The spirit of Paris’ novel nooks comes to life at Malina’s French Café and Bistro. Recently opened at Klein Windhoek’s Elysium Fields, the pretty blue eatery is named for owner Leah Henning’s baby daughter and offers some connection to her French heritage.
On an overcast Tuesday afternoon, patrons are wonderfully diverse. Two women, gorgeous in their elegant hijabs, sip and chat on the spacious patio. A German mother and her son enjoy a game of UNO near a large door that ventilates an airy space adorned with a rustic mirror, potted plants and quintessential Parisian bistro chairs. In the powder pink booth facing Malina’s title wall, a lovely multigenerational family drink cappuccinos and discuss the revamped Ster-Kinekor.
Then, of course, there’s me, connected to the free WiFi, reading the paper, sipping a coffee and salivating over two raspberry and Nutella macarons. The macarons entice from within a display of pain au chocolat, chocolate éclairs and chocolate tart.
“My favourite thing to bake is anything with chocolate, really,” says Henning with a laugh.
While Malina’s chocolate offerings are impressive and include a dark chocolate mousse, the café is actually a homage to the French cuisine Henning ate as child growing up in Paris and with her French mother and father when they eventually moved to Germany.
“I have a lot of different food passions but I felt that this location, specifically, being off-road, really reminded me of the narrow streets of Paris and finding the little gems the city has to offer,” says Henning who designed the menu and appreciates the bistro’s deep blue walls for their chance resemblance to the hue on the French flag, as well as their air of calm.
“In France, food is literally a religion. It’s just a really important part of who we are,” Henning says.
“For me, it’s always so interesting to see what cultures and countries spend their money on and, in France, you will literally see people living in the smallest, tiniest, cluttered apartments but they’ll serve you the biggest feast that you’ve ever had.”
The feast at Malina’s is impressive. For that real French feeling, patrons can opt for servings such as cheese and ham croissants, gourmet rare roast beef baguettes, cheese platters, the quiche du jour, Nicoise salad or succulent steak et frites.
“The bestseller is definitely the French toast. I’ve heard from a lot of people that we have the best French toast in Windhoek which I’m very proud of,” says Henning.
“The croque monsieur is also an all-time favourite and one thing that I really miss about France. I think it’s the dish that we spend the most time on, trying to get it perfect, so I’m happy it’s become such a favourite.”
The croque monsieur is a French classic and Malina’s serves this ham and cheese sandwich oven baked and with Béchamel sauce and lots of cheese.
To drink, Henning recommends a refreshing German style schorle (spritzer) or a splash of their homemade lemonade served by Malina’s friendly and attentive staff.
Though the holidays are fast approaching, Malina’s will be open all festive season minus the public holidays and Henning invites folks to treat themselves.
“I really want us to be a place for the beautiful variety of cultures and people that we have in Namibia,” says Henning. “Whether you’re working or on a date or with your family, we are open for everyone.”
Malina’s French Café and Bistro is open Monday to Friday from 07h00 to 17h00 and on Saturday between 09h00 and 15h00. Follow them on social media for information.
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