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216 Rolf Road
Borrowdale
Harare
Tel 850294

Willowbean Coffee Shop – delicious fusion food in a tranquil setting 2011
Oh joy to write a review with only superlatives in mind!  What a wonderful surprise to enter Willowbean Coffee Shop and be transported from the hustle and bustle of Rolf Valley by the lush greenery, small stream and tropical décor.  Formerly Willowmead Coffee Shop this restaurant has been completely renovated  by the new owners, one of whom incidentally also owns the spectacular new Bridge Spar in Groombridge!

We chose an outside table and were immediately impressed by the comfort of the large armchairs and the feeling of space all around us.  The comprehensive menu caters for all needs and is innovatively presented as well as offering excitingly different food.  In addition there is a daily lunchtime special (“inspired by the season and our mood”) which is worth quoting in full “Pan fried fillet of kingklip with fennel, capers and brown butter accompanied by smashed minted peas and boiled potatoes ($18) and Chicken tikka salad with avocados and garlic crouton ($10)”.  Headings in the menu include “Liquid assets” for drinks, “Green with envy” for salads, “Al Fresco Fare” for main courses, “Muffin Mania” and “Affair of the Tart” for…guess what….!  Being someone who usually chooses from daily specials I didn’t hesitate to order the Kingklip and my companion ordered Roast Peri Peri Chicken with Lemon and Herb Dressing ($10) from the Main Menu.  Although not licensed I was assured when I booked that patrons may bring their own wine.  A comprehensive choice of cold drinks is offered and we both favoured home made lemonade which was indeed a good choice.

The food more than lived up to our expectations!  Attention to detail is exemplified by the fine presentation of dishes - wedges of lemon tied in a pretty muslin bag and sprigs of lavender decorating the plate.  The roast chicken was beautifully moist and served with a large roast chilli (only for those with a taste for hot (as in spicy) food and disappointingly undercooked), deliciously crisp chips, a mixed salad and lemon and herb butter served in a small jug.  My Kingklip, though it had travelled far from its habitat, the sea, was a succulent steak perfectly cooked and its accompaniments exactly as described , a delightfully different Morrocan style dish. Although not a great sweet eater, I couldn’t resist more lovely food so after a digestive rest ordered a slice of Chocolate Mousse Cake while my companion selected Coconut and Pecan squares (both $3).  More superlatives, both were home made delicious deserts without a hint of artificial sickly sweetness, the chocolate mousse light but rich and the squares bursting with flavour.  And finally our coffee, very important in an establishment calling itself a Coffee Shop!  Both the Cappuccino and the Filter Coffee were served with a small biscuit and lived up to the high standard of our meal.  I was delighted to be able to order a “Deluxe Filter Coffee” which was the biggest mug of coffee I have every seen!!  

Patrons have a choice of tables set apart from the main restaurant under the trees, on the outside deck or inside.  A large selection of papers and magazines is thoughtfully provided for solitary diners (or those not wishing to speak to their companion!). Whether wanting just to “chill out” over a cup of coffee or to dine on deliciously different food, this coffee shop offers it all and I recommend it unreservedly.  Opening hours are Monday to Friday 8am to 5pm, Saturday and Sunday 8am to 3pm and closed on public holidays.
Deluxe Coffee Shop
5 Plates
Expect to spend $12 to $20 a head
216 Rolf Road, Borrowdale,
Tel 850294