This week there’s no star-rating, just a hats off to a centre that helps people with special needs achieve dignity and a sense of worth, writes Jos Baker.
It’s all about cakes – but cakes with a conscience as well as a generous slice of self indulgence. Plus breakfasts, teas and lunches, tasty take-aways and the most enchanting gifts, from an array of dolls houses, furnished down to the last miniature detail, huggable rag dolls and brightly painted toys and nursery furniture. I was particularly taken with a child’s appliquéd baking set complete with apron, oven gloves, rolling pin and chef’s hat.
When invited to coffee and cake at Astra Jewish Sheltered Employment Centre, I demurred, explaining that I didn’t cover charities. The reply I received resonated with a positive sense of pride: “Our coffee shop is run like a business.”
Coffee Time
So off I set to a classic Cape Town townhouse, tucked away in a quiet, tree-shaded garden in the Gardens. Nothing to suggest a coffee shop disturbing the peace. Just a gate that rolls back to what appears to be a residential property with plenty of parking.
But round the building and you’ll come upon glass-fronted Coffee Time, extending on to sun-umbrella-shaded tables on a sheltered, flower-bordered lawn. This is the public face of an employment centre, recognised world-wide as a leader in the field of intellectual disability. The coffee shop plays an important role in offering training and employment opportunities in the catering field.
You’ll be warmly welcomed and escorted to your table, where you’ll be given a typed sheet of what’s available. This is to ensure that your order is correctly recorded when taken to the kitchen. Sure, you’re allowed to look at the delectable display of goodies to firm-up your order, but you’re then shepherded back to your table by your waitron to fill in the clearly set-out order form. And you’re served with care and a sense of accomplishment.
My small order was an obviously disappointment. Judging by what I saw, the artistically iced cakes are masterpieces (the carrot cake is said to be the best in town). Each unique, cakes are made to order for anything from birthdays to weddings. The bakes and biscuits follow treasured recipes handed down in families for generations: I can vouch that the muffins are a must. For light lunches, the appetising quiches are made daily, and toasted sandwiches are served on a choice of breads or a bagel, with fresh side salads. If you’re into afters, leave room for tempting, just-baked desserts.
Focus is on assessing and developing individual potential. This extends from job coaching in a protective, nurturing environment to job placement, counselling and support. What impressed me was the happy vibe that permeates the centre and the obvious job satisfaction – whether helping measure ingredients for the cakes, interacting with visitors, or crafting and painting those appealing wooden toys.
• Coffee from R16-20; tea R16-to herbal teas at R18; breakfast choices R25-R70; toasted sandwiches with side salads R38-R60 for smoked salmon; generous salads R60-R75; light meals from soup to quiche and pasta R35-R60. Ready bakes and biscuits depend on your choice; cakes priced according to advance order.
WHERE: COFFEE TIME, 20 Breda St, Cape Town, Cape Town 8001 GPS: 33.93607 S; 18.41597 E
CONTACT: 021 461 8414
021 461 8414 Email: coffeetime@jsec.org.za
HOURS: Open Monday to Thursday from 8am-3.30pm (Buffet Day on Wednesdays); Friday 8am-3pm; also the last Sunday of each month (enquire about opening times, and about buffets in the December holidays). Venue for hire for functions and special events.
This review by Jos Baker appeared in the Cape Times Top of the Times supplement.
