Winter sucks.
Back where I am from, in the land of sun, sea and humidity (KZN), the coldest we ever get is a slight frosting on a few cold days a season. Cape Town winters have thus far been let’s say… an experience. Could there honestly be anything worse than being bitterly cold, soaked and resorting to hanging onto the nearest tree for dear life to avoid being swallowed up tornado winds? Slight exaggeration but yes, it could get worse.
Can anyone say, power cut?
A couple of weeks ago, Cape Town was having one of its many week-long winter (ie death) spells. It was windy, pouring with rain, bitterly cold AND it was lunch time. On my drive home I was picturing a delicious, saucy, warmed up leftover chicken meal from the previous night (it is what it is) with a hot mug of tea, a blanket and my hard drive plugged into my laptop ready to rumble. At the end of what felt like ages, I finally reached my house, scrambled up the steps and opened the front door to the unwelcoming welcome of Eskom;
Anger, disappointment, sadness, frustration, heartbreak.
I’m not one to wait for something to be fixed if I can’t do it myself, so I refused to let this day get the better of me. I decided to go on a cold, bitter quest around my neighborhood to search for tasty food and a warm beverage. Was I mad? Maybe. But I fear that the lack of electricity makes you go to great lengths in order to not succumb to a stone-age comparability; the feeling of uselessness and starvation, and to avoid the increased risk of the “Death-by-Boredom” disease.
Along my ‘great’ trek I came across an Italian restaurant called Bella Italia. A hooded jersey covering my vision I would have easily missed it if it wasn’t for the amazing smells coming from of Bella’s doors.
This quaint, cosy, family-run restaurant was just what I needed. The warmth of the cappucino, the delicious pasta and the free WiFi made the cold more than bearable, comfortable in fact.
Winter 0, Lauren 1.
My luck at Bella Italia continued. Every Monday and Wednesday there is a special for a R45 delicious pasta choice, beating the normal prices. Their food is honestly incredible, and I was immensely happy with my afternoon thanks to this wonderful gem of a restaurant. If you are ever looking for good Italian food without forking out the money (pun intended), this place is definitely one to try. I was able to finish all my work, surf the net AND satisfy the lunch time craving all well within budget.
A winter rescue by (an) Italian (a girl can dream), and an afternoon well spent.
Summary:
- R45 pasta special, Monday and Wednesday
- Traditional Italian dishes
- Free WiFi
Bella Italia
27 Derry street, Vredehoek.
Contact: 021 4610639
There is no website available, but click here for the review
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