Quaint coffee shop offers treats to whet appetite for art and food

THE Flying Penguin Cafe at Samrec is a delightfully quaint coffee shop specialising in well-priced eats and treats.

An outstanding feature is the glass-top, hand- crafted tables, which each contain a layer of sand "garnished" with a specific shell type from Nelson Mandela Bay's beaches.

The paper nautilus shell, an egg casing made by an argonaut octopus, is the most impressive, particularly since diners can read a little more about this fascinating creature as they eat. "We serve toasted sandwiches for R20, cooldrinks for R10 as well as filter coffee and cakes," manager Michelle Brackenridge said. "We find that the restaurant provides a family experience, and we have had birthday parties for young ones as well as some 21sts. We also cater for mini- conferences."

The walls are also adorned with the works of local artists which are for sale, including well-known Schoemakerskop local Luc Hosten, and the prices will not put a hole in the pocket.

As a recommendation, Brackenridge's cheesecake is not to be missed. It is light and airy, but not too sweet.

The Flying Penguin is open from 10am to 4pm every day.