Re a di busa at Musas
Michelle Phetlhe | Tuesday August 23, 2022 06:00
Whether it was food dishes he was posting on his socials, food photography or a new project, I couldn’t help but notice. Everything he does has a high standard of quality.
In all this time we have only ever had online interactions, acknowledging each other’s work in the kitchen. Musa says he has been cooking since he was six-years-old, living with his grandparents.
He says his granny sold khadi and traditional brew. When it would get busy, as the only child in the household the cooking was left to him. He remembers his first meal being an incredibly under cooked rice and stew, but he didn’t give up and the results are proof of persistence.
He was quick to chip in: “However, to this day my mother says she's never had fat cakes as good as the ones I made back then.” In 2013 posting his dishes on social media led to him being approached to partner in the opening of a restaurant, unfortunately that was short-lived. But when things are written in the stars, then timing is all that matters.
Earlier in the year I noticed Musa started baking and we wanted to do a review but he insisted we hold it off until a time where his holistic idea and vision was actualised. It had been so exciting watching his baking grow. It is called Musa’s Café & Pâtisserie, o butse an eatery. Super exciting moves, and they are housed inside Setlhare Bed & Breakfast in Partial.
Just a stone's throw away from the CBD. Their primary market is people that love artisan cakes, breads, baked goodies, food and different kinds of coffee and tea. They are open from 9am to 6pm and close at 7pm and are also open Fridays and Saturdays, and mostly some holidays. You have to make your way to this experience.
I should have asked if that’s pronounced like pastry, lol. Ga ke sure, but ene he is making some unique bakes, they deserve that accent over the ‘a’. Best sellers are their Death by Chocolate cake and their Cookies & Cream. This is the only place locally where you can get Cookies & Cream. Through their sister company The BOX Event Catering, they do outside catering.
I have seen pictures of some of the events they have done and they really take centre stage, it’s an absolute wow! Their setup, presentation and food really elevate the functions. With his new place, which aims to be fully functional in September, we can anticipate an intimate space for people that appreciate pastry, food and brews by providing unique products and experience.
Everything you buy from them, the contents of that meal are all made in-house. For instance, if you have a burger here, the patty, bun, sauce are made by them in order to offer the ultimate food experience. I really appreciate such a personal touch on things. Food is art, and Musa is definitely creating masterpieces. After a tough day at work myself and two colleagues made our way over to Musa’s. He put out a spread for us. ‘Cooked with feeling', is how he described arriving at what he had out.
On his official opening, he will have a set menu, which includes breakfast and lunch dishes. Before even laying eyes on the food, I walked past the kitchen to my outdoor seating and the aromas were heavenly. The food came out with side plates to allow us an opportunity to appreciate everything at the table. All the boxes were ticked by this experience in all honesty.
Presentation and dishes used were not regular and then when it comes to the food its self, simply magnificent!! Musa's Meatballs- the in house meatballs are cooked in a spicy red sauce topped with a jalapeno relish served with a sour bread garlic bread.
These meatballs are quite a generous portion, just a little smaller than a stress ball.lol, which is funny because you could distress with a meal like this. They were cooked well, and could only be perceived as a challenge because of their size. They were also seasoned well throughout. “Meaty with a spicy, delicious sauce", my one guest said when he finally looked up from his plate. He really enjoyed all the dishes.
As for me, my attention was stuck of the sexy salad and the cheesecake. Chicken Bulugar Wheat Salad - Bulugar Wheat & Lentils with seasonal crisp veg, croutons and a grilled airline chicken topped with basil pesto. Just what in the world of culinary perfection!!? This is a good looking salad! It was served with honey mustard dressing. Simply delicious. I could have it again and again, with its light, crispy, deep flavour profiles.
The grilled airline chicken cut is made up of some breast, white meat can be challenging, done right like today, soft and tender, one doesn't even realise it is white meat. This salad is great for lunch on the go, or for a sit down. It’s big enough to fill you without making you lethargic.
This then left dessert, reasons for having started baking are that he wanted to be an all rounder. Musa wanted to offer his patrons a wholesome experience delivered by himself. His drive and passion in the kitchen come from being inquisitive and wanting to create unique dishes. In the few dishes I saw Middle Eastern, Italian and Greek influences. The Cheesecake with berry compote was delish and is a big rustic slice, with a base I couldn’t get info out of him about, but is a combination. Ke secret recipe. Excellent how he creates his own twist on everything. The Bluberrypoppy cake, another out of the box concept.
Thoroughly enjoyed the dishes we sampled today. I look forward to trying more and learning more about different food types. This is a definite spot to check out and become a regular at.