Thandi's

It all started with an idea, the right venue at the right time and an extraordinary amount of talent. Dutch-born Janneke Baveld saw an amazing opportunity and decided to make the most of it.

“I have always had a passion for designing and making clothes. So when the house on 139 Main Road, Bergvliet opened up, I decided it would be the perfect spot to sell my range of clothing named Thandi,” says Janneke, a former social worker.

Vibrant and energetic – the unique colours and quality of design and material immediately attracts your attention.

“I import most of my material from Holland and personally design every garment. I live by the motto that ‘nothing is impossible’ and if the clothes don’t fit, there’s just not enough fabric,” says Janneke while proudly smiling, and sporting one of her own exquisite dresses.

Thandi’s consisted of a single room in October 2010, where a variety of vivid coloured garments were on display, but soon Janneke realised that with the combined effort of other devoted crafters and a little help from a friend – Thandi’s could be much more than only a clothing store.

“For most of the artists their craft is their income. Unlike many other businesses, I believe in the principal that the creator should receive the bulk of the sale. Thandi’s should be viewed a place where artists help one another. I have metal workers, ceramics creators, jewellery makers and even carefully carpented wooden toys,” Janneke points out, as she strolls down the heart-covered passage. I am also an avid carpenter and I linked up with the carpenter training programme at Learn To Earn centre by providing some designs which they create for the shop.

Thandi’s designs are as funky as the decor in every room and as original as Rochelle’s menu. “My friend Rochelle is an amazing cook and it has always been her dream to open a restaurant. So we decided to add Rochelle’s kitchen to the comfortable and energetic interior of Thandi’s. Our guests can now enjoy a range of lovely, healthy meals, all made from the freshest ingredients. And deep fried chips? There is no such thing at Thandi’s. We believe in wholesome and nutritious food so try the wedges, adults and kids love them.”

Full Circle certainly had to be the judge of this, so after admiring the two separate clothing stores – one for adult and one for children – and taking a tour through the material room, stacked with the happiest coloured heaps of material and admiring every piece of artwork, intricate jewellery and each room’s unique decor, it was lunch time.

Light and frothy freshly squeezed juices, ranging from the typical orange juice (R16) to the unusual yet refreshing blend of carrot, orange and ginger (R18) are just some of the options. Whether it is tasty and energising mixed seasonal fruit salad with yoghurt, nuts and seeds (R30) for breakfast, a whole wheat or Rye sandwich as a late morning snack or the choice of a flavour-filled Cajun chicken salad with crunchy greens and cherry tomatoes for lunch (R45) – Thandi’s has it all. And if none of the options tickle your fancy dig into one of Rochelle’s succulent wraps. Vegetarian and free-range chicken options are available. We recommend the delicious Cajun chicken wrap (R50), if you feel like tantalising your taste buds.

Each meal is prepared with care, spices accurately chosen and fused into a meal that makes any patron’s mouth water, and to top it all off, the proof is really in the pudding.

Rochelle’s exquisite variety of muffins ranging from poppy-seed to a cleverly combined pistachio and cranberry mixture (R10); the soft texture accompanied by a sip of a freshly brewed cappuccino is the perfect end to your meal. Proving that even chocolate is beneficial to your health, this well-loved ingredient has been added to the menu, and guests can indulge in a Chocolate brownie (R10), rich and creamy – in short any chocolate-lover’s dream.

And if you are a parent, whether it is a quick business lunch or that all-girl’s coffee date that seems impossible when you have children around – never fear, Thandi’s is here.

“I wanted a space that would be relaxing and enjoyable for both parent and child. So while mom or dad grab a bite to eat and have a lengthy chat, the kids can play in my personally designed and safe play zone.”

Filled with a reading corner, puppets for a puppet show, a dolls house equipped with some kitchen utensils, a jungle gym designed by Dreamweavers or even the funky add-on of go-karts, Thandi’s has it all. And what will this cost you? “Only a cup of coffee,” says Janneke with a smile.

For more information about Thandi’s contact Janneke on 073 354 7965 or 021 712 2229 or visit the website for information on catering and venue hiring services www.thandi.co.za.