Sweet Envy

PROFILED BY DE GROOTS MEDIA
The window display here literally stops passers-by in their tracks. Inside there is such an ever-changing, mind-boggling array of sweet and savoury treats that it requires a second cup of coffee before you can decide which to choose. The Opera cake stands triumphantly with 14 exquisite layers of pure technical perfection. Stands proudly display iced and artfully decorated tiered cakes while plates are piled high with macaroons. Assorted fruit tarts are topped in swirls of lavender cream, buttery croissants and flaky almond varieties sit together like crescent-shaped puzzle pieces. Glossy chocolate tarts and textured pecan pies are presented around the room. Freshly baked cup cakes, creamy nougat and piles of biscuits sit on porcelain plates while bowls of bon-bons, chocolate monkeys, and knotted pink and white marshmallows lure in little fingers.

Savoury meals balance a sugary palate. The freshly-baked bread is a cross between ciabatta and stiacciata and comes generously filled with butter roasted chicken or layers of finely shaved ham. Lunch-time pies and sausage rolls might contain smoked ox tongue and cheek, harissa lamb, or slow-roasted pork beautifully spiked with fennel. The place is small creating limited seating and an intimate atmosphere silenced by the satisfaction of indulgence. Each delicate dish is made in-house and the coffee has smooth characters that complement every sweet or savoury choice. Whatever you might choose for lunch or even as an ‘in-between treat’, a final taste of the fabulous home-made ice creams should be shared with friends to appreciate as many flavours as possible.

Graeme Phillips