It's no surprise that Port Elizabeth has been dubbed the friendly city, people who live here seem to be living in the slower lane of life.

With their attractive license plates, they don’t seem to be rushing here and there, instead they make time to greet, smile, or have catch ups over cappuccinos.

Life seems good in the Eastern Cape city. They even have their own real waterfront.

The locals also have a dogged entrepreneurial spirit, which you will undoubtedly pick up on when visiting Bloomingdales Lifestyle Centre in Main Road Walmer.

And don't be fooled by the residential appearance of the area either. These houses have been turned into small businesses, all specializing in their own unique product or service.

But the treasure hunt appeal of this shopping expedition cannot be denied, particularly when your loot is Dessie’s Fine Food and Wine.

You might pause and wonder if you have arrived at the right destination. With pot plants on show, a nursery and all sorts of gardening instruments, a pet shot with chirping budgies, a friendly florist, a stylish beauty salon, this centre is abuzz with activity.

However, you only have to walk a few steps before you're drawn in by the wafting aroma of freshly baked muffins, bread or biscuits. Let your nose guide you to this culinary find tucked away in the corner.

Walking in, you will be greeted with the light strains of Andrea Bocelli’s Romanza or something similar, as a charming and poised waitress offers you a seat.

Allow your eyes to wander - there’s a lot happening, from the open-fridge deli area to shelves of attractive kitchen items, packaged jam jars of assorted biscuits and bottles of Italian olive oil and specially selected wine.

The setting is relaxed, the décor light and fresh, with sunshine streaming in through the glassed wall. The open plan kitchen, which provides a hum of activity, is separated from the restaurant with a table adorned with an assortment of delectable cakes, displayed under glass domes.

You'll find it hard to resist, I know I do.

Schooled in Grahamstown and having grown up on a farm in Addo, Dessie, the owner and chef, left PE to enrol for a three-year course at the highly acclaimed Silwood Kitchen in Cape Town.

She then gained ladles of experience working for the up market Constantia Uitsig restaurant, the 5 star game lodge Riverbend and then exclusive boutique hotel, Ellerman House.

But with the pull of the apron strings and an insatiable appetite to do her own thing, Dessie made a resolute decision to return to PE and set up shop.

This passionate foodie, who makes a feast of everything she turns her whisk to, is now recently married and here to stay.

The menu is chalked up on a board and propped against a chair, allowing patrons to peruse at their leisure.

Everything on the menu looks inviting, with breakfast choices of eggs Benedict, scrambled eggs topped with Franschhoek smoked trout, poached eggs served with crispy Coppa di Parma, or delicious homemade muesli combined with yoghurt and fresh seasonal fruit. You certainly won’t go away hungry.

The light lunches are tantalizing, from salads with gorgonzola cheese and pears poached in red wine, gourmet sandwiches with shavings of black forest ham, brie and onion marmalade, chicken wraps filled with cream cheese and rocket leaves, to a hearty bowl of delectable soup accompanied with homemade whole-wheat bread and much more.

The food is simply divine, whatever your choice. With not a microwave in sight, a fridge full of butter, only the best ingredients - all I can suggest if for you to tuck in.

And, it's nice to know that if you don’t have the time or inclination to cook at home you can make a selection from the deli, which is stocked with marinated aubergines, pickled artichokes, and those lovely big camembert cheeses.

Or call Dessie to plan your evening meal, make a quiche for bookclub, or provide sumptuous snacks at your next cocktail party. All delivered to your front door. Oh, and whatever you do, don’t leave without trying the to-die-for chocolate brownies.

Grab one of our packages and sample other delis in and around South Africa.