By Marica
Rose and I recently had a “town day” – a tradition we instituted after our move from our beloved little Victorian office in Kloof Nek to our current studio in Edgemead. We use our town day to soak up some of the City Bowl-inspiration & zing and to have a good scratch around Town for new or hidden treasures. We found one such treasure tucked away in an inconspicuous part of Longmarket Street.
Dear Me is a new brasserie & bar that opened earlier this year in a stunning 181 year-old, three storey building. Architect & urban designer Mario Bonadei undertook the massive task of restoring the geriatric building. It must have been no easy feat renovating the building to former glory whilst making allowance for the integration of the funky contemporary interiors designed by Francois du Plessis.
The trendy brasserie & deli occupies the ground floor. The predominantly white & gray interior with just a touch of fresh green and some natural timbers here and there compliment the exposed masonry of the existing building beautifully. I love the slightly industrial-looking glass pendant lights over the deli counter and the beautiful green honeycomb-like wine racks under the staircase.
Another quirky little feature is the various potted plants hanging upside down from the ceiling (wonder who waters it every week?) The quirky wall and mirror designs were designed by illustrator Daniel Ting Chong – quite playful.
Rose immediately recognised the beautiful crate-like (and slightly Provencial) storage & display unit as the fine craftsmanship of our friends at Moorgas & Sons.
The first floor is mainly used for functions. Open to the staircase is a funky little interlude lounge with quirky retro furniture and decor and a beautiful private dining area containing the “Chef’s Table” which hosts the Thursday evening food and wine pairing.
The private function room offers a blank canvas with its pure white walls and floors and the beautiful crystal chandeliers add just a touch of glamour and elegance.
The top floor contains the striking rooftop bar, Tjing-Tjing, that opens up to a lovely rooftop balcony (perfect for warm summer nights). The dominant feature of this intimate loft space is the beautiful existing timber roof beams, a rustic contrast against the bold & glossy blood-red bar with its gorgeous Tom Dixon brass pendant lights.
Another beautiful element is the black & white photo-collage wallpapered wall with the crochet-patterned mandala-like feature.
Even though this Tjing-Tjing is said to be Chinese-inspired it reminds me somewhat of a Russian tearoom – it must be the brilliant red bar counter and shiny faux leathers (maybe it’s a little of both like Tretchikoff’s Chinese Girl).
Chef Vanessa Marx makes delicious unpretentious food and the menu is changed daily. They have recieved glowing reviews so far….well worth a visit.
What an awesome find – Rose, I think we should have town days more often…
Images courtesy of Dear Me (thanks Ilse & Liza)
Dear Me: 165 Longmarket StreetCape Town Tel no: 021 422 4920
Fax no: 021 422 4815
info@dearme.co.za
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The Design Tabloid 
Oh Dearie Me indeed… What a fabulous find. I’m so enjoying this blog and am really glad I subscribed. Keep up the great work – us landscapers seem to forget sometimes that there’s actually something worth seeing inside. *grins*
Oh Lee, you just crack us up! So glad you enjoyed it, hope to hear more of your humorous self in the future!
(P.S. I supposed the same could be said about us Interior Designers – too busy flipping through paint swatches to go outside and smell the roses)
Definitely looks like it’s worth a visit. Now, do tell please, from one “out-of-town” gal to another – where the hell do you PARK when you go into town??
Ana, first you have to pray very hard for a parking spot to open up (in fact, you might have to steal it from another waiting motorist) and then when you actually find one (2km away from where you truly want to be of course), I hope your parallel parking skills are up to scratch (mine isn’t). Then pay the (sometimes not so friendly) parking guard an exorbitant amount of cash in order for you to park there for 15min. Parking in the city is a breeze…not.
Hmmm…yes… When are we going?
Soon, soon, soon. I’ve heard the breakfast is to die for…