Just Heavenly at Just Teddy
As I sipped my well-brewed English Breakfast Tea and took a bite into the deliciously soft Turkish delight macaron, under a well formed canopy of two very tall trees, I almost forgot for a moment where I was.
Some might remember Teddy Zaki as the runner-up on the Great South African Bake Off in 2015, but after you visit his Parisian-style patisserie in Hyde Park you won't forget his name.
Teddy and his family; his wife Natasha, daughter Jordyne and son Jeffrey own and run "Just Teddy" which opened it's doors earlier today in Hyde Park Corner.
Just Teddy Fine Boulangerie and Patisserie, Hyde Park Corner
Self-taught Teddy has been in the kitchen since he was 5 but after his appearance on the Great South African Bake Off, fans were curious of his next move which led him and his family popping up at various markets around Johannesburg before setting up shop at The Sheds in Fox Street where they had been for the last 3 years.
Their Lebanese and French heritage have aided in their unique creations which has taken the patisserie world by storm.
Baklava Cheesecake, Chocolate Tart, Persian Love Cake, Flan Perisian at Just Teddy, Hyde Park Corner
One of my personal favourites is the "Baklava Cheesecake" which is baklava on top of a baked cheesecake. It doesn't look like the traditional baklava that most of us think of when we hear the name, but rather what is known as a 'birds nest' as it is made out of vermicelli and pistachio. The perfectly braised vermicelli, reminded me of growing up, when we had a traditional malay dish called "boeber" which contains a similar tasting vermicelli in it.
The taste sensations are phenomenal and your taste buds start craving more and more of the delicious treats.
A fine Boulangerie and Patisserie needs their baked goods to be complimented with an equally great drink, and there's nothing better than to be paired with the finest teas of the world - TWG Tea.
Just Teddy currently stocks an extensive range of TWG Tea from French Earl Grey to Morrocan Mint.
The tea leaves are specially woven in a cotton bag and is allowed to brew for 3 minutes. Exactly 3 minutes - as a handy little timer comes with the set of the TWG branded teacup, teapot and sugar cube bowl.
TWG Tea Set at Just Teddy, Hyde Park Corner
The classy black and gold store which is located on the lower level of the mall also caters for light lunches and is Halaal friendly.
If you are thinking of having a romantic date, or planning a high tea, then Just Teddy is the place to visit, it's much more than Just a patisserie.
Ziyaad Plaatjes is the Co-Founder of iloveza.com.
He is a Bachelor of Commerce Honours graduate and has been running businesses since the age of 13. Ziyaad is a registered Financial Advisor, but has taken on many roles in various industries over the years. With his entrepreneurial skills and vast knowledge he assists individuals and businesses to grow and achieve their goals.
Find him at: Instagram: @ziyaad_86 / @ilovezacom Twitter: @ziyaad86 / @ilovezacom Facebook: iloveza.com LinkedIn: Ziyaad Plaatjes / iloveza.com YouTube: iloveza.com SoundCloud: iloveza.com E-mail: ziyaad@iloveza.com
