Breakfast at Café Maxim (thanks Dunhill!)

I absolutely LOVE the fact that tobacco companies are no longer allowed to advertise cigarettes. While that must probably suck for big ad agencies, it is fantastic for me and my friends (and I am sure a lot of other people!). Although I am not sure how the no-advertising has worked out in terms of decreasing the number of smokers or stopping teenagers from trying it out.

Since 2001 I have been to the most amazing parties thrown by Peter Stuyvesant, Lucky Strike, Dunhill and the likes. These include house parties in Bantry Bay mansions with the most luscious of culinary spreads and cocktails; watching international superstar bands like Cypress Hill performing at secret locations like an airport hangar with planes taking off in the background; more intimate gatherings with hair and nail grooming thrown in. And today, a ladies (and one guy) brunch at Café Maxim in Green Point courtesy of Dunhill.

Firstly, what an awesome venue. It is situated on Waterkant Street quietly tucked away in front of Signal Hill. It used to be an old barn manor for Lord Somerset or something (if my ears heard correctly). What is special about Café Maxim is the bread that they serve:

Until Café Maxim, the fame of the Poilâne bread and indeed la tartine - imported French Poilâne bread served lightly toasted awakened with gourmet toppings – was not known in Africa. It has been the gourmet bread of choice with the likes of the Royal Family of Monaco and movie stars such as Al Pacino, for many years. Now, Café Maxim imports the Poilâne bread in to South Africa.

They import this bread directly from the bakery in France and it costs around R800 a loaf! That is about R40 a slice (20 slices per loaf). Apparently stars like Nicole Kidman and some other famous people order it from the same bakery. It was quite scrumptious I must say, although I am not sure I would pay R800 for a loaf.

Anyway, if tobacco companies were still allowed to advertise then I would not have had such an awesome brunch with my friends today or received a special gift (an omelette frying pan) either!

P.S., Dunhill nor Café Maxim know that I am writing this. It is my own opinion expressed out of my gratitude for a superb day!