Once upon a time you may have heard about a place that serves milkshakes so wonderful, so tall – so decadent that just the description prompted you into hopping into your car and driving straight to Long Street to experience the phenomenon yourself. You haven’t? Well, go now.
Royale Eatery in Long Street, Cape Town has a reputation. As I found out, it’s one reputation that has not been exaggerated.
Milkshakes. Being one who is often disappointed by the lack of imagination at most restaurants with regards to milkshake flavours and combinations I was thrilled to discover almost a whole page dedicated to these genius desserts. As our server suggested, we ordered two large (600ml) milkshakes to share – arriving in tall metal cocktail shaker type glasses with straws erupting in every direction and chilled to perfection. After much deliberation it was decided that neither the Honeycomb nor the Choc-Coconut could win the title of ‘Best Milkshake’ and many more visits would be needed in order for this accolade to be awarded. Win-Win situation I’d say…
Burgers. If you’ve heard the stories about the milkshakes then you’ve heard about their legendary gourmet burgers too. Homemade and creative in way of ingredients, creations and names it was like an outing to the scratch patch – gem after precious stone after gem. We filled the cosy store with our shrieks of amusement at descriptions, names and delicious sounding foodie items: a fat bastard; Uncle Morris; a Bop Bop with Mama’s Son of a b*tch sauce; a veal burger, an ostrich burger, fish burgers and much to my delight – a page of fresh, exotic vegetarian burgers.
On that deliciously attractive vegetarian note I must compliment Royale Eatery on catering for the minority so unapologetically. The fantastic thing was, we were two vegetarians and two carnivores – Michelle and I were both so pleasantly surprised at the delicious mound of ‘Googamooly’ we found on our plate: a soya, chickpea, lentil and sunflower seed patty with humus, guacamole and feta.
Aside from legendary burgers and milkshakes drawing in attractive and interesting-looking town-goers there are gourmet pizzas with toppings like brie, aubergine, jalapeño, spicy chicken, tomato pesto and chorizo. Decadent salads like Chickpea and Smoked Chicken; Roast Veg salad; Houlloumi salad and seared tuna salad. Colourful cocktails like a strawberry and basil mule; Mango and Coconut Batida; Royale made from rosemary-infused vodka, Chambord black raspberry liqueur and litchi juice and a 750ml shooter shaker that serves 24 shots for R78.
The small restaurant-cafe is also cleverly decorated with sophisticated knickknacks, a wall of hats, cartoon-type paintings and blackboards housing specials. The menu was so appealing that I was tempted to steal it and display it on my book shelf – a hard cover menu with old school recipe book drawings, headings and a font that boasts nothing besides simplicity. The service was excellent and even the bill was pleasant to receive – folded into a silver pail advertising “See you next Wednesday”.
I was thoroughly pleased to find the rumours and reputations quite understated and in need of further spreading – I would recommend Royale Eatery and, as previously mentioned, will be back periodically myself 
*This was meant for my reviewme account but a stunning colleague of mine beat me to it!
