Our roving Foodie goes Rambling (Rose)

Kirsten Doyle

Kirsten Doyle

Rambling Rose Coffee Shop – 165 St Francis Drive, St Francis Bay

I’m not sure why it has taken me so many months to try out Rambling Rose, but I wish I had done so sooner.

The venue is lovely – cosy and quaint inside, with splashes of colour and bright, comfy cushions, as well as a spacious outside seating section, with a play area for the kiddies.

They have a wide range of light meals, including burgers, wraps, salads and toasted sandwiches, as well as a truly delicious selection of breakfasts.  From salmon with scrambled egg and avocado, and a variety of delicious omelettes, to healthier options such as fruit salad and carbless choices, there is something here to suit every palate and diet.

Those with a sweet tooth will be pleased with the selection of delicious looking cakes, as well as several choices of pancakes (think Bar One, or banana).

There is also a kiddies’ menu, with the expected chicken nuggets, smaller breakfasts, calamari and chips, and suchlike.

They have an excellent range of hot beverages, from teas and coffees, to hot chocolate and lattes, either chai or red. Even better, each drink comes with a mouthwatering homemade shortbread cookie. Yum. There is also the full range of cold beverages – sodas, juices and milkshakes, as well as a selection of alcoholic beverages.

In my opinion, one way in which Rambling Rose really sets itself apart, is the service. From front of house, to the kitchen, the place seems to run like a well-oiled machine. The wait staff are in perfect synch, taking care of their tables, and helping others when needed. They seem to magically appear whenever you need something, without ever getting feeling they are hovering around or rushing you.

Now to my meal. I absolutely love eggs Benedict, but they are often a bit hit and miss for me. But I decided to chance it, and as I was battling to decide between the bacon and the creamed spinach, I decided to go for both. I also opted for ciabatta instead of the muffin. I ordered my eggs ‘runny yolks but no snotty whites’ and they were spot on. The yolk ran over the toast, and the whites were firm. The bacon was crispy and generous, and the spinach simply sublime.  A sprinkling of spring onions added flavour and crunch, and a few roast cherry tomatoes on the plate lent colour and sweetness. It was perfect, and so delicious, I went back for the identical breakfast the next day.

It’s not often I cannot find any fault with a place, but with Rambling I simply can’t. Both the food and the service were on point, the experience for me, was flawless.

RATING: 5 / 5
ATMOSPHERE: Cosy, comfortable and fun.
SOUND LEVEL: Conversation level background music, general restaurant bustle.
RECOMMENDED: The eggs Benedict, although everything that came out of the kitchen looked delicious. The coffee – Lavazza – is always a winner.
RICE RANGE: Ridiculously reasonable, from R30 to R95 for meals, with massive portions.
HOURS: Open every day from 7.30 am till around 4 pm.
RESERVATIONS: First come first served. Get there before 9am for breakfast if you don’t want to queue, although the queue does seem to move fairly quickly.
CREDIT CARDS: All major.

WHAT THE STARS MEAN: Ratings range from zero to five stars and reflect the reviewer’s opinion on the food, ambience and service, with pricing taken into consideration.

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