The oversized world map adorning one wall is just one indication of the fact that the new Gypsy Café has a nomadic approach to food. Each month, the gypsies travel to a new culinary destination. We visited the gypsies to see what February had to offer.
 
The food:
Changes monthly, but expect tasty bistro food, made with refined simplicity. During February, the gypsies took a break from travelling the world for a love-themed menu, complete with heart-shaped mini tarts, with perfect pastry and rich, cheesy fillings. For starters, the salmon cannelloni is delicious; a swirl of salad leaves, smoked salmon, cream cheese and sweet tomatoey sauce; there’s no pasta involved. Snails with blue cheese, and chicken livers served with fresh bread to soak up the sauce, are other good starter options, and the chicken breast and beef steak (complete with tasty shoestring fries) are exemplary mains. For dessert, the bread and butter pudding is not to be missed (chef Jaco is not a fan of raisins, so he uses chocolate instead, resulting in a rich chocolaty sauce). The next destination on the map is Asia, and in the winter months, we hear the gypsies will be moving their culinary wagon to cooler European climes.

The mood:
Twinkling fairy lights, cloths draped from the ceiling and a selection of old suitcases, birdcages and old wooden pieces make for an intimate, magical, gypsy-like space.

The booze:
A small but perfectly respectable blackboard makes up the wine list, and the classic cocktails are also on offer.

The people:
Chef and part-owner Jaco Swanepoel is no stranger to the restaurant trade. The chef at the Singing Fig during its heyday, he’s also been involved in several other restaurants.

The verdict:
A lovely addition to the suburb. It’s a little hidden away – on Station Road, beneath the railway bridge – but follow the twinkling fairy lights to discover a new neighbourhood gem. Great for a date or to catch up with a group of friends.

By Katharine Jacobs

Have you been to Gypsy Cafe? Write us a review, here.