What’s in a name?
Michelle Phetlhe | Tuesday September 6, 2022 06:00
This is what this mother and daughter owned establishment has managed to do. My husband and I, once seated, started guessing that the name is Greek or possibly Middle Eastern, only to be told it’s an acronym for a mom and her daughter’s name.
Classic creativity. After a heavy work week, a visit to The K'reo Café was just what I needed. It was late afternoon and the sun was still shining bright. My eyes were immediately drawn to the foliage photo booth.
I made a beeline for it not wanting the sun dipping before getting a great shot. Located in Shop 1, Mowana Park, Phakalane, the café is mostly frequented by middle aged to older retired people said Katlego, the very friendly and engaging manager. From mornings to mid day we will usually get regular customers that come in with laptops to come and do their work, she said.
I can only imagine that there are a number of such customers seeing as working from home is still a practice. I know that at times I personally need a change of scene from the home office and a space like K'reo is very ideal.
I could honestly come here more often. The café is currently trying to appeal to a younger demographic and have been intentional in their efforts by introducing specials such as Ladies Night on Thursdays and Happy Hour on Fridays with fabulous cocktails like the Beefeater Berry cocktail which I gave a try and was pleasantly satisfied by.
It was recommended by our very attentive and friendly attendant Samantha. Known for good coffee, healthy breakfasts, light lunch, grills, crafty tapas and artisan confectionery, all made with great love, were the words of the head chef, also an amazing personality by the name Katlego.
She explained that they aimed to be inclusive while keeping the menu manageable, and they developed it to cater for all likes and preferences as they have vegetarian and Banting dishes available as well, including vegan cake on order.
I know these are not readily available so kudos to them for filling that gap. They open everyday from 7am-10pm. The same times apply for holidays except for Christmas and New Year when they are closed. How great is that?! It’s not so much a well hidden secret any more now that we are sharing it, but here is a sure bet holiday eat out plan. Food is not only about the act of eating and flavours, food is an integral part of many events.
Having recently catered for over 300 pax, the café is clearly a contender when it comes to outside catering for individuals and corporates alike. They cater for weddings, birthday parties, corporate meetings, baby showers, etc. They use the freshest local products available and make all their baked goods in house. Cakes, cookies, mini cupcakes, individual cakes and chocolate tiramisu.
The chilled hidden paradise location paired with the diverse menu make it a unique combination of urban and countryside and has me eager to make this my go to space. It’s also conveniently close to home. Sam our attendant, recommended the Squid Heads as a starter. I obliged as I’ve never had Squid Heads before and wanted to give the palate a bit of adventure.
The presentation was amazing, good portion size with lemon and tarter sauce, everything that compliments seafood. Personally I felt the heat from the seasoning was slightly overwhelming, more so that they are not described to be so on the menu, but this didn’t take away from my first time experience, which was indulgent and fulfilling. My main was the Basil Pesto Pasta, to which I added chicken strips as it is vegetarian dish on their menu. It did not disappoint. A silky pesto sauce drenched the well cooked pasta.
I am not sure about my feelings towards olives which were a clear part of the meal so I ate around them. I don’t even appreciate them on pizza. Until my partner suggested I try everything together for a thorough appreciation of the dish. After my first combined taste of all facets of the dish, I immediately gave myself a hypothetical smack on the forehead because as it turns out, I should have eaten everything altogether from the onset. It was Amazing!!!! Le seke la tshwana le nna, la re le gana dilo fela ka gore ga le a di tlwaela, le tla tlolwa ke monate.
My husband had medium lamb chops with fries. He went on about how this was the most generous portion of lamb chops out of many eateries he has ordered the same meal. He had wanted a particular Argentinian sauce, which on the menu is offered with meals, but Sam came back with word from the Chef that it would take away from the actual lamb sauce used and that it’s suited for steaks.
The Chef also personally came out to have a chat with us about the meals he prepared and shared a little on his inspiration and favourite dishes. This is a well-seasoned professional with experience across the sector. He mentioned that the Pesto Pasta dish was one dish that brought all the staff together, as it’s a happy dish, which gives them the most positive feedback. K'reo has set out to create and has achieved a relaxed feel good atmosphere. An environment with fresh air and natural aesthetic for their customers.