Benny's Day Out

Today marks the first time I've ventured pass Kloof Street (the area that I work) for lunch! This may sound pretty insignificant to most people, but for us poor saps who hold an office job marred with time restrictions and strict controls it's a pretty big friggin' deal...

I ventured out toward the Foundry, situated in Green Point which is actually not that far...probably less than a 5 minute drive; but just the thought of escaping the confines of the office were more satisfying than if I were to have flown to Europe. "On that side of the world" (the Foundry...not Europe): the sky seemed bluer, the grass greener, and the coffee all the more sweeter.

I met up with some mates at the old family favourite, Ecco Il Cafe and tucked into a pretty sweet Thai Chicken burger, and a cappuccino made with love (the barista even made a heart in my coffee...although I'm pretty certain that this didn't mean anything as they did this for everyone else in the store too). Which reminds me, tomorrow evening is Latte art evening at Origin, where you get to practice and learn how to make some cool latte art...hopefully by the end I'll be able to pour a Mona Lisa!

My first escape to freedom (lets hope it's not the last) however exciting, was short lived, and I had to rush back to the office...in which time I almost drove over two pedestrians; seems like walking in the middle of the street is some sort of new crazy, adrenaline filled fad in the city center.

Back to the Future

Ecco Il Café is still one of my favourite coffee spots in Cape Town, in particular I really like the one situated in the BMW Show Room, situated in the Foreshore (there are two more that I know of, one near the Foundry in Green Point and the other in Long Street). Where you also get to, quickly pick up a new vehicle, with your daily coffee…

The food and coffee there is always top notch! And the staff are amazing, instead of giving you an order number they take down your name…and when your order is ready they call out your name instead, it makes you feel VIP, as if you’re first name basis there. With so many great restaurants and eateries in Cape Town, it’s the little things that set one apart; and a lot of other establishments could learn a thing or two from the friendly people at Ecco.

You’ll find some of the best latte artists there too …I have a picture of a coffee with my face “drawn” in it, and it was done by an ex Ecco Barista by the name of Peter…unfortunately I’m not sure where Peter has gone…but it’s still evident today that they take their latte art tradition seriously.

If you are also an avid fan of design and architecture I’d suggest you go check out the The Mini Showroom(Mini as in the cars… not a really dinky show room) and pick up a Mini, to go with the Beamer... It just so happens that Lauren designed the place and gave us a guided tour of it. The show room has a neo-futuristic, 50’s American diner feel to it and reminds me of something out of Back to the Future Part 2. Man I watched that movie recently…and it’s still as good as I remember it to be.