C'est La Vie!

I was taken out for breakfast today to a place I should have discovered long ago - C'est La Vie! It's a delightful bakery/cafe in Kalk Bay, opposite Dalebrook pool, with ample parking nearby overlooking the whales which are currently in residence along the False Bay coastline. Today the Kalk Bay reef was dotted with surfers, so there was plenty of action to keep me entertained until my friend arrived. Despite some years of roadworks along the Main Road, the contractors seem to be raising or lowering the manholes and so are chopping up their freshly laid tar all over again, causing minor traffic delays - I suspect this is their way of exercising traffic control, as some motorists are using the road as a race track now that it is open again, and one was clocked at 100km/h recently, an accident waiting to happen.

C'est La Vie is owned and run by a woman who trained in France in the traditional bread-making methods and other French confectionery, and the decor is simple but attractive. Seating is inside the shop, or through the kitchen to an outside area, which in summer would be a great option. The fare is bread or croissant-based and I chose a croissant amply filled with fluffy scrambled free-range eggs, perfectly crisped bacon and rocket. The croissant itself was not large, but was delicately melt-in-the-mouth and the whole eating experience was one that I was reluctant to end! It was without doubt a gourmet experience in the simplest possible way. The cappuccino was rich and full-bodied without being harsh, but I would have preferred a larger cup! Portions are not large, but entirely sufficient, and you can expect to pay a little more than usual, but only a little - and cash will be required as no cards are accepted.

They are closed on a Monday and Tuesday, but I would highly recommend a visit, particularly after a spot of whale watching or a stroll on the walkway to Muizenberg along the seafront.