Spring fever 2012 For many of us urbanites breakfast usually means a hurried bowl of cereal or a hastily consumed piece of toast before facing the traffic and the daily grind of the office.  However, there is nothing like a hearty breakfast to start the day and should you have time to spare and fancy treating yourself then you should make your way to Spring Fever. This coffee shop, justifiably renowned for its Sunday buffet lunches, set in the leafy surrounds of Rowland Square is a tranquil oasis surprisingly close to the city. In contrast to us townies, farmers usually make a very early start to the day and are often at work before sun rise. After a few hours of toil they return home ravenous and tuck into a well-deserved and man-sized breakfast.  Spring Fever, the “PlaasKombuis” (farm kitchen) serves breakfasts befitting a hard working farmer.  This is not an establishment for those seeking health foods but dishes up honest-to-goodness fare that will satisfy the hungriest of appetites. However having seen the willingness of the management and staff to satisfy customers’ wants, I am sure that lower cholesterol options than those on the menu would be rustled up on request. The standard “early start” breakfast enjoyed by my companion comprises eggs, bacon, tomato, baked beans and a beef patty and the servings are generous.  Other options include one featuring boerewors and pap with tomato brediewhilstthe ‘grande’ version has both boerewors and sirloin steak. There is even a fry-up featuring vegetarian patties for those less carnivorously inclined. The three egg omelette with a choice of fillings caught my eye as a likely choice for my next visit. I settled for a crumpet stack which comprised four light, fluffy crumpets interspersed with layers of crispy bacon, caramelized onions and sautéed mushrooms.  Perched atop this tower was a fried egg and my attractive platter included cheesy grilled tomato and chips.  This dish was simply scrumptious – wonderful flavours, beautifully cooked and, had I been able to forgo the chips, not too heavy. To my dismay my intention to leave the chips was somehow abandoned midstream, although I did leave two chips on the plate as a salve to myconscience . But worse was to follow as I then attacked the whole-wheat toast served hot in a basket, and liberally applied butter and the proprietress’s homemade marmalade made just the way I like it – piquant and chunky. This more than adequate repast was accompanied with cups of piping hot and frothy cappuccino – served strong as requested.It is probably not the best cup of coffee in town but, none-the-less, very acceptable. Those with smaller appetites should not be discouraged. Lighter breakfast options espied on the menu include a delicious choice of homemade cakes, pannekoek with lemon and cinnamon, muffins and of course a selection of toasted sandwiches.  With a small but adequate choice of coffees, teas, fruit juices and smoothies there is something to suit all tastes as evidenced by the variety of orders passing our table. Children are also catered for with a ‘kiddies’ selection. We sat in the garden under the newly roofed open-air section in the very prettycottage garden on a lovely sunny morning when shade was welcome. Sensibly they have avoided the temptation to roof the entire area and several patrons were enjoying the sunshine. Seating is also available on the verandah and inside the sympathetically restored house where the cream décor is complemented by the distressed paintwork furniture, the work of the talented owner. We had no need on this occasion for the newspapers of the day and magazines which are thoughtfully provided as we were engrossed in conversation, people watching and, needless to say, in enjoyment of our feast. I have no hesitation in recommending Spring Fever. The breakfasts are excellent, the food freshly prepared, the portions generous, the prices reasonable and the ambience homely. Service under the watchful eye of the very welcoming head waiter, Smart, is attentive. So give yourself a treat and pay them a visit and, if you do, don’t leave empty handed – their homemade rusks, biscuits, jams, preserves and pickles are on sale and their koeksisters alone could be worth the trip.