Just to let you understand that I am not just a cheapskate. This morning, for the first time ever, I went to a little coffee shop, called Vida e Caffé. Now, anything franchised usually accrues my scorn in ample measure.
I just feel that there is something "inauthentic" about a franchise, as though the buyer of a franchised business is not a real businessman, because he is unwilling to take the risk of trying something new and making it work. To me it is lacking in passion.
Ok, enough of that. So I went to this place. Firstly, no prices, so I thought: "Ripoff Central."
Very friendly "Ola, welcome" when I walked in. I looked at the selection and gave up. I asked for a good coffee. The guys behind the counter immediately went, "Mocha, twenty rand, that's good coffee". Really friendly, confident and they did not hesitate. Kudos, dudes.
The service was FAST. They are trained to the hilt, even if it is just in making coffee and being nice guys. When the guy gave me the coffee, he told me that there was a lot of syrup in it, so I would not need sugar. If he had not told me that, this little stalking will have turned out very differently.
The shop itself is quite trendy, with some nice Latin music pumping, very vibey and urban. I can see the laptop and iphone crowd hanging here.
Taking a sip, I can easily say it was one of the best coffee experiences I have had in this town. I know, I know, it's not real coffee, it's some mocha thing, but I don't have a sweet tooth, I have a whole mouthful. Given that, it is still very balanced, not overpoweringly sweet or "chocolatey".
Evidently they also have a nice newsletter that goes out and a good loyalty program (thanks Kelley...)
Add to that the free Lindt 70% chocolate sample they gave me (On it's own probably worth R5), and I do not know how a take away coffee can get any better.
So, paying R20 for a cup of coffee is not too much, if the whole experience is worth it. Go there anyday.
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