Chef Darian cooks up a storm at Hope Floats Cafe.

Portuguese chicken salad at Hope Floats Cafe.

WHEN blowing large amounts of spare cash on eating out has reduced the stash under your mattress and starved the piggy bank, it’s time to track down a cafe with a well-priced menu, where the food is good and the surroundings pleasant. Try Hope Floats Cafe at The Hub in Chisipite, where Chef Darian cooks up a storm five days a week, and patrons keep coming back for more.

When George and I arrived for an early lunch at Hope Floats last Saturday, all the tables in the garden were taken, but front of house manager Lollie found us a table on the cool and shady verandah, that was just as good. The kitchen closes at 12.30 pm on a Saturday, so we checked out the menu, and made rapid choices. The authentically spiced Portuguese chicken salad ($7) was large and delicious. Served on a bed of gem lettuce, carrot ribbons, avo and cucumber, it was resplendent under a creamy dressing.

Several rungs up from a traditional ploughman’s lunch of bread, cheese and pickle, the ploughman’s platter ($7.50) included some freshly-sliced prosciutto and salami. Two types of cheese, pickled onions, chutney, crackers and toasted French bread made this an easy-to-eat meal on a hot summer’s day.

There was just enough time to order a dessert and a coffee. Chef Darian’s lemon meringue pie ($2.50) was a joy to behold, and even better to eat. The shortcrust pastry was friable and melt-in-the-mouth, the lemon custard smooth yet zesty, the towering swirl of meringue both fluffy and crisp. Some acquaintances at a nearby table told us that they drive all the way from Northwood every week to eat lemon meringue tart at Hope Floats. Another favourite of theirs is the ham and cheese quiche, which was off the menu by the time we arrived.

There’s a wide selection of hot drinks available, including Petalilli herbal teas, Rooibos and Tanganda tea, our national drink. Tafadzwa, the accomplished barista, makes a variety of coffees and hot chocolate in three sizes – short, tall and grande. I was inclined to order bulletproof coffee, made with additives of coconut oil and butter and said to be energy-inducing, but settled for filter coffee ($1). A fragrant blend of Brazilian and Ethiopian coffee beans, it was the perfect choice.

Darian told us that he had learned his cooking skills from his mum, his partner in Hope Floats. Before opening Hope Floats a year ago, he had been involved in IT, and a personal trainer in a gym. Tall and well-built, Darian balances his love for good food with a workout in the gym, whenever time permits.

George and I lingered over our coffee, reluctant to leave the tranquil environment. Lollie’s young brother, who is attending cookery school, had been conscripted to help out on a Saturday morning, and tables and chairs were being stacked. Darien, Lollie and Tafadzwa run a tight ship, but they seemed relaxed and enjoying the challenges of running a busy cafe.

There’s no liquor licence at Hope Floats, but if you fancy a bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon with your Thai beef Salad, or Chardonnay with your feta and caramelised onion quiche, a wine shop is soon to open at The Hub.

After breakfast, lunch or coffee and cake at Hope Floats, visit a number of interesting retail outlets at The Hub. Admire silver jewellery, and feast your eyes on fabrics, knitting yarns, embroidery thread and dress patterns. Explore the spice shop, visit a picture framer, and even have your hair styled. It’s all happening at The Hub. –  A Matter of Taste with Charlotte Malakoff

Hope Floats Cafe
14 Hindhead Avenue
Chisipite
Monday – Friday 9 am – 4 pm
Saturday – 9 am – 12.30 pm
Sunday – closed
Mobile: 0776 575 854
Comments to: cmalakoff@gmail.com