I can’t work out if the name “The Dressing Room” means to add secret drizzle to salad in a room, stand in-line for an autograph backstage or it’s (actually not) a boudoir…?

Nevertheless, this brand new Café Eatery opened today at Weylandts Flagship store in Greenpoint, Cape Town.

Sister duo Jess and Kim Jordan are getting suited up daily, to dish up their very tasty fresh food in the designer showroom. The show’s rider: Harvest platters (á la Ottolenghi vibes), seasonal brunch dishes and the usual best sellers – pastries.

The aesthetic is simple and earthy – showing off their aprons and the menu boards, in true Weylandts style of modern design with the textures of nature.

It’s that uncomplicated, effortless look and then boom there is a feature wall that steals the stage! You have to visit just to see it! Obviously.

The added ingredient is that ever-exclusive wow factor served in the selection of suitable table attire and seating arrangements, with the understated edge we indulge and appreciate of this house.

The trim, however, is that which is featured on your plate and the exuberant colour palette of genuinely fresh ingredients, both look like love and taste like home.

Cue: Eloquent execution

Needless to say I flew in like a frenetic wet wasp (talking on the phone) fresh out an Uber and the day’s cloud burst, drenched between my to do list, deadlines and an online auction. You can only imagine the scene, clad with a wheelie-bag, my new work accessory and good concept to cart paperwork and decor samples around in a rush… I mean have you ever? But it’s genius! And no, it does not match by vintage leather BV. Yet.

Anyway, Jess grasped the situation, identified the “funger” in me and laid down a beautiful plate of flavourful food. Instantly appeased by the sight and taste of this Broccoli, any day of the week, I also had the Burnt Aubergine with Tahini and the most delectable Pumpkin with a Garlic sauce from space – it was sublime. Calmed by the cutlery and the stone under my fingertips, I even ventured into sorting out a furniture order that was also part of my circus, or should I say, today’s work flow, mind you.

The rest of first day spread was a choice of Chicken or an interesting Spanikopita salad that looked like it might be worth standing in that line for.

Curious as always to have a cortado, for selfish logistical reasons really and of course discernment, I have to say they knocked that one out of The Dressing Room door!

Cue: Autograph and the cup

Weylandts over the years has made these creative immersive spaces in their showrooms. Always intentional and a means to connect.

Remember Rennie and her magnificent floral sculptures that we swarmed to experience – Circa 2002’ish and then The Kitchen w. that oversized whisk, that had us all feel right at home, we either became interior decorators or decorated our interiors and now buy kitchenware at Weylandts. The benefit in that era was when you spent enough you were rewarded with Maison wine. Previous trim.

From an experiential brand point, this collaboration is a fabulous refresh, offers an inspired space and, as always, brings new energy. This next phase of the Weylandts vision, shared with these gals, gives a sense of soulfulness and a hands-on craftsmanship we all need front, center and even backstage… if that is the purpose, if not the recipe for the sauce.

The curtain call – well it’s definitely THE bookshelf. It is one to behold – but then again I’m biased… or do I just need to try the the artisanal focaccia next?

Follow: @thedressingroom_cafe

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