The East City area in the Central City, which we’ve dubbed, “the precinct of possibilities” continues to amaze and turn heads. It is now home to Swan Café, Cape Town’s first authentic Parisian crêperie. In the 2018-19 issue of City Views, the City Views team spoke to the team at Swan Café to find out more about the venue and, most importantly, what they have in store for you this summer.
A LITTLE ABOUT SWAN CAFÉ
Swan Café is the brainchild of French-born Jessica Rushmere. A former international model and originator of the legendary La Petite Tarte restaurant, she has channelled her quirky irreverent style, a trained eye for detail and impeccable taste into Swan Café on the corner of Buitenkant and Barrack streets. She entrusted Haldane Martin – a South African furniture and interior designer who is internationally renowned for work with a powerful sense of identity – with the interior. On his website, Haldane is quoted as saying: “Designing meaningful objects and spaces helps us understand ourselves and creates a sense of belonging to our time and place.” Judging by how Swan Café looks, he managed to do just that. House and Leisure described it best by saying: “Bold artwork, patterned tiles and stunning light fixtures give Swan Café a unique charm that delights anyone who walks through the door.”
THE SWAN CAFÉ DIFFERENCE
Sarah Jayne Fell, a representative of Swan Café, explains that the other factors that make Swan Café exceptional include the menu, which is very selective in supporting local artisans. Patrons are also greeted with a gracious “Bonjour!” as they walk in and are treated to French music that keeps the atmosphere lively. Commenting on what patrons can look forward to this Summer, Sarah says: “Swan Café has developed a very loyal following and so the time is right to expand the menu and cater for a slightly wider market as well as the more niche but growing vegan market due to very popular demand.
“We are adding three vegan salad bowl options with deliciously fresh and super healthy ingredients such as edamame beans and crispy kale. We will have at least two vegan crêpe options – our Roma with roasted baby tomatoes, fresh basil, baby spinach and toasted pine nuts with vegan cheese and avocado instead of cheese and a brand-new ratatouille galette with vegan cheese. We are also adding all-day breakfast vegan treats made with chia seeds, coconut milk and fresh fruit.” New sweet crêpes have also been added on the menu following a poll in which Swan Café asked its customers to choose an option they’d like to see on the menu. And the delectable Ferrero Rocher was the preferred option.
Cnr Buitenkant & Barrack streets | 079 454 4758 | www.swancafe.co.za
Images by Micky Hoyle