Frani’s Restaurant: A Journey of Inspiration in Noordhoek

Living in Cape Town means staying within our comfort zones. We rarely venture to “the other side” of the mountain, a place that feels as distant and mysterious as Mars or the Twilight Zone. Convincing a typical Capetonian to explore an unfamiliar part of town is no small feat.

However, as newcomers, my bravery kicked in, and I mustered up the courage to drive over Ou Kaapse Weg to discover Noordhoek. It only took a couple of hours to gather the mental strength needed for this excursion. Finally, we made it to the beach in about 25 minutes…phew!

If you haven’t been to Noordhoek before, let me tell you, it’s absolutely incredible. It feels like a hidden gem, even though it’s only a short drive from Cape Town CBD. The best part is, it’s so peaceful and serene, with lush greenery and a beautiful, expansive beach that stretches as far as the eye can see. And trust me, even if there are a few other people there, it’s still pretty empty.

So, as you can imagine, after spending a day in the sun and sand, we were all pretty hungry. We needed to find a place that could cater to the appetites of three generations of our family. And let me tell you, it wasn’t an easy task.

I found myself at the Red Herring Trading Post on Beach Road in Noordhoek, just a short distance from the beach. I really love this place. To get to the shops and restaurants inside the Red Herring, you have to make your way through a dense milkwood forest. It’s like an adventure playground for kids, with all the traders nestled among the tree branches. When you finally emerge from where the Beach Cafe used to be, you’re greeted with breathtaking views of the beach and mountains.

Unfortunately, the Beach Cafe is no longer there. It has been replaced by Franieba’s Restaurant. This place calls itself Cape Malay, but the menu offers more than just that. You can find Cape curry, bobotie, calamari, fish and chips, burgers, and a variety of salads. The chalkboard menu has a little something for everyone, but it’s not as extensive as a small novel.

I’m telling you, the place we went to was absolutely stunning, and the way they treated us? It was like we were royalty. The girls had so much space to run around, and the staff paid so much attention to them. And don’t even get me started on the food. When it arrived, oh my goodness, it was out of this world. Every single dish was exceptional. The bobotie, seriously, it was the best we’ve ever had. And the calamari and fish? So fresh and delicious. Let’s not forget about the crispy chips and mouthwatering burger. And the presentation? Impeccable. We couldn’t help but stare at our empty plates, including the kids’, and that’s saying something. That’s when the waitress came over and dropped a bombshell – there was homemade lemon meringue pie available, and they had just taken a baked cheesecake out of the oven. When the cakes arrived, I kid you not, they were mind-blowing. Absolutely perfect. And we washed it all down with some espresso. Pure bliss.

Why am I sharing this with you? Am I suddenly a food critic? What’s so special about it? After all, there’s no shortage of delicious meals in Cape Town, right?

Well, let me explain. I’ve always dreamed of being a restaurant critic myself, but I have to admit, it wouldn’t be great for my waistline. Still, even in a city known for its incredible food scene like Cape Town, it’s not every day that you stumble upon a place like this – where home-cooked goodness, professional service, and reasonable prices come together in perfect harmony.

Now, the reason I’m really telling you all of this is because Franieba’s has an incredible story behind it. As I struck up a conversation with the waitress, she proudly shared that she was the chef’s daughter. She disappeared for a moment and returned with a laminated newspaper article from the Daily Voice. It turns out that the name of the restaurant, Franieba’s, is a creative combination of the names of its two owners: Francis Phalane and Monieba Moses.

My name is Frances, and I want to tell you a story about two incredible friends from Ocean View, a small town near the sea. You see, my dear friend Monieba and I have known each other for a whopping 18 years. It all started back when we both worked at the same restaurant in Simon’s Town, helping to make it a special place for all who visited.

Now, let me tell you about Monieba. She is a truly gifted chef, and I can’t help but envy her talents in the kitchen. And me? Well, I’ve always been the friendly face you see when you walk through the door – the front-of-house manager, they call it.

It was during our time working at The Beach Cafe that Monieba started to feel the weight of worry on her shoulders. You see, things weren’t going too swimmingly for the owner of the restaurant. Monieba began to wonder how she could support her family and keep her dreams alive.

One day, inspiration struck Monieba like a bolt of lightning. She thought, “What if I open my own restaurant in this very spot? It’s always been a dream of mine.” Excitedly, she reached out to me, Francis, to share her audacious idea. I must admit, I was a bit taken aback at first. I mean, gathering R20,000 for a lease? It seemed like an impossible task.

So, here’s the story. We scraped together every last penny we had and managed to snag the keys in February 2011. Problem was, we didn’t have a dime left for stocking up on goods. But hey, we weren’t about to let that stop us! We whipped out our RCS cards, which are kinda like credit cards, and went on a shopping spree for non-perishable stuff and mineral water.

Now, here’s where things get really interesting. Since we didn’t have any wheels of our own, we hopped on a bus from Ocean View to Long Beach Mall. And then, get this, we strolled all the way to Noordhoek carrying our precious cargo in our arms and on our backs. Yeah, it’s about an hour-long walk. Can you believe that? The best part is, sometimes we had to hoof it all the way back home because catching a ride at 6 p.m. can be a bit tricky. Talk about dedication, right? Oh, and here’s a little update: we both have bicycles now. Except poor Monieba got into a little accident and messed up her shoulder, so she’s back to walking. But she’s still whipping up those delicious dishes!

I’m debt-free now, apart from what I owe myself in salary. I have a team of four people working with me. Our very first dish was pilchard bobotie, and from there, we’ve expanded our menu. We also offer family meals for takeaway, and if you give us enough notice, we can whip up anything you’re craving.

It hasn’t been a great year for South Africa, as you may have heard in the news. There have been all sorts of problems – the Secrecy Bill, the ANC’s internal disputes, Julius Malema’s disciplinary proceedings, the president appointing a Chief Justice on a whim, and the sanitation issues in Khayelitsha, to name but a few.

Hey there! I wanted to tell you a story that’ll brighten your day. It’s about two amazing women and their families who are running a business that deserves all the success in the world. They’re hardworking, talented, and determined, and their story is truly inspiring.

Next time you’re in Cape Town, or even if you live there, make sure to visit Franieba’s Restaurant. It’s a fantastic place, especially if you have kids. They’ve got a massive jungle gym right in the middle of the restaurant, surrounded by a beautiful Milkwood Tree. And if you happen to spot those two women walking on Noordhoek Beach or cycling down Noordhoek Rd with their arms full of delicious food, why not lend them a hand or give them a pat on the back?

See, these women aren’t confined by limitations or fear. They’ve taken a chance and worked incredibly hard to make their dreams come true. They’re a true inspiration, showing all of us that we can achieve whatever we set our minds to. So let’s celebrate their dedication and courage, and support businesses like Franieba’s that deserve our love and attention.

Franieba’s Restaurant

Welcome to Franieba’s Restaurant, located at the Red Herring Trading Post on Beach Rd in Noordhoek. Our phone number is 021-789-0122.

At Franieba’s, we understand the importance of finding the perfect place to enjoy a delicious meal. That’s why we pride ourselves on offering a dining experience that is both satisfying and unforgettable.

When it comes to choosing the right restaurant, there are a few key factors to consider. First and foremost, the quality of the food is paramount. At Franieba’s, we take great care in preparing each dish, using only the freshest ingredients to ensure a burst of flavor in every bite.

But it’s not just about the food. The atmosphere and ambiance of a restaurant can greatly enhance the dining experience. That’s why we’ve created a warm and inviting space at Franieba’s, where you can relax and savor your meal in comfort.

Additionally, we understand that excellent customer service is crucial. From the moment you step through our doors, you’ll be greeted with a friendly smile and treated with the utmost care and respect. Our attentive staff is always on hand to answer any questions you may have and provide recommendations if needed.

When it comes to interpreting your dining preferences, we take into account your individual needs and dietary restrictions. Whether you’re a vegetarian or have food allergies, we have options available that cater to a variety of tastes and requirements.

So, if you’re looking for a restaurant that offers exceptional food, an inviting atmosphere, and top-notch customer service, look no further than Franieba’s. We guarantee that once you’ve experienced the Franieba’s difference, you’ll keep coming back for more.

Make a reservation today and treat yourself to an unforgettable dining experience!