At Josephine's it's Never too Early for Chocolate

Josephine's Patisserie et Boulangerie: one of Loop Street's best kept secrets

NOTE: Josephine's is now closed.

"A daisy field is the perfect place for an afternoon nap. Josephine had a penchant for stealing hearts, recipes and hotel teaspoons."

 These are a few words to describe the Amelie-like character that fills this little slice of Paris with her "ghostly" presence. Before I can tell you about this quant bakery and patisserie, I must begin my story at the end.

Imagine this...
Have you ever wanted to pay your food bill with a debit card, only to be told that the establishment does not accept them... yet. Josephine moved from Church Square to 199 Loop Street six months ago which could be the reason for this tiny inconvenience. What makes this such an important part of my story is the fact that I gained a little more faith in mankind, thanks to the friendly folk at Josephine. You see, I have been told that I'm a rather shifty looking fellow (looks can be deceiving), yet someone trusted me today. I was not requested, after kindly offering, to leave anything of value with the cashier during my sprint to the nearest ATM. Amazing!

Josephine is the perfect little spot to meet your friends for a coffee or breakfast. You'll feel right at home on the comfortable leather couches while enjoying a cup of freshly roasted coffee or paging through the many coffee table books on offer, some of which are also for sale.

The ambiance is peaceful and the minimal décor and design will remind you of those little spots from the Amelie movie. Guys don't be afraid of the soft pink walls. You'll be happy to know that the coffee is strong, the kitchen is visible and probably one of the cleanest in Cape Town. Everything is freshly baked on site by Josephine's young baker who gives the impression that he's extremely proud of every one of his creations.

Shaded tables are available outside on a clean sidewalk if you wish to enjoy a beautiful, south-easter-free day in Cape Town, or just a quick cigarette.

Breakfast specials and birthday-treats
Spectacular birthday cakes are baked to order and every item on the menu is reasonably priced, especially the breakfasts. Josephine might have joined the likes of Arnold's and Café Sofia in the "breakfast specials" price war in Cape Town, but so be it. Competition is always good, unless it ends with a headbutt in the FIFA World Cup.

By Louis Nel

Josephine Patisserie & Boulangerie
199 Loop Street

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