Frankly, as Joburgers we’re still not over Farro having migrated down to the Cape. It was our go-to great restaurant. But we totally get how this excellent spot has been embraced, and has gone from strength to strength, in the Western Cape. The big news is that owners Alex and Eloise Windebank have just reopened their beloved biz in a new spot in Gardens in Cape Town. No guesses where we’re going immediately when we’re next in the Mother City. We asked Eloise, who is front-of-house (while Alex cooks), to tackle our eight questions. Her answers are a joy.
What’s the best book you’ve read in the past year? And why?
The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune. This book was pure joyous escapism, a 400-page hug.
How do you keep fit?
Farro is in a tiny Victorian terraced house with the kitchen and bar downstairs and the dining rooms upstairs – so I spend a lot of my time running up and down stairs! A lot!
Week night, lowkey restaurant go-to?
I live and die by Le Pickle in De Waterkant.
What is the one artwork you’ll always love, and why? You needn’t own it!
When Farro was in Joburg, photographer Michael Meyersfeld generously loaned us artwork for our walls. He sent me a message one day saying he had a new piece called Mesh that he wanted to hang in Farro, and invited us to come and see it. I instantly fell in love – it’s a large, black and white piece, really dominating, and I just had the most visceral response to it. When the pandemic hit and Farro v1 closed down, Michael and his wife Saranne gifted us the piece, and it’s hung in every version of the restaurant since. I feel incredibly lucky to own one of my favourite pieces of art and see it every day.
Do you have a hobby? What is it?
I’m a voracious reader – it’s basically a coping mechanism at this point. If I could spend every day until forever devouring trashy books I would.
The one unusual item you can’t live without?
The Google Play Books app.
Who was your high school celeb crush?
I honestly can’t remember, but I definitely had a tween obsession with Jonathan Taylor Thomas. Like, psychopathic amounts of posters on my bedroom walls.
Three songs that you’d take to a desert island?
Noah Kahan – Forever; Elton John – Bennie and the Jets; and Bill Withers – Use Me.
Top image: Eloise Windebank. Picture: supplied.
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