EATING OUT

Baakens Bistro a cosy new Port Elizabeth find

Restaurant takes the place of the Friendly Stranger in Upper Valley Road


There’s a cosy eatery in the Baakens that might be new but doesn’t feel like a stranger.
The Friendly Stranger in Upper Valley Road is no more but in its place, in the same historical stone building, you’ll now find Baakens Bistro, which is every bit as laid-back and inviting as its predecessor.
The new owners – business partners and friends Will Marais and Johan de Jager – are moving to Port Elizabeth from Rustenburg, where Will is a pastor and Johan the owner of a successful functions venue and catering concern.
Bay high flyers like Buli G, the inimitable “Mrs Claw” (aka Carole Law), Heinrich K Schmidt of Heinz in Style and Mr PE UberMANn Ofentse Boloko were all there to enjoy the entertainment, sample tasters from the menu and give a proper friendly city welcome to the newcomers at the opening function in November.
Why Port Elizabeth, you might ask? Will completed his primary school years here before his family relocated up north. He spent the past few years in Rustenburg as founder and senior pastor of His Vision Church, but always dreamt of returning to the Bay.
He and Johan are moving here permanently, with wives and young families in tow.
Both say they were instantly smitten with the quaint little eatery on a business visit earlier in 2018. They inquired if the building was for sale and in no time found themselves the new owners.
“It was all meant to be,” Will said.
They retained most of the Friendly Stranger staff but Johan, given his experience in the food industry, came up with his own menu.
The mezze boards were impressive at the opening and I thoroughly enjoyed the squid and chorizo skewers.
The launch was organised by Melvin Iverson and Cameron Millar of Yo! Media, who also had a hand in the quirky SA decor.
The basement space was redesigned to allow for a more functional kitchen, Melvin said, but I was relieved to find the comfy red Chesterfield couch was still there, only in a different spot!
The building known as Shamrock House is one of PE’s oldest and has had many previous incarnations, including as a shop where surfboards were made.
Melvin said they were trying to find out more about it. “All we know is that it housed the harbour master in the early years of Port Elizabeth.” Baakens Bistro, 082-560-8888, is open from 7.30am on weekdays and 9am on Saturdays ( closed on Sundays). Dinners are served Wednesday to Saturday.

FREE TO READ | Just register if you’re new, or sign in.



Questions or problems? Email helpdesk@heraldlive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00.

Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.

Speech Bubbles

Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.