Depasco - The forgotten deli

I remember being pretty impressed when Depasco opened up. I used to go there all the time. Like two friends who grow apart for no reason, I kind of lost touch with it. I haven't been there for ages. As I sat there having lunch earlier today I kept asking myself the same question: Why not?

If you had to categorise the place it would fall into the deli/bakery group but the decor almost makes it something more substantial. Huge columns are tiled with tiny mirrored mosaics (a look that I loved so much I used when renovating my own house), there is a tropical-kind-of-vibe wallpaper that is prominent behind the counter where the food is on display and there are vintage couches and leather chairs to chill on if you want. Otherwise there are some communal tables and a few smaller ones. 

The range of products on display at the counter is pretty impressive. They seem to enjoy showcasing stuff that has been packaged beautifully. When you put it all together it becomes pretty awesome and a feature in itself. And then there are the baked goods. Bloody hell. Loads of breads, croissants, pastries, muffins blah blah blah. This place actually made its name serving soup in bread bowls that you ate afterwards so they clearly are aware that they need to try a few different things. 

Anyway, I was there for lunch so maybe we should talk about that. I nailed a balsamic-chicken sandwich on rye (obviously I told them to hold the mayo) and a smoothie made from strawberry juice, bananas  and mixed berries. Both sound pretty boring on paper - and maybe they are - but they were done really well. Really well. Fresh. Tasty. How many times do I need to say it. If you have the best quality, seasonal ingredients you're halfway there.  

The meal, with a bottle of sparkling water, cost sixty bucks. That's cheaper than Kauai. Really, do I need to write any more? 

For those of you who don't know (I'm not judging but HONESTLY, where have you been?) Depasco is at the bottom of Kloof Street. Number 8 I think. They might not be the flavour of the month at the moment but they're still around, and they're still busy. In these times, that's a very, very good sign. 

Cheers,

Jamie Who. 

P.S. I left my camera at home so I'm afraid this becomes my first post without an image. Sorry peeps. The irony is, this was the type of place that I really would've liked to have shot. Next time, I promise...