KwaLapa (it means 'local' in Xhosa) is situated under spreading oak trees at the MonteBello Design Centre in Newlands. The entire centre, with a working forge and and wonderful nursery, along with an array of over 20 art and craft studios and workshops, is a wonderful, peaceful place to while away an hour or two.
KwaLapa itself is an organic deli, store and 'eco-pod'.
According to their website:
"The food we prepare and sell is wholesome organic produce, but we’re looking to go beyond the obvious. We speak to those who are interested in eating healthily and living in balance with the world around them. We’re 'locavores' to the core – unless it can’t be found in the surrounds, we’ll bring to you produce from the local farmer or studio – food miles in the double digits, keeping the carbon footprint way down low. "
We enjoyed a delicious brunch - scrambled egg on toast, a tomato and feta muffin and a stack of flapjacks served with bacon, wild mushrooms and a berry coulis, plus fair-trade coffee and a pot of garden herb tea - fragrant and delectable!
Being a weekday morning, there were only squirrels playing in the children's area which comprises invitingly wonky climbing frames made of large varnished branches. Most of our fellow diners sat outside under the oaks, but even inside, the deli is built around a large tree and feels outdoorsy.
Service was relaxed and friendly, the atmosphere peaceful and pleasurable, scented with pine from the trees in the parking area.
The eco-pod is a "range of books and dvd's available in-store which speak to visitors about our role in the ecological world as both givers and consumers. "
Every day fresh organic produce is delivered to KwaLapa. See details here.
Need to Know:
- Where: MonteBello Design Centre, 31 Newlands Ave, Newlands (map)
- Opening Times: Monday - Saturday: 8.30am - 4.45pm. Closed on Sundays
- Website: http://www.kwalapa.com/
- Contact: Tel: 021 687 9314 ; email: emily@kwalapa.com