Africa’s first dining experience designed specifically to be COVID-friendly has just launched on our very own Kloof Street! The Real Foods Group’s latest creation, Kloof Street Village, is a community of four of their food brands – Nü Health Food Café, Schoon Bread Café, and the group’s newest additions, Free Bird and Kofi.
This innovative COVID-inspired establishment has been specifically designed to abide by national COVID-19 rules and regulations, and used the latest technology to enable contactless transactions on self-order kiosks (a mobile app that allows customers to order from either of the restaurants using a QR code), socially distanced tables, and large windows, allowing for more than enough air circulation. Customers are also able to order ahead using the Mobi app, and can collect takeaway orders from a dedicated contactless area.
In a Bizcommunity article, Dean Kowarski – CEO of Real Foods – states: “COVID-19 has changed casual dining, so we’ve embraced the new requirements for a safe dining experience at Kloof Street Village and have considered how people want to socialise. Although the site was secured prior to lockdown, we completely redesigned the restaurant during lockdown by conceptualising what it would take for maximum health and safety. The store features perspex screens to cordon off certain areas, while still allowing for a social vibe between socially distanced tables. Technology is used to facilitate contactless transactions and there is a large outdoor seating area for fresh-air and summer socialising.”
The new establishment was a collaborative effort from four award-winning local architects and designers, who joined forces to create a clean and modern space that allows each brand to uphold its unique identity, yet still compliment the overall design. Their intention was to create a beautiful space where customers enjoy spending their time, and feel safe while doing so.
So, what exactly can you find in this culinary hub?
Nü Health Food Café
Nü has been around for a few years now, scattered around the Atlantic Seaboard or in select Virgin Active Health Clubs. Nü’s philosophy is centred around food as a source of medicine for the body, and follows forward-thinking science and food trends, sourcing nutritionally-dense ingredients from the best local suppliers.
A few menu highlights include a delicious Vegan Burrito, an Asian-inspired Salmon Bowl, and of course, their range of fluffy flapjacks and waffles. Have a look at their menu – you won’t be disappointed!
Schoon Bread Café
Previously only located in Stellenbosch and Somerset West, Schoon is finally making its City Bowl debut. This Café regularly collaborates with the best local artisans and farmers, using their products to create high quality, clean food. While its focus is on bread and pastries, its chefs are passionate about good food and always experimenting with new concepts to bring unique café-style dishes.
We recommend their Mosbolletjie French Toast and Chickpea Smash Sandwich. And you have to grab a few pastries on your way out, of course! You can browse their menu here: https://bit.ly/2Um3eAn
Free Bird
Free Bird was launched in the midst of the national lockdown, when Real Foods CEO, Dean Kowarski, noted that the South African food scene lacked a premium free-range crispy chicken burger and strips concept. This crispy fried chicken is different from the greasy chicken that we’re used to, as only locally-sourced clean, wholesome ingredients are used when making it.
Our menu favourites have to be their Kimchi Burger, their Crispy Strips, or their hand-cut Waffle Crisps. Take a look at their full menu here: https://bit.ly/3pppNCx
Kofi
Lastly, what would a Cape Town culinary village be without a source of premium small-batch roasted African coffee? That’s exactly what you’ll find at Real Foods’ new concept, Kofi, along with a wine, beer and spirits list curated by Publik Wine.
Kloof Street Village can be found in the new development on the corner of Kloof and Rheede Street in Gardens. Pay them a visit and let us know what you think!