caramel Cake, Rocky Road, Oreo Cheesecake and gluten-free flourless Lemon Poppy Seed Cake! Don't waste time trying to bake your own birthday cake next year. Give the Village Deli a call.

For More Information

Visit The Landing Restaurant's website for more information, or follow them on social media:

Facebook - facebook.com/thelandingdunvegan

Instagram - instagram.com/thelandingdunvegan

Details: 15 Linksfield Rd, Dunvegan, Edenvale, Gauteng | (011) 453-1936 | [email protected]

Have you been to The Landing in Dunvegan? Let us know about your experience!

What Is It?

Who can say no to the Stonehaven Spring Beer Festival? Break away for a while and take a trip to Vanderbijlpark to have a good time sipping an ice cold beer.

This year brings amazing artists from around the country including The Parlotones, Matthew Mole and many more. The vibrant crowd always makes the ambience super awesome, don't miss out.

There will be some fun water games to welcome spring as well as cool games and competitions.

When Is It?

Saturday, 31 August 2019 at 11:00

Where Is It?

Stonehaven on Vaal, Next to Old Baddrift Bridge, Vaal River, Vanderbijlpark, Gauteng

How Much Is It?

Tickets are R40 – R120 per person, get your tickets here.

For More Information

For more information, click here.

In another life, I would be very thin. The problem is that my job involves scoping out amazing new places on your behalf – many of which involve food. And really, it wouldn’t be PROFESSIONAL if I didn’t taste some of it? Right? (Why are you laughing? Stop that immediately!)

Anyway, when news arrived on my desk that a French Deli & Salon de Thé had opened in River Club, I knew I had to visit. Some of my favourite memories of my time in France involved pastries (and the Eiffel Tower, of course, but mostly the pastries). I was quite excited at the thought of enjoying some authentic French “viennoiseries” right on my doorstep!

In brief, St Tropez looks like very little from the outside – I actually thought I had arrived at the wrong place! It is located in a tiny strip mall, for want of a better word, in the heart of River Club and didn’t seem to be attracting many customers.

St Tropez

However, the empty shelves soon made me realise that VERY many feet had already been through their doors that morning. In fact, I was lucky to get the last two chocolate croissants!

To be fair, I would say this is more of a French Deli than Salon de Thé – it’s not a spot that I would arrange to meet a friend for tea. That being said, it has THE most spectacular artisanal French pastries, freshly baked bread, cold meats and cheeses, as well as a freezer filled with duck, rabbit and Toulouse sausages!

In the interests of research (and having done a thorough audit of every single piece of food they had available for sale), I bought an "opera" - thin layers of almond cake soaked in a coffee syrup, a layer of espresso-flavoured buttercream, a layer of bittersweet chocolate ganache, a topping of chocolate glaze and a dusting of shimmering gold leaf. Oh my goodness, I could actually hear the angels singing in my ears with every mouthful I took. In fact, the angels’ voices were so loud that they successfully drowned out the sound of my children begging me for a bite.

I also bought two loaves of French Bread (heaven with butter and strawberry jam), some Toulouse sausages (we made a cassoulet that night that took us right back to our time in France), and some Raclette cheese (for that fondue I keep meaning to have but can never quite make happen). Each and every item was absolutely superb and speaks volumes about the authenticity of this unique shop.

St Tropez

I was also quite surprised to hear that St Tropez also offers BREAKFAST and LUNCH. Although their menu is quite limited, as is their seating, I have to admit that I’m dying to give one of their meals a try!

At the time of writing, their menu included:

BREAKFAST

LUNCH

The bottom line is that I highly recommend popping in when you are next in the area, or when you need something absolutely decadent for your next dinner party, event or Book Club evening. (Or, you know, when you just feel like a delicious pastry and superb cup of coffee. Like I sometimes do. You never know, I might bump into you!)

For More Information

Address: River Club Shopping Centre, 17 Poplar Avenue, River Club, Bryanston.

Tel: 011 027 8669

Hours: 08:30 – 17:30 (Tuesday – Friday), 09:00– 14:00 (Saturday)

Email: [email protected]

What Is It?

The 20th Annual Stonehaven Spring Beer Festival is a very popular event where thousands of people celebrate the start of the spring season on the banks of the Vaal River. Held at Stonehaven on Vaal, guests are entertained with top SA bands, great drinks and exceptional grub. Expect well-priced country stalls with hearty foods like baked, soft pretzels with beer-cheese dip, and beer bread from Stonehaven bakery, topped with homemade cheese. This year's live entertainment includes Prime Circle, CrashCarBurn, Gangs of Ballet, Wonderboom, Howie Combrik and Pascal & Pearce. There's certainly something for everyone.

When Is It?

Saturday, 25 August 2018 from 11:00 – late.

Where Is It?

Stonehaven on Vaal, (next to Baddrift Bridge), Sylviavale, Vaal River, Vanderbijlpark, Johannesburg.

How Much Is It?

Tickets are R30 – R90 per person, available here!

For More Information

Visit this website or this Facebook page for more information.

Patisserie de Paris

The owner, Paul, studied classic French cuisine in the south of France. Fancy. He’s big on sourcing top-quality ingredients and crafting artisan breads. I am such a push-over when it comes to homemade bread, so I decided to try a filled baguette - I’m sensible like that. It’s been rated the best baguette in Johannesburg, so I was curious to see if it lived up to all the hype.

While I waited, I sipped on strawberry juice and pinched some lavender from a little wooden crate. Cheesy French music put a smile on my face, as did snippets of the conversation taking place two tables away from me. Blairgowrie moms can gossip like nobody’s business. My baguette arrived in good time, laden with smoked Norwegian salmon, cream cheese, capers, cucumber, and dill. The baguette itself was delicious and incredibly chewy (I’m assuming the French like it this way – no complaints from my side either). The ingredients, the salmon especially, were fresh.

patisserie-de-paris

The menu also boasts a French-bistro-style croque monsieur (basically a posh cheese toastie), as well as a burger topped with camembert and preserved fig. Once you’ve filled up on proper food, you’ll have the strength to go inside and eyeball the cake selection.

Was I charmed? Quite. Was I happy with my meal? Certainly. Am I going to return to Patisserie de Paris at some point with a little wheelbarrow to relieve Paul of his pastries and cheeses? Oui.

Have you been here before? Rate and review your experience below!

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