The Hidden Leaf Eatery in Woodstock

The Hidden Leaf is a new restaurant that opened up at the end of May in Roodebloem Road, Woodstock, Cape Town.

Home away from home”

Bianca doing what she loves: feeding people.

The significance of the Hidden Leaf is that it is owned by a couple who are also a big part of our Cape Town psytrance community; Warren and Bianca also head up the Organik parties and host two premier events each summer psy season, namely Gaian Dream [October] and The Love Project [April]. Bianca also co-managed the Liquid Rainbow Bar Management Company for several years. Needless to say they have plenty experience in the hospitality industry.

The Hidden Leaf is their latest [ad] venture and it takes advantage of Bianca’s well known nurturing nature and combines this with her big love; feeding us.

People on the move

It’s no secret that the Cape Town psytrance community is massive but people outside of this scene often mistake us for a bunch of acid munching party maniacs or tie-dye hippies.

The reality though is that the real reason this community and culture has grown so big and remained so prevalent in the mother city is because there are so many industrious individuals involved; people with genuine entrepreneurial spirit who forge both independent careers outside of party culture and participate within the scene too. Tune Raider touched on this recently and has also made mention in previous articles on her blog too.

The Hidden Leaf is yet another shining example of ‘trancies doing good’ and pursuing their dreams.

I’ve always hoped that the biggest thing people take away from their experiences at outdoor psytrance parties is to ‘dare to dream,’ and to pursue their passion wholeheartedly.

The Restaurant

Weekly menu

home cooking but with that extra touch of class.”

Okay so we’ve established who the crew is behind the Hidden Leaf and now you know; I’m a supporter of their endeavours, so I’m not going to try and sell to you as to why you should go and eat there.

I’d rather just tell you what I think…

I had the privilege of attending a tasting session before they opened so I got to sample almost their entire menu at the time. I remember saying to Betty (Bianca’s nickname) that all the food tasted like home cooking but with that extra touch of class; you know those occasions when someone has a dinner party and pulls out all the stops with a kickass meal?

The food at Hidden Leaf is exactly like that, but on a more informed and professional level.

There’s a theory (okay this may sound like hippy talk to some of you but I believe it) that food tastes better when made with the right intentions. It’s like karma for food. The energy you put in is the energy that comes out and every single thing I’ve eaten on their menu just screams wholesomeness and good vibes. Just like Betty!

The knowledge that all their ingredients are organic and sourced locally from fresh produce is also very reassuring to me but at the end of the day, let’s face it, when you eat out it’s all about the taste and their food is anything but bland, with awesome combinations to satisfy your hunger.

Good food made real good

Yummy…

Here’s a slogan someone should use. ‘Good food made real good!’

Maybe the Hidden Leaf should grab it. I won’t charge them. It does sound strangely familiar though. I hope I haven’t channeled some dodgy fast food’s mantra without realising it.

There’s nothing ‘fast food’ about the Hidden Leaf though. Their meals are really nourishing and portions are substantial.

But it’s also pleasantly uncomplicated nosh with an awesome sprinkle of sophistication.

Craft Beer on tap

Their ‘Ultimate beef burger’ will give any of the best burger joints in Cape Town a run for their money and they have Boston beer on tap to wash it down.

But Hidden Leaf is not a burger joint even though they serve a damn fine beef and vegan variety.

Try their Steak and Ale pie for good winter comfort food or my favourite, the Parmesan Crusted Chicken, which I’m guessing must be one of their most popular dishes by far.

Aside from the burger, Vegans are also catered for with the Vegan cottage pie or Veg Spaghetti Bolognaise. Last week they had a broccoli soup too.

Their menu is updated weekly, so even though some items are consistently served like the aforementioned Parmesan chicken or steak & ale pie which seems to have become a winter regular, prepare to be pleasantly surprised with something new on an ongoing basis.

The menu isn’t big, but the portions are so I’d visit for a proper dining experience in this really cosy establishment with homely service, a well stocked bar and an all round awesome evening out.

They’re like a home away from home.

You can find the Hidden Leaf at 77 Roodebloem Road in Woodstock. Book a table on 076 941 1014.

The Hidden Leaf Eatery in Woodstock