PROFILED BY DE GROOTS MEDIAMost of us know Babar as that wise, regal elephant in the French cartoon with his green suit and red bowtie. But now there’s another Babar in town and this one’s going to steal your heart all over again. Located next door to an art house cinema, Babar is a great spot for a quick pre-movie snack or an extended meal involving detailed post-film analysis. Seating 300, the cafe’s indoor area is long and narrow and filled with light, but the best part about Babar is the outdoor terrace where a host of tables are banded together underneath the trees. Groups expand and contract around the tables as friends come and go; there’s a real student atmosphere about it and a Sunday afternoon feel, even on weekdays.
Babar’s menu has a bit of everything. Breakfast on the Babar pide with fried eggs, cheese and bacon or bircher muesli topped with caramelised apple. For lunch and dinner the options are seemingly endless with sandwiches, pastas, pizzas, salads and grills. The risottos are renowned (try the prawn and chorizo sausage flavoured with wine, chilli, basil and garlic), or for something more substantial go for the beef and Guinness pie. Preview desserts in the glass display case at the counter or finish with a glass of your favourite wine.
Shelley Hepworth, October 2006
