Zim on a Plate, Zim in a Glass
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8 Coltman Rd, Mount Pleasant
Harare
0773 164 218 

The Cottage - new entrant makes five plates! 2011
Situated serenely in the grounds of the Christian Counselling Centre, is a lovely little Coffee Shop called The Cottage. Tables are tucked into the garden area and on the verandah, giving a feeling of spaciousness as well as privacy.  The gardens are pretty, with a novel water feature sprouting water out of a watering can which is embedded into a mosaic-tiled wall.  Baskets of brightly coloured petunias festoon the corrugated iron roof, framing the picturesque cottage building.  The children’s play area is situated a short distance away from the bulk of the tables, shielded by shrubs and trees which seem to muffle any noise which may come from the area. This is a place to chat and catch-up with each other, in a relaxed and very congenial atmosphere.

Our waitress attended to us efficiently, taking care to point out the specials of the day.  The Cottage’s menu is striking in appearance.  The actual menus are fastened to old strips of wood – a novel and interesting idea which extends the theme of old world charm.  Prices are reasonable with the Pickled Fish special topping the list at $8, and Toasted Sandwiches at a modest $4.  The menu is varied and enticing, ranging from Full English Breakfast to Ciabatta with a choice of fillings.  Cakes and muffins complement coffee or tea, milkshakes and other soft drinks are also on offer.

Although we were only supposed to be having ‘tea’, we were peckish and decided to try the Spinach and Feta Quiche special ($7).  It was simply delicious; a layering of Feta, topped with Spinach, encased in melt-in-the-mouth pastry.  Served with a generous side salad, this dish was a real hit.  We asked to see the cakes and were hard-pressed to make our choice because they all looked scrumptious.  We decided on the Strawberry Cheesecake ($2) and Lemon Meringue Pie ($3).  I had to get in quick to snatch a taste of Rupert’s Cheesecake. No wonder he wolfed it down, not only did it look gorgeous, with plump, red, juicy strawberries adorning the Cheesecake, but it tasted really smooth and creamy, without being too rich.  My Lemon Meringue was a masterful marriage of sweet meringue and bitter-sweet lemon filling.  Once again, the pastry was perfect. This is what I call ‘honest’ food – not too many frills and fancies, but plenty of flavour, and very pleasing on the eye. The acid test for me is the quality of the coffee served at a Coffee Shop.  The Cottage served a full-bodied Cappuccino, which I thoroughly enjoyed, and furthermore, it complimented my choice of cake.  Rupert couldn’t resist a Chocolate Milkshake ($3) which was infused with cinnamon, a lively and interesting addition.  So often Milkshakes taste like over-sweetened milk, so it was refreshing to have something a little different.

The relaxed atmosphere of The Cottage enticed us to stay longer than we anticipated.  We enjoyed the opportunity to talk and discuss the up-coming holidays.  We left feeling calm and satiated.  We also felt good because profits from The Cottage are channelled back into the Counselling Centre.  I can’t wait for our next visit to this charming Coffee Shop.   
Coffee Shop
5 Plates
Expect to spend $10 - $12 per head
8 Coltman Road, Mount Pleasant, Harare