Confectioneries worth dipping?

After a long break involving coffee brewed into the late hours to sustain studying, we're back to keep the fine folks of Stellenbosch up to date on the best place to find that hot cuppa.

Dipped Confections is next on the list of stops in our greater quest, and centrally located in De Wet Square, proves to be a quick and delightful little stop tucked away in a sunny, quiet corner. A self described bakery and coffee shop, the emphasis is on the edible side of things and that shows in the drinks on offer.

Always looking for something a little out of the ordinary when it comes to caffeinated drinks, my eye was immediately drawn to the delicious list of lattes on offer, everything ranging from hazelnut to double chocolate cookie. Sounds delicious and unusual, no? The essential problem is that the drinks all taste like vanilla... Same consistency, same colour and quite frankly the same taste (the same applies to the mouthwatering list of milkshakes displayed on the on table menu). On a slightly incredulous inquiry to the waitress as to whether I had in fact ordered the correct drink, it was explained that they don't actually use any of the listed ingredients, it's merely a syrup that goes into a standard drink. Misleading (the menu shows cookies!) and at the premium prices charged for this "special" drink, it definitely left a less than sweet taste.

On a more positive note, there is a delicious dark chocolate coffee on offer that makes up for all the disappointment of the latte. Creamy, strong and hot, it is everything that a slightly unusual and delicious cup of coffee should be and is a definite recommendation if, strolling down Church street, you feel like slipping away into the atmosphere of a small cobbled courtyard somewhere in Europe.

PS:

No ordinary run of the 'Mill' coffee

After being thwarted a good three or four times in our determination to finally sample Mill Coffee House,we finally braved the cold and made our way to the corner of Dorp and Mill street. 

The verdict?

Mill's isn't one of the best known coffee shops in Stellenbosch for nothing. The coffee, a roast by the name of Caffé Tomeucci, is delightfully intense and smooth, no matter what form you decide to consume it in ( though the macchiato is especially so). The owner, who is on hand to chat which always adds to an already pleasant experience, reckons that if you're going to try a really good cup of coffee, the 3/4 is the drink for you. Basically it's described as a "big macchiato" and a definite must try 

And if a hot cuppa isn't quite what you're after (summer is approaching after all) then this delightful little coffee house wont disappoint, with an extensive range of smoothies, craft beers and "Rooibos iced coffee".

In addition to the really great coffee (as if we need more reason to be sold), Mill is also unique in the fact that it opens it's doors at 7am! So traipsing to the Neelsie at unholy hours is no longer necessary- your day can be started in this quiet and welcoming little corner of Stellenbosch. Plus, with a great menu of breakfasts and light lunches, and wifi for those workaholics who need good food, coffee and their laptops, there is really no excuse not to put this high up on the list of must try  coffee shops.

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