While I’m waiting for my drink I make my way over to a pair of ladies, Gina and Lilo, also sitting outside, to ask their opinion on what my “Coffee Time” food choice should be. Gina and Lilo tell me that they are regulars of Deli-cious, meeting here at least two or three times a week. They tell me that the waiters even know their orders. Therefore, I’m trustful when they point me in the direction of the milk tart and put in my order. Just to put my mind at rest I go inside and look at the tart in the display window and thankfully, it looks tasty.
I go on to ask the two of them what has made them choose Deli-cious over the other coffee shops in Borrowdale. Lilo tells me that the coffee shop’s position is convenient, as it is right next to Fruit and Veg, where she does her shopping. Lilo also raves about the reasonable prices of the coffee and coffee-time foods, which they both tend to order as opposed to the bigger meals. Gina takes her turn to compliment the casual character of the coffee shop and the friendly waiters. Most importantly though, she praises the coffee itself at Deli-cious, especially the cappuccino, which she states is the best in Borrowdale. This is a bold claim as Borrowdale has so many coffee shops.
I head back to my table full of optimism about my choices. They arrive in a short amount of time and I’m more than satisfied to say the least. The cappuccino is packed with aromatic goodness and is both rich and creamy. The presentation is uncomplicated with a heart shape in the foam and a choc-chip piece of shortbread on the side.
The slice of milk tart lives up to the expectations set up Lilo and Gino, and is everything a slice of milk tart should be. The serving is clean cut and presented simply on a small white plate. The simple presentation gives way to it’s deliciously-creamy taste. The filling is smooth and the base is thick and tasty. All in all it’s the best slice of milk tart I’ve ever tasted at a coffee shop. However, it doesn’t top my grans, but then again, no one else’s ever will.
I get a chance to speak to the owner of Deli-cious, Graeme Debeer, who tells me a little bit about the history of the place. It turns out that Deli-cious is in it’s 9th year of business, and has lasted successfully throughout the years. I noticed the small deli inside the coffee shop when I walked in and Graeme tells me that originally the entire place was only a deli. However, within the first few months of opening in 2004, they started the incorporate the café/restaurant part of it. While before, the deli was almost entirely selling imported goods, Graeme tells me that they are now trying to source and sell locally-produced goods, especially home-baked and home-made. He assures me that the purchase of local produce is on the rise and sets them apart from other delis. One other interesting fact catches my attention; their menu is only 5 months old as they try to keep menu selections fresh and updated.
Deli-cious Fine Food Emporium can be found at Shop 97A Sam Levy's Village, Borrowdale, Harare.They are open Monday to Friday from 7.00am to 5.00pm and from 7.00am to 1.00pm on Saturdays and Sunday. Visit The Coffee Shop Tour at www.eatout.co.zw/coffeetour for more information on their menu.
