I almost became one of those media types who don't pitch when they say they will. In my defense the heavens had recently opened, and I could only find parking a block away and knew my shoes would be sloshing water before I arrived at Cafe Alo. Still, because I am so often infuriated by no-shows and John French, who had invited me to lunch, was a friend first and a PR chap second, I braved the torrent. Cafe Alo's  (0861 22 33 25) white tile floors aren't designed to cope with wet Cape Town and they had a staffer permanently mopping away foot prints. When I arrived there was a "fishbowl" in the wall which, after a few minutes converted into a "fire grate with blazing logs". It's a fun use of technology and I think I began to feel warmer because of it - or perhaps it was the white hot chocolate with a shot of espresso (R15) to get the heart racing. 

Cafe Alo is on the corner of Long and Shortmarket streets where a graphic shop for years sold black and white posters of Grand Central Station. The mostly white interior is a little bright but I loved the grand chandeliers and interesting effects on the walls. I also liked that toppings are available on ciabatta or on salad leaves. For R26 the chicken, mayo, bacon and feta is a good choice, but save yourself for sweet things - all made on site. Co-owner Alwyn Neethling has a Greek partner which is reflected in an outstanding Med pastry selection. With free wireless connection and 24-hour access over the weekends, it is destined to be an inner city haven for coffees and light nibbles. www.alo.co.za

Hi Brian

Just a short note to thank you for coming to our coffee shop. Pity I missed lunch with you; in Swaziland on business and certainly not eating anything as tasty at the same time. Thank you for your comments, feedback and we have already addressed the issue of wet weather and our white floors. A beautiful red carpet will be fitted at the entrance. Our take away bakery cabinet has been installed too and will be launched with amazing selection of sweets and savouries for take out for one's family and when visiting friends. Thank you once again and you are always welcome.Best regards.Vagelis(the other owner)

Thanks for coming to Cafe Alo. Glad you enjoyed lunch and chocolate award-winning recipes. We are looking forward to lauching our take away bakery next monday 31 July  in our spanking new bakery cabinet specially designed to bring the person in and buy their home made breads for their friends and family. A great variety. Our first media release for this month will give the media moguls info about our concept and design as well as address safe parking availability in town just around the corner from Cafe Alo. More specifically, parking is available in: Picbel on Strand Street, Strand Street Parkade, Adderley Street Parkada, Park on Long. Please give me a call with your next visit if not en foot, and I will arrange parking for your just outside Cafe Alo. Nice to meet you again and please come again.

Thank you for at last going to CAFE ALO. I was wondering if you even know that Heaven landed on earth. Everyone knows parking in general is bad in town, but I promise you, the coffee is worth it. I'll rather spend my lunch break waiting for parking than drinking any other coffee. I can be rest assure  that Café Alo is  clean. Like you've said yourself..."they kept on cleaning"... I love the place and at night I can take my girlfriend for a drink in a relaxing, CLEAN, town experience.

Keep up the good work.. Love your articles

Hi Brian

Great to know that at at last someone in Cape Town is offering free wireless internet services with, by what is sounds, an equally good food and beverage offering. Any more you know of out there?

Hi Karen

Just bring your laptop and connect to the wireless service with a unique password to be given with your each visit. Also a paying internet cafe available with speeds upto 1 meg per second. Great selection of coffees and speciality coffees created by masters in Italy. Outstanding sandwiches and healthy salads and a new take away self service bakery to be launched on Monday. A great place for a meeting, relaxation, a romantic get together. Open from 06h00-21h00 daily.Sat and Sun from 06h00-24h00 and Sunday from 08h00-15h00(come for the Alo Breakfast with your family).The selection of music=very rare