Well, we finally got our act together and ventured forth to try out another eatery! We actually got lost looking for a shop, but spotted this little restaurant with its blue doorway tucked away amongst the trees and plants in the back left corner as you enter Safari Junction. Welcome to Darlin’ Café.
What a surprise – a wonderfully simple menu, something for everyone really – and at any time of day. It was also more ‘adulty’ which I thought was great – getting out of the madding crowd. It was so peaceful under the umbrellas under the trees, no hustle and bustle – kind of cut off and in one’s own eating space and serenaded by birdsong. We loved it!
Thandi the waitron welcomed us as we walked in – no waiting around and we were ushered to a table. She was polite and attentive. Drinks were ordered and quickly served – a very pleasant surprise in Hoedspruit. Granted there were not many patrons, but none the less. My gin with pink tonic was wonderful, and again presented just right.
We then ordered our meal – bearing in mind we just popped in for a quick bite. There were only two of us, so I had the ‘homemade flatbread chickpea falafel’ and my guest opted for the ‘freshly baked quiche (spinach, feta and caramelised onion) and salad’.
Another surprise – no waiting forever for the food to arrive, the dishes were out the kitchen in no time, and on their way. Very well presented, not too much and not too little – just perfect. For my dish the vegetables were fresh, the lettuce crispy, tomatoes crunchy, and the avocado pear perfectly ripe. A great amount crème fraiche tahini siracha sauce was spread on the flatbread and the falafels were cooked to perfection. The pickled onion added an extra zing to the offering. The dish was truly fabulous, tasty, fresh and delicious. I woofed it up in no time.
The quiche and salad were amazing. The quiche’s crust was nice and crispy, and it was packed with lots of spinach and feta. The salad of lettuce, tomato, and carrot was fresh, and the dressing was delicious.
I then rounded off the meal with an oat milk red cappuccino – which was great. It would have been nice to have another option like almond milk – but that certainly was not a game changer. We truly could have spent the rest of the afternoon there – it was so peaceful and relaxing.
What then was our conclusion? A hidden gem, reasonably priced, peaceful, great service (a highlight for me in Hoedspruit), outdoors, clean, with attentive staff and great food. What more does one want when dashing in for a bite? The kitchen obviously knows what they are doing, the offering is great, and the service is good. I can truly say that this was one of the better culinary experiences that I have had in Hoedspruit.
Well done to all at the Darlin’ Café, keep it up!
