Prince Albert Country Store.
Prince Albert is a small Karoo Town with a growing foodie vibe. It’s the fig capital of South Africa.
Wide streets and large shady trees line the footpaths in front of houses which display architectural styles which showcase Dutch Colonial, Victorian and Karoostyle buildings.
There’s a relaxed sense of community here. People are open and friendly.
Half the fun of staying here is wandering through the town, visiting galleries, bookshops, museums and antique shops.
You can eat breakfast or have lunch at a range of charming places and I list a few here that I rate.
MIX. Eclectic, delightful spot with loads of knick knacks. Tasty, fresh food , brilliant smoothies, great coffee and light lunches and breakfasts.
LAZY LIZARD. Owned by Juan and Caryn, a superfriendly place with internet access. World famous apple pie baked by Caryn.
Brent Phillips-White of the Gallery Cafe.
Breakfast and lunch. Comfortable sofas.
CAFE ALBERT. Breakfast and lunch spot for the locals on the stoop. Great local fig and yogurt breakfast dish. They do lunch also.
THE COUNTRY STORE. Lovely outdoor garden courtyard. Fresh local produce and a wonderful antique shop.
Dinner options were tried as follows;
THE GALLERY CAFE. 082 749 2128. This is the spot for dinner in Price Albert. Run by Brent Phillips-White, who also runs the art gallery. He is passionate about his food. His menu offers local game, lamb and poultry dishes. The duck pate with soetkaroo was memorable, as were lime, clementine and grapefruit sorbets. This was the best eating experience we had in Prince Albert.
KAROO KOMBUIS.023 541 1110. Run by three ex SAA flight attendants, they serve up home cooking in what is essentially their home. There are only six tables. Dennis, the cook, is into the magic of slow roasting, and for my dining experience it was roast lamb, cooked for 4 hours. You have to bring your own wine as they don’t have a wine licence. We drank a Joubert Tradouw Unplugged 62 Merlot /Shiraz with our lamb. Perfect. The night ended with the ex flight attendants bringing hot towels for our hands. Brilliant.
Fresh figs and yogurt at Cafe Albert.
THE OLIVE BRANCH.023 541 1821
I didn’t get to eat here during my visit, as they were closed (on a Saturday night), but it has a great reputation for dishes with a Mediterranean influence, and they grow their own herbs, fruit and vegetables.They don’t have regular opening hours so you have to ring ahead, but apparently it’s worth it.
It’s easy to see why Prince Albert is fast developing a reputation as a foodie epicentre. From April 30th to May 1st the town will be thronged with festival goers who will enjoy street stalls with local food, open gardens, antique films, theatre, ghost walks, guided stargazing, a marathon, cooking classes and live music.
Thumbnail photograph by Marina Oliphant.
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