With the frenzied buildup to the Royal wedding reaching near fever pitch this past weekend, it was only fitting that the inaugural High Tea launch of Tokai’s newest sweet hot spot, Sweet Cillie’s Cakery, be held on the same day (Saturday, 19 May 2018). What better way to celebrate the Royal nuptials then with a fancy High Tea!
My interest was piqued the moment I received the launch invitation, since I seldom indulge in decadent delights. But I went the extra mile for you, my dear readers, as I am sure there are many of you that enjoy sweet treats.
As I made my way to the entrance of this warm and welcoming Cakery, situated on the bustling Tokai Main Road opposite the Blue Route Mall, I soon found that this was a High Tea with a difference.
Stepping inside the quaint and charming Cakery, you immediately feel at ease when you realize that this is a more relaxed and casual version of the usual “fancy” High Tea offering. The pretty decor is filled with light pink and dark grey colours, a cute cupcake clock and shelves stocking all sorts of goodies from local producers. The white tables are simply but beautifully decorated.
And then, of course, there was the High Tea table laden with all sorts of delectable sweet and savoury treats (yes, they make delicious savoury delights too!). I think we were all drooling as our eyes fell upon the mouth-watering feast before us while we clicked away with our cameras.
But before we tucked in, we began with an interesting Carmien Tea and Chocolate pairing experience. This was a first for me. I have a fair amount of experience with wine and cheese or wine and chocolate pairings, but tea and chocolate? Who knew this combination could be so tasty. Each of the three tea varieties were carefully matched to a selection of chocolates and complemented the flavours perfectly. This is a definite must-do activity for avid tea lovers!
Owner and baker extraordinaire at Sweet Cillie’s Cakery, Cilla De Jonge (affectionately known as Cillie), chatted to us briefly and told us a bit more about the Cakery. Cillie opened her first little cake shop in Fish Hoek in 2010, after living and working in the States for ten years where she studied to become a pastry chef. After about four years in Fish Hoek, she moved to Stellenbosch with her husband where Cillie sold her baked delights at popular markets such as Blaauwklippen Market and Lourensford Market.
Kim van Niekerk from Fusion Design introducing Cilla aka Cillie.
Cillie talks passionately about her love for baking.
This local neighbourhood gem opened its doors in September 2017 and already enjoys a loyal following. It is a homely place to relax with a cuppa, savour a slice of yummy cake and catch up with friends. All savoury goods are made by Cilla’s new Chef and I can personally vouch for the fact that the pastry is super light, flaky and simply heavenly! No gelatin, pork or alcohol products are used at all and while the High Tea is suitable for vegetarians, they do not cater for vegans or Halaal as yet.
I could’ve demolished this entire platter of salmon and cream cheese sandwiches by myself!
So what can your tastebuds expect? They are in for a very happy time while indulging in all sorts of High Tea yumminess! The incredible spread was visually appealing and beautifully presented. We began with the savoury treats and after taking a bite or two, I could easily have helped myself to another plate. But I managed to contain myself just in time!
Anything with salmon is a winner for me. The salmon sandwiches topped with cream cheese and caper berries were so delicious. As were the dainty savoury pies – light and fluffy with moreish fillings such as creamy chicken and mushroom (my favourite), feta and spinach and curry mince. The mini quiches and devilled eggs were also very tasty. Traditional cucumber sandwiches were on offer too.
On to the sweet stuff! The smorgasbord of tantalizing treats will delight anyone that craves a little sweet something. Or in this case, A LOT of sweet somethings! You will be spoilt for choice. The table was filled with adorable red velvet and carrot cake cupcakes, perfectly baked moist chocolate brownies, petite scones, dainty bite-sized lemon meringue tartlets (exquisite!), various flavoured macarons and heavenly crème brûlée in tiny teacups, to name just a few! Accompanied by a cup of tea (or cappuccino in my case), this was a sumptuous feast made with dollops of love that I will not forget anytime soon.
These dainty lemon meringue tartlets were sublime!
How pretty are these teacups and saucers?
Terbodore caffeine fix.
Cillie very kindly gave us each a box to fill with treats to take home. I have no doubt that the High Tea will become very popular, so be sure to book well in advance as there is limited space (20 guests is the maximum). It will be held every third Saturday of each month from 3pm. The next High Tea will take place on Saturday, 16 June 2018. The Cakery is available for private functions such as baby showers and kitchen teas. They are also open for breakfast and light lunches.
I know I’ll be popping in again soon for my coffee and savoury fix. Perhaps a small sweet treat too 🙂 It isn’t often that you find a lovely, welcoming space with friendly and attentive service and amazingly delicious treats.
Have you been to visit this delightful Cakery yet? Let me know what you like most about it.
Yours in Food xoxo
It’s all in the details. In reality, this cute little fork is no longer then my thumb.
Location: Corner Lente and Tokai Road, Tokai, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
For bookings or enquiries: 074 192 8547.
Price for the High Tea: R245 per seat (children 12 and under R185) Unlimited tea and coffee is available during the High Tea.
Operating hours:
Monday – Friday: 7:30AM – 5:30PM
Saturday: 9:00AM – 2:00PM
Sunday: CLOSED
For more info, updates and pure yumminess, follow them on Facebook and Instagram.
Please note – I was hosted by Fusion Design. All views and images are my own unless otherwise indicated.
* Headline image courtesy of Fusion Design.
