THE HIDDEN GEM: CAFE JADE
Where rustic New-York meets European chic; Cafe Jade merges two very different worlds together to create a destination for the coffee hoarders and the dirty martinis'.
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You are welcomed into a small but spacious room with exposed brick walls that accommodate the 'blogger' framed images and quotes -- think Audrey Hepburn sipping on a cup of coffee with a quote from Anthony Trollope "What on earth could be more luxurious than a sofa, a book, and a cup of coffee?"
The cafe embodies everything rustic with a modern twist. You had the exposed light bulbs dangling from the ceiling with an open pipe bookshelf. The choice of books according to 33-year-old owner, Jummai Arome, is a selection that was carefully picked.
"The idea for the lower part of the cafe was to have a cafe as well as a library, so the open pipe detail was designed to encourage our customers to read as we add more to the collection."-Jummai Arome
With books, such as, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's 'Half of A Yellow Sun' and Sherry Argov's 'Why Men Marry Bitches' give any individual the option of reading.
This is a mix of playful and sultry as well as intellect and historical fiction.
So, if you are one who is curious on the topic of men marrying bitches, pop over for a cup of coffee or brunch, have a seat and discover.
The Jade menu caters for every meal hour. There is the breakfast, lunch, the famous brunch and of course, the dinner menu, with a cheeky bar when you head up to the restaurant.
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You've got your salad section, for the #vegan and #healthyliving individuals.
As much as I was tempted to order the healthy Greek salad with feta, olives and vinaigrette, I succumbed to the brunch menu as it seemed very appropriate for the time of day. Plus, I craved pancakes.
I satisfied this craving with the butter filled pancakes, scrambled eggs and bacon, topped with freshly picked blueberries and strawberries covered with a truck-load of golden maple syrup.
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I must say, the pancakes are rather filling but yet light and fluffy with savoury flavours of the bacon complimenting the sweeter flavours of the berries and maple syrup.
Another dish I had the pleasure of having was the Grilled barracuda fillet accompanied with any side of your choice, mine being the sautéed potatoes.
This dish lived up to whatever expectations I had. Potatoes were evenly cut, very golden skin and not over cooked and dried out to the point you have to keep sipping on a drink to get through the meal.
"We have the cafe and bistro -- The bistro is a combination of the restaurant and bar, and this is a fusion of timeless elegance and class. Nothing goes out of date, you feel good being in that space."- Jummai Arome
As you leave the New-Yorkan inspired cafe and head upstairs to the restaurant, the dining area is dimly lit to give the customers their privacy as they wine and dine.
The space is filled with the French Louie style chairs and a rose gold themed bar, ready to take the edge off.