Cake Day - A list of places around South Africa to get your Cake Fix
It's no secret... I love cake.
Me (Nabihah) enjoying the 4 Cake Variety Pack from Château Gâteaux
Photo Credits Ziyaad Plaatjes
Chocolate, vanilla, plain, red velvet, caramel velvet, carrot, banana, rainbow, cheesecake, chocolate cheesecake (they're cakes as well, no discrimination here)... Naturally, there's the different variations of each type of cake, that make them more enticing and definitely delicious.
A well made cake, can put me in a good mood.
It's not only about the toppings, but the texture of the cake itself. Soft, but not crumbly and definitely not dry - is the ideal texture.
The icing should be butter cream, chocolate ganache, chantilly cream, cream cheese frosting, or it can be plain, given the type of cake that it is. A glazed icing works only on some cakes, and for me, fondant is out of the question - you can't eat that!
Whilst fresh cream can be added to the cake, it should never be used as the sole icing of the cake... That's a no-no ! Jam is another item that I snob, on (or in) a cake, hence my disdain for Black Forest Cake. Although recently, I have tried cherry compote in a cake, and the taste surprised me, in a good way.
Many people who've seen my personal posts, and those on our business accounts, iloveza.com and @ilovezacom, will get the feeling that I (and we) love Château Gâteaux ... They're not wrong.
Walnut Truffle by Château Gâteaux
Photo Credits Ziyaad Plaatjes
Ever since I've tried out a few desserts from their Illovo patisserie in late 2011, I've been hooked. Château Gâteaux Patisseries are located in Johannesburg, Pretoria, Durban, Amanzimtoti, Ballito, Pietermaritzburg and Cape Town.
So most of my cake cravings are satisfied when I'm there.
When I need a completely chocolate fix, I go for the B1 cake, Walnut Truffle, or Chocolate Nostalgia. When it's a light cake craving, I prefer the Vanilla Dream. A more fulfilling cake craving requires Red Velvet or Caramel Velvet if it's cool or cold weather, and any type of Cheesecake, when the air feels warmer...
I can describe eating each cake or dessert by mood, or by season.
But let's go on...
Lately I've been having a Rainbow cake craving.
The only time that I've tasted a really good Rainbow cake, was at Fego Caffé at Montecasino. It's been years, so a more current visit is required to give this an up to date "go-to" list.
Rainbow Cake at Fego Caffé Montecasino
Photo Credits Ziyaad Plaatjes
Recently, (as recent as yesterday), I experienced a Persian Love cake at Just Teddy in Hyde Park Corner and I fell in love... My tastebuds went on a journey and I definitely recommend this as part of the list of cakes that you need to try in South Africa. They do have other cakes that look beautiful, but I need to try them out first; however, their pastries and bread are a definite "Yes" from me.
On my 35th birthday, last year, I sampled a Pink Ombre cake that was pretty looking, and pretty yum! Bought for me by a dear good soul, from Lemonade in Sunninghill, made by Brown Sugar.
Pink Ombre Cake by Brown Sugar
Photo Credits Ziyaad Plaatjes
For my son's birthday, Cakes & Bakes by Coco made some chocolate cupcakes that were delicious and cute. I do recommend them as their precision and attention to detail are of high standards.
Chocolate Cupcakes by Cakes & Bakes by Coco
Photo Credits Ziyaad Plaatjes
Another cake lover with a generous spirit introduced us to La Bakery on Crownwood, in Ormonde. I'm not usually a white chocolate or fresh cream fan, but the cake that this person chose for us was so soft, it melted in your mouth.
On my 31st Birthday, my husband surprised me with a Chocolate Cake from Charly's Bakery in Cape Town... The surprise was a trip to Cape Town as well, but I'd be lying if I didn't mention how in love with that cake, I was! Soft, appetising and great handwriting for the instructions that he supplied them with! An updated visit and taste test definitely needs to be conducted!
Chocolate Cake by Charly's Bakery
Photo Credits Ziyaad Plaatjes
Needless to say, you may get your cake fix from any Woolworths, Checkers, Pick n Pay and Spar around South Africa, but it all comes down to personal preference. Certain stores also cater to different needs, for example our local Spar in our previous place of residence (Noordwyk, Midrand) had the best tasting banana bread, and the Spar that we frequent now, makes great chocolate squares that I like to pass off as "homemade" ... unless someone asks me if I made it, then I confess!
Starbucks (nationally) isn't only about coffees and frappuccinos, they actually have some great baked goods as well. Again, we need an updated taste of ALL baked goods, especially their cakes to rate it on the list, but in 2018, their Brownie Cheesecake was sublime.
Chocolate Brownie Cheesecake at Starbucks Melrose Arch
Photo Credits Ziyaad Plaatjes
Of course some homemade cakes are the best, and I know some pretty great people who make absolutely delicious cakes: You might be one of them - Well done to you!
And if you're looking for Recipes for some flavourful Cakes, then our Recipe section features recipes from people around South Africa with their best tried and tested.
|
CLICK HERE for the latest News & Trends
Keep up to date with all that is happening in South Africa
with iloveza.com
Subscribe to our Newsletter
Subscribe to our Weekly Digital Advert Only Pamphlet
Follow @ilovezacom on
#CakeDay #iloveza❤️🇿🇦 #AfterFajrGrind
|
|
Nabihah Plaatjes is the Co-Founder of iloveza.com. She is an Award-Winning Entrepreneur, Change Agent, Published Contributing Author, Journalist, Marketing and Social Media Specialist, a Bachelor of Arts graduate, and has been writing since the age of 9. Nabihah is passionate about Brand Awareness and Brand Loyalty and uses her knowledge in these fields together with her copywriting, editing and proof-reading skills to bring brands to life. iloveza.com is a primary example of how she can build your brand. Find her at: Instagram: @nabihah_dp / @ilovezacom Twitter: @nabihahd / @ilovezacom Facebook: iloveza.com LinkedIn: Nabihah Plaatjes / iloveza.com YouTube: iloveza.com SoundCloud: iloveza.com E-mail: nabihah@iloveza.com |
