Blowing Dandelion - Artisan Chocolate Cafe

Keeping out of the spotlight, in the basement of this recently opened chocolate emporium and cafe, Michaela Simova is busy putting the finishing touches to the latest batch of her beautiful handmade chocolates. Row upon row of delectable treats are being lined up on their wooden display frames, like beads on an abacus. Perhaps an unconscious nod to her former career as an accountant. After having a baby, Michaela decided she wanted to do a job that made her happy, and as she told me, "chocolate makes people smile". The name of the business, Blowing Dandelion, was also chosen to invoke happiness, and simple pleasures. Since 2011, she's been selling at markets around South London, including, Herne Hill, Greenwich, and Oval, gradually building up a devoted following. When Michaela took the plunge last year, and opened the shop and cafe, she needed someone to train her to use the coffee machine. Enter Neil Le Bihan, who was only supposed to be in for a few days of training, but has since become the cheerful smiling face of the shop and cafe. The premises, at the top of Belvedere road, is bright and welcoming. Michaela designed the space, and got local joiner, Jake Dunn, whom I hope to feature here soon, to make the rustic wooden fittings.
But back to the chocs, which are miniature works of art. Michaela uses edible paint on the inside of the moulds to give pattern and colour to the surface of each chocolate. And I hear that she's using this technique to create a range of Easter eggs, currently in production! So what better way to put aside all those worries about Brexit, and Trump, than to indulge yourself at Blowing Dandelion.

Neil behind the counter

Home made Gingerbread decorating kits

Chocolate Greetings Cards

The cafe is currently exhibiting the work of Lene Bladbjerg

Meanwhile downstairs…

Michaela at work

Back upstairs I tried one of their delicious unsweetened hot chocolates

3 Belvedere Road

info@blowingdandelion.com

07930 156520

Dalhousie

I've heard a few people asking whether we really need another cafe on the Triangle, but as long as each offers something different, why not? Canadian, Derek Taylor certainly believes that, and spent months of hard work,  in preparation for the opening of his delightful cafe at No.1 Westow Street, formerly the home of Popiel cycles. The name, Dalhousie, in case you were wondering, was the name of the street, Derek lived on, back in Toronto. During a career,  first in finance, and then in hospitality and events planning, Derek maintained a passion for baking cakes, something he inherited, along with all the recipes, from his grandmother. Then, only a year or two ago, luck and love brought him to London, and luckily for us, to Crystal Palace.
As was Derek's intention, the cafe looks and feels very different from other local establishments. The idea is that everything about it makes you feel like it's a treat. It starts of course with the delicious cakes and Union Roasted coffee, but then there's the Digby's English sparkling wine, the chocolates, the flowers, and the elegant interior on two floors. I particularly love the 'zigzag' texture of the counter, inspired by corrugated take-away cup holders! So rather than trying to compete locally, Derek, with the help of his young and friendly team, is contributing something different to the area, which has been an instant hit, and despite his own comparatively recent arrival, he already feels committed to Crystal Palace.

Chocolates by Audrey's Chocolates

Samples of delicious sticky toffee cake

Bread from the Bread Factory

Derek Taylor

Dalhousie
1 Westow Street