Sip & Spill: Coffee, Community, and Catching Up in Benoni!
From hidden gems in Northmead to local franchise favorites, Benoni’s coffee culture is booming.
Coffee shops have become the sober watering holes of our community, yet many of the same unspoken social rules still apply. Chief among them is the long-standing advice to avoid politics and religion when starting a conversation. This guideline, however, proves remarkably difficult to follow whenever I catch up with my good friend, Lornette Joseph.
Lornette is a well-known ward councillor in Benoni, and I really do pride myself on finding new coffee shops in her ward for our get-togethers. Our most recent catch-up took place at a little gem called Café D’Oro and Deli, which is discreetly tucked away at The Loft, 14 Eighth Avenue in Northmead. PS, their panini is an absolute must if you visit them.
Lornette ordered a latte with the coffee served separately and cautiously added her espresso. “Don’t you like coffee?” I asked, questioning our friendship; she was rather adamant in her response: “I love coffee, it just doesn’t love me!” Basically, due to medical reasons, her caffeine intake needs to be regulated and reduced. There is a similar backstory to why she is also a vegetarian; however, it is something she doesn’t regret as a lifestyle choice.
Her love for animals is immense and extends beyond her six pets, her lifestyle choices, and the number of charities and fundraisers she champions to benefit all the creatures in our town.
Our conversation drifted in and out of politics and back to the topic of the growing number of coffee spots in Benoni, particularly in Lornette’s ward: “I am very spoilt for choice when someone says ‘Let’s meet for coffee’.” The numbers are growing all the time, with a comprehensive split between established franchise brands and respectable independents – with all the control of a seasoned political diplomat, Lornette would not be pushed into declaring a favourite.
Based on The Brewed Awakening’s Facebook page, it’s clear that Benonians are very passionate about their favourites, and while they are loyal, they definitely welcome new additions to our coffee landscape, the latest being the very fresh PLATO at the Cosmopolitan Lifestyle Centre on 14th Avenue in Northmead.
Whichever coffee shop gets your vote – enjoy your next brew!
