My family and I recently visited the Lavender Blue Market on a Sunday after church. This was our second visit although on the last visit we didn’t eat there as we were worried about the 13:00 closing time because we arrived there around 12:00. I couldn’t understand why such a busy establishment would close so early on a Sunday because during the week they close later. But then again I do not know their business model or target market, maybe people out here take naps in the afternoon.

SERVICE

 As we walked in I could see that most of the outside tables were occupied. I immediately saw the play area and was determined to get a sit close to it as we were with our three children. Walking in was a bit confusing due to the fact that we were not welcomed by anyone and had to find our own way. There was a lady at the door who kept looking at us but said nothing to us. I later figured she is the manager as I saw her give the staff a pep talk in the open plan kitchen.

We eventually found a place to sit right next to the play area. We moved three times to secure this prime location. We must have sat for a good five minutes before a guy (not a waiter) who was clearing tables came to us and explained that you get the menu inside the restaurant and place orders there too.  I do not know how they expect first timers to figure this out. After I got the menu I had to stand in line, place our order, and then was given a table number. I felt like I was at a take away joint.

The cashier also failed to explain that if one orders drinks one must immediately collect them unless it’s something that needs preparation like coffee, in which case they would bring it to the table. We were only told this after our food arrived at the table and we asked about the drinks. I found that there are a lot of assumptions about the customer that comes to this establishment, the biggest one being that that the customer is a returning customer and that customer knows how the system works.

Given their location and the wide variety of items on their property, they are well placed to capture first time visitors to their restaurant and as such improving their front of house service would benefit them greatly. After-sales service is also lacking as we sat there for a good hour after we finished eating before they cleared our table.

THE FOOD

I ordered the hot chick, which is a breakfast item which comes standard with two eggs, two slices of bread,tomatoes and spicy chicken liver. It was only after my dish arrived that I understood why there is a full and half portion, they are very generous in their plating. I thoroughly enjoyed this dish, especially the chicken livers which were well cooked, not bitter, tasty, flavourful and hot.

 

 

The letdown was the seeded bread which came buttered and with egg on top of it. This ruined it for me as I felt like someone in the kitchen decided how I should enjoy my bread. It would be great if they would relook this policy of buttering bread for the customer, given how health conscious customers have become. Besides it doesn’t look great.

My husband shared a similar concern regarding the bread after he ordered a salmon omelet which comes with toasted bread. His bread also came buttered. His other complaint was that he had to look for the salmon and they had added something other than the cream cheese which they promised would accompany the dish on the menu. It’s a pity he only mentioned this after they had cleared the food because I would have loved to taste that ‘something’ because when I placed the order I was told that there is no cream cheese. So I asked them to use cottage cheese, which as it turns out they didn’t have either. So I am left wondering what the substitute item was.

Come to think of it I was actually going to order an open salmon sandwich topped with avocado. That was until I got to the cashier and saw a No Avocado sign. The lack of ingredients on a busy day was disappointing.

The kids ate toasted sandwiches as there wasn’t anything on the menu specifically addressed at them. These toasts came with a choice of salad or potato wedges, the latter of which the kids enjoyed.

And while we were there my husband decided that he wants to buy country style seeded bread. I was against it because before that he was telling me how I have been sabotaging his diet efforts. So while I was busy attending to the baby, he decided to buy the bread. Imagine my horror when I later cut a slice of the bread and realized that it wasn’t cooked through. No wonder it was so heavy! I felt robbed remembering the price he paid for that loaf.

WHY GO THERE

It’s a great place for brunch, great coffee and fresh juice. You can also pick up some local fresh produce and visit the nursery. Your kids will love it, whether it’s watching the fish in the dam, or rolling on the grass, sandpit and swings. There is enough to keep them busy. And if this a pit stop, even better as the kids will get to play and stretch in the spacious play area while you enjoy a good cup of coffee in the  great outdoor sitting area.

Location: Old Gonubie Road, East London, 5205