Author Archives: Nomfundo Myeni

Nomfundo Myeni is currently obtaining her degree in Creative Brand Communications at the Vega School of Brand Communications. She's an art lover, be it fine art, music, literature and photography. Literature, however, is her ultimate soul-mate. Besides that, she loves to relax and unwind over a good meal, good music and good company. She's that girl you just want to hang out with.

Meet me at eleven forty five

Café eleven forty five has been up and running for over five years now, however, it came alive in 2010 when Lynne Glauber got handed the keys and sat in the take-over seat, all pumped up and ready to give new meaning and breathe new life on Conrad drive. And indeed, she has done exactly that.

Café eleven forty five is one of those places one can’t help but be drawn to. Its’ warmth and its’ “feel at home” nature is more than captivating – it is liberating. Here I was, planning on having some good ol’ coffee to get rid of the winter chills, but suddenly there I was, slouched on the chair, having the sensational flavour of Cappuccino manifesting itself on my taste buds, followed by a freshly baked slice of carrot cake while having a good conversation with Lynne, and yes, we are on first name basis. I guess it was that easy for me to relax.

I couldn’t help but notice how well Lynne and her staff get along. It was amazing to see how the atmosphere of the place is drawn by the personalities of the people running it. Café eleven forty five is not only about running a business or delivering a service. It’s about interacting with its customers, getting to know what they like and dislike, what makes them tick, who they are and what drives them.

It becomes more personal and when you’re an regular customer, one can’t help but relax and feel at home. I noticed quite a few people with their laptops enjoying some fair-trade coffee served with a delicious biscotti on the side, (and yes I know it’s delicious!) and if it wasn’t that then a slice of something sweet to tickle the taste buds.

It was a great feeling indulging in a slice of cake, knowing that it was freshly baked and not pre-ordered elsewhere. Café eleven forty five thrives on distinction and all their freshly prepared food whispered in my ear and told me this. Continue reading →

Filed under: Reviews, Bakery, Coffee, Food & Wine, Joburg, Restaurants, Reviews

Loving the Main Vibe…

Looking at its success and current state now, I find it a tad bit hard to believe that Arts on Main (the inception of the Maboneng Precinct) is a product of a rundown, shabby building discovered in an industrial wasteland in the Eastside of Johannesburg. Indeed, it is a diamond in the rough, yet its atmosphere is nothing less than priceless.

Maboneng- “A place of light”, is exactly that. Arts on Main spoke to me. I couldn’t resist the atmosphere, the people, the art, the food and the music (but mainly the art). The people are laid-back. It’s as though a swarm of artists flew in and passively formed the epitome of relaxation.

The symphonic melodies of salsa graced the atmosphere, as though the music was manifesting itself in the midst of all the fun and serenity. I was tempted to go on the roof top and join the others in swaying my hips to the melody, however, the competition was tight. I couldn’t compete with the tempo and all that sexiness.

In great company in a space where one can’t help but be drawn to creativity, I acquainted myself with the galleries. However the David Krut Projects personally whispered in my ear and lured me into its creative den. I’m a huge William Kentridge fan and having to personally view and analyze his artworks was nothing but an honor.

While on my path of insane excitement, I stumbled upon an artist called Maja Maljević, whose somewhat abstract artworks got us tilting our heads, debating about what was being portrayed in her work. What looked like a piano to one looked like fingers to the other.

This gallery has had exhibitions not only by William Kentridge but, prominent artists like Diane Victor, (also one of my favourites) Deborah Bell, Mary Wafer, Mischa Fritsch, Julian Opie, Chris Ofili and many, many more. David Krut is not only an art gallery, however, it’s also a print room and bookstore.

As for the food, the stalls can really give one a tough time in selecting what to indulge in, however there’s enough food to go around for all different kinds of tastebuds. I couldn’t resist the beef sandwich that Something Fresh had to offer. Continue reading →

Filed under: Places, Arts & Culture, Joburg, Retail, Reviews

Definitely Not Just Coffee!

I was walking on my way back home from a friends place and I couldn’t help but notice this colorful fence. It spoke to me. I decided to pop in and acquaint myself with the atmosphere and I must say, not only are the colors warm and friendly, but so are the people.

I decided to get comfortable and try to establish both the frame and portrait of Just Tonight Josephine (dress shop) by sipping on a good cup of Cuppucino and indulging on a slice of Lemon meringue at their Just Coffee Café in Jan Smuts Avenue, Randburg. The flamboyant feel of the scenery and how distinct the interior and the exterior is, jumps out at you at first glance. Just Tonight Josephine’s has been breathing for over six years now. The name was inspired by “Not Tonight Josephine” (the supposed response by Napoleon Bonaparte when declining sex with Empress Joséphine). And just recently they opened a coffee shop in their premises, all in the name of taking good care of their customers.

Just Tonight Josephine is a dress shop that prides itself on exclusivity. It has a certain elegance and ambience about it that is inconspicuously expressive and diverse. With over 2000 options, ranging from matric dance wear, to that black tie event that needs that elegant black tie nuance, moving on to Latin-American and ballroom dancing wear for the sexy and I must say, flexible, as well as the immortal masquerade ball wear. They also sell accessories and shoes, and yes, everyone has a size. I’m talking about sizes that range from 28-46. Everyone can now look young and sexy! Women of all different personalities, shapes and forms are considered. Not forgetting the mens section as well as the kids – all at an affordable price mind you.

This shop has only female staff, empowering women to be independent and strong forces of society. They are inspired by the everyday women that wake up everyday to be a part of that paper-chase. From the corporate independent well-established woman, to the street vendor on the side of the road. Continue reading →

Filed under: Reviews, Clothing & Accessories, Coffee, Fashion, Food & Wine, Joburg, Shopping

Living La Vida Liquid

LiquidChefs, AKA Liquids, is one of the many prominent, pocket places in Rosebank, Johannesburg. It is the perfect escape for both the working class and the allowance class – yes, I’m talking about students. The thing about having a cocktail bar, lounge and café in The Zone in Rosebank, is that after a long, shopping escapade one needs to relax and unwind and this can be done by simply stepping into the Liquid world and embracing the Liquid Culture.

First things first though: LiquidChefs is not for the boring and stagnant! It’s for the young and sexy, bold and crazy, as well as fun and friendly. It’s a small and intimate place. One can’t help but notice the ambience filling the room and the diverse culture being the blanket that covers the scenery. Continue reading →

Filed under: Reviews, Cocktails, Food & Wine, Joburg, Nightlife, Restaurants, Reviews