Abi Cakes. More than Cake! (DINING OUT)
Michelle Phetlhe | Tuesday September 27, 2022 12:04
I believe it is so because to arrive to that place, it needs grit, determination, consistency, passion and a readiness to ride the ups and downs of it all.
As I listened to this couple who own Abi Cakes narrate their story, my heart was filled with joy. I felt inspired to stay on my own course and persevere. When it is meant to be it shall be, when it’s written, it is very important to realise that indeed it will be so.
I found it awe-inspiring that at the beginning of their baking journey, prepping small orders from home in 2005 for friends and family, they would prepare ingredients at home and commute to their moms to bake as they did not have an oven.
For years the support they received from family kept them going. In 2015 the business became official, bigger orders came in and they supplied a few restaurants. Fast-forward to when COVID hit, and it became an especially difficult time for the business as the restaurants they relied on closed down. This meant that they had to reevaluate their model to make it through the drastic change.
It was then when they opened up a kiosk in the CBD at Mogobe Plaza to be able to meet their end customers’ needs directly. We visited this branch and the owner made us aware of partition markings on the floor, which give evidence of how it has expanded into a sizable space.
Months after opening their doors, Acacia Mall in Phakalane called them to say they had an opportunity, though nursing a new baby for just a few months they took a risk and set a foot print in thee suburbia, giving them access to the northern end of town.
October is full circle from the opening of the CBD space, and besides the recent expansions that have taken place, there is a re brand loading as well as new offerings making their way to the store and menu soon The power couple’s vision is to have products they personally enjoy, appreciated by the masses and to stand out as a product that speaks for itself, which is one of high quality, reasonably affordable and an unforgettable experience! We have had their cakes and cupcakes as a part of our lives as far back as 2013/14 when my husband was introduced to Abi Cakes by procurement at his work place when he ordered some goodies for a client.
I recall he got me cupcakes for my 30th from them. I’m 37 now and over the years, birthdays, Valentine and corporate gifts have been guaranteed Abi Cakes. Just in April for my six-year-old’s birthday, he had the delicious Caramel Cake with Caramel and Fresh Cream. My husband’s favourite of all time, the original Cara-Cara (if you know, you know) spongy, decadent, fresh and not too sweet. This is always a bonus with cake, you never want anything overly sweet so you can indulge and not feel terrible about it.
Since opening up two locations, the menu has grown in order to be more accommodating. This includes coffees, ice drinks and milkshakes, including gluten free/diabetic friendly options. Inclusive in the diversity, are freshly frozen pizzas and mini pizzas (perfect for lunchboxes). These include; Chicken and Feta, Margarita and Mexican. They also offer Samosas, which are fried fresh every morning.
These are my personal favourite bites, available in beef, chicken or potato. I tried the chicken and potato and they were simply divine. My hubby tried the Butter Scones because he is a scone connoisseur and was guaranteed, to be the stuff of dreams.
It was melt in your mouth pleasure, and if it wasn’t for time I know my husband would have had three, o rata diskonse gore! They also have chicken sandwiches freshly made and packed every morning for those corporate break and lunchtime takeaways, along with a range of coffee. The owners have set their own goals and believe in their products and this comes through what they shows in their produce and service delivery.
Trusting in the Almighty, having loyal, valued customers and a dedicated staff complement that truly represent the brand, is their winning formula. We were with our two boys who indulged on chocolate milkshakes. “I would have wished to have another milkshake, but my mother would not have allowed it because of the way I react to too much sugar” – (Shalom).
The pizza was magnificent! The combination of feta cheese, chicken and some red peppers came together beautifully. The moment I took one bite, it immediately melted in my mouth, I wanted the whole pizza to myself – (Leboko). We were treated to a lot items we have not had from them, the Cream Caramel reminded me of Argentinian flan.
It tasted rich and perfectly sweet. Then I was offered some Chocolate mousse bounty. I saw it was covered in coconut and froze. I think I remember not liking coconut as a child and funny enough neither does my hubs. With a little encouragement, we chose to explore what was described as ‘simply heavenly’. The mousse explosion is everything! The coconut is subtle, and combined with the cream topping and delicate sponge, this is by far one of the greatest confectionery treats we’ve ever had. They’re open Mon-Fri 8.30am-5.30pm and close at 3.30pm on Saturdays at CBD, 9.30am-6pm at the Acacia Mall.