Hennie Fisher investigates Odd Café, a quirky Greenside eatery where life isn't taken too seriously, but food is.

Food
“We are a home-away-from home and take pride in freshly preparing every dish,” states the menu, and the fuss-free but delicious food supports this claim. The breakfast section – available all day – ranges from comforting staples like eggs and ciabatta to somewhat more sophisticated fare like the Spanish breakfast of eggs, onion, roast pepper and bacon on ciabatta; but it is their quirky Fantastico breakfast, which incorporates bacon, pineapple and ice-cream on ciabatta with drizzled syrup and chilli sprinkles, that puts the odd in Odd Café.

They also offer some of the best burgers in town. Try the Babalas burger, which combines a hearty, beefy patty with caramelised onion, bacon and a choice of cheddar or halloumi, or the vegetarian red velvet burger of sweet potato and red kidney beans, given zing and zest by the addition of peanuts and coriander. Other goodies to tempt the palate include pasta, gnocchi, freshly steamed mussels and charcuterie platters. As is to be expected from an establishment with this name, the menu ends with a “something else” section, which includes a bobotie pie, lasagne, spanakopita, lemon chicken skewers and butternut or beetroot soup.

Wine
A small but well-considered wine list includes one of the best value red wines around: at a mere R150, the Reyneke Organic Cornerstone is a deep, rich and powerful bottle of pure enjoyment. Other reds include De Toren Z, Mullineux Syrah, Klein Zalze Merlot, while the white wines on offer include Chenin Blanc Bush Vines from Kleine Zalze, and the Mullineux Gamay Noir Rosé and their straw wine.

Service
The 4 Non Blondes classic What’s Going On typifies the music genre here, with live music on offer some nights. While the live music is undoubtedly a huge draw-card for the younger crowd frequenting Greenside, attempting to engage in conversation over the intrusive noise may be nigh impossible. However, this is a happening restaurant where waiters are all friendly and helpful, even though some may be a trifle inexperienced. It’s a great place for an evening with friends with good quality food and beverages.

Ambience
This little slice of Greenside, situated on the roundabout, is reminiscent of an earlier time when window shopping was an activity in which people engaged to while away the time. Before settling in at one of the Odd Café tables (decorated with suitably odd and entertaining bits and bobs), it is quite refreshing to amble up and down the street, or dream of owning a vintage Mercedes Benz from the dealer on the corner. The inside seating area is rather small, but outside – where Greenside action carries on ‘til the wee morning hours – is where you’ll want to sit in warmer weather.

And…
The by-line to the Odd Café logo aptly states “life’s delicious”, summarising in every way an establishment operated by people who share this outlook; that life should not be taken too seriously, and every moment should be savoured and enjoyed.

By Hennie Fisher

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