This is one of the many benefits of having breakfast or lunch at the Heart and Soul Café at 138 O’Reilly Merry Street, Northmead.
The café is under the new management of Elna Andrew, who took over on October 15.
The café deals in light meals and Elna is already working on changing the menu.
There will also be specials every week.
What is nice about the establishment is that it also caters for those with special diet needs.
Again, what sets Heart and Soul Café apart from the rest is that Elna has recognised that there are plenty of pet lovers in Benoni and she allows them to bring along their pets to the café.
“We have dog biscuits and water bowls for them,” she said.
Smokers are also welcome, as the café has a nice outside sitting area, where they can enjoy their smoke while sipping their favourite coffee, without angering non-smokers.
Elna has no previous experience in catering, but she has always dreamt of owning a coffee shop. “I’m fond of the kitchen; I love to cook and bake and I just love the smell of food,” she said.
To her, the coffee shop is more than just a place to make money.
“It enhances people’s lives; it’s more like a little heaven, a family place,” she said.
On November 5, my colleague and I enjoyed lunch at the eatery and we were helped by friendly waiter Kabelo Mmereki.
I had a Chicken Alabama, a baguette filled with chicken, bacon, avocado, melted cheese and a slide of chips.
Since I’m not a bacon person, however, I opted for fried mushroom instead.
My food was done beautifully. It was really great and I highly recommend it.
My colleague went for a Mighty Beef Burger, consisting of a homemade mince patty, cheese, tomato and chips.
She said the burger was fresh and nice and she’d go there again.
The cafe is open between 8am and 4.30pm on weekdays, and 8am to 3pm on Saturdays.The kids’ play area is being renovated and should be ready soon.
The place can also be booked for small functions.
For a fulfilling cappuccino, slo-jo, normal herbal tea, exotic cold tea, as well as milkshakes, Heart and Soul Cafe is the best place. MM
