2 minute read

DON’T KILL MY VIBE

GODDESS GARDEN CAFÉ OPENS UP IN RIETONDALE

#HelloPretoria

by Renate Engelbrecht Images: Supplied; Renate Engelbrecht

At Goddess Garden Café Rietondale, it’s all about the vibe. A bold, pink and often al fresco vibe. This dining and events destination was bound to be different, catering for a largely Afrikaans community, and while some of it resembles what we’ve so quickly come to love about the Goddess Café brand, there are certain elements that make it unique.

Anelda Martin (53), the owner of Goddess Café says the Moot was an untapped market and they jumped at the opportunity to buy a property, rather than leasing. Located in the space where the well-known Laughing Chefs restaurant was initially based, the Rietondale property comes with great character. We’re talking wooden floors, pressed ceilings and magnificent fireplaces.

Not to mention the beautifully manicured gardens and ample space ideal for private functions and parties. All in all, this garden café is a home away from home, especially for women.

No men, you ask? Well, they do cater for men with a Goddess Boyfriend Breakfast on the menu, but you’ll have to tune into your feminine side as everything here is a fusion of florals and fuchsia. So, prepare your senses for pink drinks, neon lights and a feast of flowers. The menu is currently still the same in all four Goddess Cafés, but there are plans to customise it to each store’s patrons.

Anelda has owned many businesses in the past and therefore it won’t be strange if another Goddess Café pops up somewhere soon. She says: “We don’t plan, we wait for opportunities to come our way. We would love FUN FACT What do Goddess Café patrons prefer? Linden: Vegetarian and colour. Waterkloof: Meaty and classical. Southdowns: Sweetness and party vibes. Can you guess what Goddess Garden Café Rietondale’s patrons would love most?

to open another store toward the end of 2023. It will be in Joburg.”

Her love for beautiful things and letting you experience the art of hospitality with all five senses is what brought her to the restaurant industry fifteen years ago.

You might remember the Isabella’s – her popular cake and food franchise - which she later closed. Now, currently on her fourth Goddess Café, she’s clearly hit a niche market. The blossoming concept started in Waterkloof in 2019. It is here, at Waterkloof Corner where many Pretorians would come for their drive-in fix - beautifully plated and brought to your parking bay on a glimmering tray - during the Covid-19 lockdown. Luckily, things are now back to normal and there are now also Southdowns and Linden stores, as well as Goddess Garden Café Rietondale, Est. October 2022.

Have your furry friend join you for a bite. Goddess Garden Café Rietondale has a special Pooch Menu with at least four different meal options, as well as complimentary peanut butter doggy treats. H Q @goddesscafesa