Situated on the Curry’s Post Road in the KwaZulu-Natal midlands, Terbodore Coffee Roasters are renowned for their award winning cappuccinos made from the finest roasted coffee in the area. Not being a coffee drinker however, I had never really shown much interest in paying Terbodore a visit, that is until I learnt the establishment is home to a fully fledged restaurant.
Eager to find out what was on the menu I booked a table for Sunday lunch as soon as I could. The trip from Pietermaritzburg to Howick is seldom a pleasant one these days with lumbering, heavy-laden trucks and hazardous construction work proving a challenge for even the most vigilant motorist. Once off the busy N3 however, I began to relax as I made me way onto the Curry’s Post Road – the epitome of a quite country road if ever there was one.
The scenery in this part of the world is simply stunning. A series of sea blue lakes shimmered in the glorious spring sunshine and the lush, green meadows were so inviting that I experienced an almost irresistible urge to stop the car and enjoy an impromptu picnic right in the midst of all the beauty. However, as enthusiastic as I was I wasn’t going to risk spoiling my appetite and so I carried on driving, reaching my destination in good time and in very good spirits.
Terbodere, without a doubt, is a gorgeously attractive venue. The scenery and surroundings are simply heavenly and for a moment I felt as though I had entered another dimension where everything was uncorrupted and without blemish. After alighting from my car I made my way towards the restaurant’s entrance where I was greeted by Terbodere co-owner Marian Macaskill who promptly showed me to my table.
A friendly lady, Marian grew up in the Western Cape, but decided to relocate to the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands some years ago. In 2004, together with her husband Mark, she established Terbodere Coffee Roasters and has never looked back; deciding to open the restaurant in 2010 after visitors requested a snack to enjoy with their coffee.
I ordered the grilled lemon baby chicken (R90) as a main course while my mom, who had accompanied me for the afternoon, opted for one of the specials of the day, the fillet steak, chips and onion rings (R110). Layered with a creamy, herb sauce and served with potato crisps and green vegetables the baby chicken proved to be a good choice.
Although initially a little dry, an extra helping of the delicious sauce improved the flavour and taste considerably and I soon made light work of the dish. What I liked most about the meal was the scrumptious potato crisps. They were cooked to perfection, exceptionally light and crispy and a treat for even the most particular of palates.
The only real criticism I had were the vegetables, which consisted of a few pea snaps. I had expected a decent helping of a variety of green vegetables rather than this meagre offering, but perhaps this had been done for the sake of presentation since a cluttered plate is seldom pleasing to the eye.
For dessert I requested the individual carrot and pecan nut cake (R25). It was delicious, exquisitely presented and most enjoyable. My mom was similarly impressed with her main course, describing the steak as “juicy and tender” and the onion rings and chips as “crispy and very tasty.” However, she did feel the dish could have included a few vegetables or, at the very least, a side salad.
On the whole though both of us were rather impressed with what Terbodere had to offer. The setting was delightful, the food exceptionally well-presented and the service top notch and had we been coffee drinkers, we would probably have given it ten out of ten judging by the wonderful aromas that filled the air.
Even if you are not a coffee drinker, a visit to Terbodere is well worth your time. It’s the perfect venue to unwind and enjoy a quality meal in peace and tranquillity and in surroundings that rank among the most beautiful the midlands has to offer.
Useful Howick Links:
- Howick Attractions
- Howick Accommodation
- Things to Do in Howick
- KwaZulu Natal Hotels
- KwaZulu Natal Accommodation
Where to Find Them:
Telephone: +27 (0)33 330-2380
Physical address: Curry’s Post Road, Howick, KwaZulu-Natal
