Rcaffè on Long Street

Where quality coffee and great food meet 

I’m sitting at one of Rcaffè’s signature black tables getting distracted by today’s lunch menu: salmon penne with roasted butternut, herbs, pumpkin seeds and Parmesan cheese. I’m torn between this and the layered pancake stack with berries, bacon and brie..

Rcaffè is not just about delicious food; it’s also about good coffee as Julian Segall, one of the owners, is quick to point out. He and Sharon Segall were inspired by a chain of coffee shops overseas called Arcaffè which served great coffee and food, without compromising on either. When they returned to South Africa they found that the places that served good coffee often only served light meals or snacks.

Rcaffè is the result of this dream. Sharon, who is from Israel, designed the room with its high ceilings and red statement wall. Two long bars stretch across the windows – a perfect people watching spot as it looks out onto the always eventful Long Street. The glass display counter is full of breads, cakes and other appetising looking treats.  It’s a bit chilly today and I’m drawn towards the fireplace in the corner. The venue recently had a ‘green’ makeover making it more energy efficient and environmentally friendly.

I admire the large photographs on the wall, shot by Tammy Gardner, a customer who became a friend. “They bring Long Street into our coffee shop,” says Julian. “Sharon and I are very hands on, for the last six and a half years one or both of us have been here. We like serving the customers and getting feedback.”

Food, glorious food

And the food? “We bake everything except the bread. We have four different types of croissants and one of the top carrot cakes, which we’ve been improving for the last six years.” They take their food seriously – no margarine has ever been used in their kitchen and pretty much all the food is prepared fresh as it is ordered, so if it’s sizzling hot bacon straight from the grill that you’re looking for then this is the place to find it. “We’re so passionate about what we do that we’ve provided a very wide menu that appeals to a broad spectrum of people.”

It’s a Wifi hotspot and the perfect place to escape the bustle of town with your laptop for an hour or two, with spaces for one mixed in with the larger tables.  When Julian returned to South Africa after living and working overseas he wanted to be an entrepreneur and create employment, they’ve managed to do just that with the café which has a dedicated team of employees.

Twice a month the floor is cleared and music and dancing steals the spotlight from the coffee and food. A local tango group gathers to show off their skills, they don’t offer lessons but stop by to watch or join them on the dance floor.

I leave with a Parmesan and bacon croissant in hand and make a mental note to come back and try their sandwiches (I have my eye on one with Camembert, berry preserve and marinated sundried tomatoes with cranberry vinaigrette on pecan bread.). If you’re looking for better than average food as well as a good cup of coffee then Rcaffè is where you’ll find it.

By Lindsay Callaghan

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