A SLICE OF HEAVEN AT HEMELHUIJS

Since 2010, Jacques Erasmus has built up a Cape Town institution in the form of Hemelhuijs – a glorious coming together of food, art and interior design that is open for breakfast and lunch.

Yes, it’s located in a bustling part of the city, but I found there to be a certain stillness about Hemelhuijs. Not that the eatery lacks a lively atmosphere because it certainly has one – but for me that slower pace of life is prevalent here. Hemelhuijs is a beautifully put together breakfast and lunch spot that receives rave reviews on their Facebook page and Zomato.

If you’re looking for a pick-me-upper, try one of the invigorating, and brightly coloured juice blends. The refreshing selection of freshly-squeezed juice makes for a healthy accompaniment to Hemelhuij’s  hearty breakfast and lunch options.

Upscale, with emphasis on seasonal, wholesome and imaginative can best describe the thinking behind Hemelhuij’s menu. I was thrilled to find a fresh porcini dish on the menu – the mushroom is somewhat seasonal and can be found in a select few pine forests around Cape Town around this time of year. The sauteed porcini was perfectly presented in a salad along with pear, quince, pomegranate, arugula and Gorgonzola cheese. This Chef meant business.

For mains, I went with the (hunger-busting) brisket burger – a  dream of a sandwich served open-top with generous helpings of brisket, served with a side of wedges. Jacques has done an outstanding job of the menu and I’m set on visiting again soon to try several other interesting-looking items I spied.

Part of Hemelhuij’s charm lies in the interesting (read: tasteful) crockery, art, preserves and other foodstuffs adorning the inside, all of what you see is for sale. An interesting fact about this Waterkant Street locale is that its interior is completely temporary – makeovers occur fairly regularly due to replenishment of items for sale, transforming the look and feel of Hemelhuijs yet retaining the same attractiveness.

It’s my personal belief that Hemelhuijs is in the top 10 of breakfast/lunch spots in greater Cape Town. Go see for yourself – the reviews don’t lie, and neither did this one.

OF NOTE
Where 71 Waterkant Street, CBD
When Monday – Friday 9 am – 4 pm, Saturday 9 am – 3 pm
Contact +27 21 418 2042, www.hemelhuijs.co.za/restaurant

Photography Courtesy