» Restaurant News

Taste of Joburg: Food Festival 30 Sept to 3rd Oct

liz — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 09:09:31 +0000

Taste of Joburg is back! This festival brings together the city’s most acclaimed restaurants and carefully selected exhibitors to attract 15 000 of Joburg’s most dedicated and sophisticated foodies. Taste of Joburg brings together the city’s finest restaurants, award winning wineries, premium drink brands, niche food exhibitors and fantastic entertainment. If you love eating out this is an opportunity too good to miss!
When: 2010-09-30 to 2010-10-03
Where: Bryanston High School
Price: R60.00 – R500.00
Book: Tickets available from: http://www.computicket.com
Contact: http://www.tasteofjoburg.com

FiftyTwo: Weekly things to do & see in Joburg

liz — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 05:29:57 +0000

Open fireplaces as always thanks to adrian@fiftytwo.co.za
Genre: Winter warmers
What: Hot chocolate, heated blankets, ugg boots, hot tubs and blazing fires are all we need this winter – Joburg is properly cold. To get through the winter blues, out the house and all ‘fired-up’ we’re directing you toward the warmer nooks of the city. Whether you’re dining or drinking always request to be seated as close to the blaze as possible.
FiftyTwo review: Our seven warmest establishments are listed below with reference to the type of evening you could plan for:
Wombles – boma styled outdoor fire – colonial feel. A celebratory spoil
La Campagnola – lounge bar – intimate atmosphere. First date
Casalinga – roaring fires throughout the restaurant. A romantic evening
The Glass Cage – arty venue with a central fireplace. A night out with friends
The Polo Bar – chic lounge – room with a view. Bring along the out-of-towners
Southern Sun Hyde Park – stylishly intimidating – hot. A Friday night rendezvous
The Library Melrose Arch – classic and refined. A whiskey drinking, cigar smoking occasion
Tip: Follow the 7-day weather forecast here to book your winter warmer – chilly nights are about, just look for the coldest of them all.
Interesting fact: Putting a marshmallow into leaping flames will usually set it on fire. Holding it over low coals will caramelise it to a nice golden brown. Yum.
Where: Please see below
Book: Wombles – 17 3rd Avenue, Parktown North – 011 880 2473
La Campagnola – Corner Hobart and Grosvenor Roads, Bryanston – 011 463 4199
Casalinga – Plot 328 Rocky Ridge Road, Muldersdrift – 087 941 1223
The Glass Cage – 1 Beverley Road, Auckland Park – 082 774 4902
The Polo Bar – The Westcliff, 67 Jan Smuts Avenue – 011 481 6000
Southern Sun Hyde Park – 1st Road, Hyde Park – 011 341 8080
Melrose Arch Hotel – 1 Melrose Square, Melrose Arch

Note from Liz: Or you can come to Liz at Lancaster for breakfast

This week’s pick:

FiftyTwo:21 48 hours in Joburg

liz — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 04:29:29 +0000

FiftyTwo:21 48 hours in Joburg Genre: Tourist Guide to your own city
What: What’s different to do and see in Joburg in 48 hours.
Drink here: Darkie Café is the go for early Friday drinks, this is urban cool when busy. Move onto Narina Trogon, a hip Braamfontein eatery serving unusual fare. The upside – there’s a great gallery above the restaurant and your booking might coincide with an exhibition.
Eat here: Vovo Telo, artisan bakery – a working bakery that serves the freshest breads – the smells wafting around are nothing short of addictive.
Exercise here: Jog the Westcliff stairs and sightsee the world’s most beautiful Rand Lord houses, every home would be granted ‘The Hamptons’ stamp of approval.
Hang here: The rooftop of the Lister Medical Building screens gobsmacking documentaries and sport. With views onto gold mines, Africa’s highest skyscrapers, bright lights, Church steeples, mountain ranges and city life – it is hard to stay away. The most vibrant late night boogying and live music promises crowd delight.
Adventure here: Take your flask and hot water bottle (if you’re smart), to the Northcliff viewing platform. The ‘romance’ of Joburg is felt as the sunrise scatters across the largest man made jungle.
Get physical here: Cycle along the banks of the Braamfontein Spruit, from Emmarentia through to Riverside, you won’t quite fathom the emerald green river banks nor the inner city bike route.
Listen here: On the first Sunday of each month, the Radium Beer Hall presents a Fat Sound 19 piece jazz band which beautifully compliments the venue. All music appreciators are welcome from the oldies to youngsters. Feel at home, leave all pretences back in Sandton.
Tip: Use the 48 hour guide and become a smart tourist in your own town – if you happen to meet or host foreigners over this period, this guide will take them on a 360 tour of the world’s most underrated city. It starts here…
Interesting fact: Joburg’s oldest pub (the Radium Beer Hall), opened as a tearoom in 1929 and in its double life it served as a shebeen.
Where:
Darkie Cafe (10 Anderson Street, CBD)
Narina Trogon (81 De Korte Street, Braamfontein)
Vovo Telo (44 Stanley Avenue, Milpark)
Westcliff stairs (Wexford Avenue, Parktown West)
Lister Medical Building & Intermission Gallery (19th Floor, 195 Jeppe Street)
Northcliff’s ridge (Lucky Avenue, Northcliff – aim for the water tower)
The Radium (282 Louis Botha Ave, Orange Grove)
Book:
Table bookings are needed for the Radium – call 011 728 3866, www.theradium.co.za and Narina Trogon – call 011 339 6645, www.narinatrogon.com

Thanks as always to Adi for this review

Fifty Two’s suggestion for week 17 of 2010; Thanks Adi

liz — Wed, 19 May 2010 19:02:04 +0000

This week’s pick: Foxwood House Genre: Suburban Theatre
What: Hidden amongst the homes of Houghton stands an intimate theatre – Foxwood House. This space seats a small audience of 100 and its far-from-mainstream programmes include top shows, their drag performances are highly rated. This is the Cinema Nouveau of theatre. The owners, both involved in the artsy scene bought the home in 1989 and together set up this unusually cool theatrical homestead. Foxwood turned boutique not long after and has slowly transformed into an eight roomed guest house. The properties lush garden and secretive nooks define this as one of the most inviting residences to check into. There’s a colourful history linked to the house which has and continues to draw fame and talent to its gateway.
FiftyTwo review: This attentively maintained destination is no stranger to the passionate fogey, you might become a goer yourself – with ever changing line-ups and overly edgy shows this unique space is understated. Having staged shows for seven years Foxwood has recently identified its need to increase performances from once to thrice weekly. An awesome way to enjoy your Joburg weekends. Audiences are interesting and vary depending on what’s staged, the avant-garde, the aged, the gay – any appreciator of intimate theatre will traipse across the city. FiftyTwo highly appreciated taking wine into the theatre – this only added to the culture club air about it. The Cape Dutch inspired dining room is your perfect pre-dinner possie and the fairy-lit courtyard, a charming, post act hangout.
Tip: Book a table and dine out on a hearty homemade meal – there many Foxwood fables to be learnt and the inherited family furniture (Paul Kruger’s personal collection) is certainly worth taking a peek at.
Interesting fact: It is said that the first owner’s daughter, the glamorous Miss Oates (an Australian) was proposed to by Fred Astaire at Foxwood house. And as the story goes, whilst carried away in joyous dance, Astaire made an imprint on the wooden floor boards, which can still be seen today.
Where: 13 5th Street, Houghton Book: Join their Theatre mailing list by emailing admin@foxwood.co.za – or call 011 486 0935 to find out what’s currently on.

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Fifty two weekly things to do and see in Joburg

liz — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 05:33:28 +0000

Adi – adrian@fiftytwo.co.za compiles a weekly newsletter that focuses on a Joburg event for the week. He’s had some great write-ups. This is newsletter 6

FiftyTwo:6 This week’s pick: Codfather Village Outdoor Event Genre: Social culinary experience What: On the 27 March an all day social do will take place at the Codfather Village. A morning market will kick-start the event at 10am and from midday the real foodie journey begins. Five course tasting tokens, which you get on arrival, will allow you to sample one of the tasting dishes from each of the standing restaurants. The Codfather offers seafood and sushi, Casa da Galinha serves Mozambican meat cuisine and SISI are the Italian specialists. Dessert and coffee bars (courses 4 and 5) will be stationed in the front shaded courtyard. What a way to spend a day!
FiftyTwo review: I ♥ JHB (the event brand) sums it up: “Joburg has no ocean nor does it have a mountain, but who needs that when you have a city world famous for its people! And there is simply no better way to celebrate a natural resource so rich in value than an event that brings them all together.”
Tip: Restaurant hop but be sure to linger with new mates met, on the gastronomic offerings and within the comforts of each restaurant before moving onto the next. Let your day take a mellow course, filled with chat and good music – DJ Ben Kay, The Rocketeers and Goodluck will take to stage and 8 different bars will serve icy cool thirst quenchers. For the rugby lovers – stay on – the Super 14 will be screened.
Interesting fact: As you browse through the courtyard, picture yourself once roaming the wide open spaces of the bygone Edenburg estate. The operating dairy farm presented a very different atmosphere to the now busy suburb, Rivonia.
Where: Codfather Village, corner of 1st Ave and Rivonia Rd next to 90 Degrees Shopping centre Book: Tickets are R300pp and it’s recommended that you purchase beforehand – there are only 500 tickets on sale. Book through the reservation line: 011 803 2077 – to see full event details head to www.iluvsa.co.za

The best restaurant neighbourhoods in Joburg’s suburbs

liz — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 15:53:23 +0000

For recommended neighbourhood restaurants in neighbouring suburbs of Parkhurst, Parktown North and Greenside go to www.joburg.org.za/content/view/188/9

In the neighbouring suburb of Parkhurst , 4^th Ave has become a favourite foodie haunt, but some of the best are not listed on the link above:

Probably the best is The Attic The menu changes seasonally and there is consistent feedback from guests at Liz at Lancaster of excellent food and service; Cnr 10^th St and 4^th Ave; 011 880-6102

Bottega Very good bistro fare – pastas, salads, open sandwiches as well as more substantial meals 011 447-4448 open every night so good on Mondays when so many other places are closed.

Espresso café and bistro ; Always a safe bet but do not accept credit cards. Closed Mondays 011 447-8700

The Jolly Rodger As its name suggests – a typical English pub. Great place to watch any sporting events. Linked to Jolly Cool opposite which is open till late for things more substantial than beer and chips . Cr 4th Ave and 6th St

Eating out in Joburg: Indian, Chinese and a touch of Thai

liz — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 15:52:45 +0000

Fordsburg is the place to go for really good Indian food. Fordsburg is close to the city centre and is a great place to eat if you are going to a show at the Market Theatre. While it is predominantly an Indian, Bangladeshi and Pakistani area, there has been a recent increase on Eastern, Middle Eastern and North African immigrants. Don’t expect restaurants with ambience but the excellent home cooking, subtle spicing and amazing value for money, makes Fordsburg a great palce to eat. Plus there is a great buzzy vibe in the evening, especially on a Friday evening and during Ramadan. Flourescent light and plastic cloths take way second place when served with excellent curries, various different dahls and of course the Naan bread is to die for. Of course they are all alcohol free and they do not allow BYO

Al-Makka Fantastic food and full of local families. Open daily for lunch and dinner 011 838-2548 52 Central Rd

Bismillah’s North Indian and Pakistani ; Where the Indian cricket team eat when they are in Joburg; Wonderful chicken korma; 011 838 8051 76 Mint Rd Cnr Bree

Shayona Run by followers of the 7^th Century Hindu guru Swarmi Narayan so all vegetarian. The paneer cheese is excellent. Expect to pay about R50 for 2 course. 74 Church St 011 837 2407 Closed Mondays

Shunarga Tandoori chicken wonderful bryani and as with other eateries in Fordsburg – great prices 79 Mint Road 011 838-5533

Somali restaurant Amal Shopping Centre Cr Somerset and Central Rd Mayfair No Phone If you thought Shayona was cheap here 2 course will set you back about R30. Lots of side dishes brought; the TV blares with Al Jazeera news; helpful quick service

Chinese cuisine

The Chinese community traditionally lived in the south west of Joburg’s CBD area in Ferreirastown and more recently moved to Cyrildene with restaurants clustered around Derrick Ave near Bruma Lake.

Chinatown Szechwan Chinese ; Lots of hot and spicy with an abundance of garlic and chillies Open daily 10 to 10; BYO no corkage 16 Derrick Ave Cyrildene 072 989 3788

Fisherman’s Plate Taiwanese – crab curry; whole steamed fish with ginger Open Tues-Sun lunch and dinner; Box wine by the glass, Chinese beers, BYO at R20 corkage 18 Derrick Ave 011- 622 0480

Fong Mei Cantonese cuisine ; Open Tues- Sun lunch and dinner Licensed and wine ‘by the cup’ no BYO ; 18c Derrick Ave 011 615-1384

Long Mon Beijing cuisine; Peking Duck needs to be ordered the day before; open daily lunch and dinner open Tues-Sun lunch and dinner Licensed, No BYO 41 Derrick Ave 011 622-6861

Sai Thai Sai Thai means connected to Thailand and it lives up to its name as this restaurant serves some of the most authentic Thai food to be found around. Casual Thai lots of lemon grass; home made chili relish Try the thod mun pla fishcakes or the nam tok mhu pork ; lots of vegetarian offerings; Tues-Sun lunch and dinner Licensed no BYO Shop 1, Cyrildene Centre cr Marcia & Derrick Ave 011 615-1339

The remnants of Johannesburg’s original Chinatown in Ferreirastown in Jhb South west CBD still has a few remaining restaurants. There are moves afoot to revitalize this Chinatown area of town … watch this space The Swallow Inn Serves great chow mein and is still at 6 Commissioner St 011 838 2946

Closer to ‘home’ in the Hyde Park Mall is the Red Chamber specializing in a Mandarin style cooking with lots of ginger and chili. Vegetarians are well catered for. 011 325 6048

Eating out in Joburg: special occasions

liz — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 15:52:11 +0000

Auberge Michel 122 Pretoria Ave Sandton Johannesburg is an elegant restaurant with French style cuisine and is the 1st restaurant to achieve a 5 star rating from the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa 011 883 7013

The Green Truffle 26 Gleneagle Road Greenside is a mix of classic elegance meets contemporary cool. The menu includes dishes Yannan duck breast and lamb bordelaise and if you enjoy truffles (the chocolate or mushroom varieties) then this would definitely be the place to go. 011 486 1645

Le Soufflé Shop 9 & 10, Pineslopes Centre Cnr Witkoppen Road & The Straight Four Ways Marc Guebert is one of Johannesburg’s longest serving chefs (of Ille de France fame) All dishes are outstanding and his souffles are legendary 011 465 4116

The Westcliff. Stunning position overlooking the Zoo on Jan Smuts and view to the north- east. Very expensive, very upmarket but have a drink on the terrace or a Sunday afternoon tea (R90 pp at the last check; booking essential) and you can hear the lions roar. 011 646-2400; 67 Jan Smuts Ave (part of the Orient Express chain of international hotels)

Linger Longer Originally started in the CBD in 1961, the restaurant has changed ownership but has kept its consistently high reputation for sophisticated good food and wine. Try the salmon and scampi ceviche on rocket or the ostrich khibi with roasted peppers or guinea fowl in red wine with juniper berry sauce. Also rock cod and fresh chilean Salmon, burned lemon cream or wild berries mousse. Mouth-watering. 58 Wierda Rd East Wierda Valley Sandton 011 884-0465

Le Canard Judged by American Express as one of the Top Ten Deluxe Restaurants, annual inclusion in the Top 100 in South Africa, and numerous Diners Club Wine List Awards. The cooking is French in style with the signature dish being free-range duck breast crisped with honey and pepper www.lecanard.co.za 163 Rivonia Road Sandton 011 884-4597

WangThai, Sandton has been the recipient of numerous awards including “top 100 restaurants” and “Diners Club wine list”. The food is beautifully presented and tastes as good as it looks. The Thai chefs were apparently specially recruited from some of Bangkok’s finest 5-star hotels. The food is out of this world. Mandela Square 011 784 8484

Eating out in Joburg’s Inner City

liz — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 15:51:41 +0000

With the urban renewal that has taken place in Joburg over the last 10 years, there are an increasing number of really interesting and good quality eateries that have opened up. So venture ’south of the ridge’ and explore Braamfontein, Newtown and the inner city itself. You will be more than pleasantly surprised. See Barbara Ludman’s article ‘Inner City Restaurants’ (Oct 2009) www.joburg.org.za/content/view/4473/188/

Eating out near Liz at Lancaster: Sushi and Fish

liz — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 15:51:07 +0000

Places to go near Liz at Lancaster for good fish and sushi

Yamoto, Illovo one of Jozi’s first and best sushi restaurants 198 Oxford Rd 011 268 0511/2 www.yamato.co.za

Ruby Grapefruit, Parkhurst Not much English spoken but can communicate via the menu; 24c 4^th Ave 011 880-3673

Willougby’s, Hyde Park Mall Excellent fish served in skillets and always very fresh Sushi; very much in the Mall so can people watch as you eat 011 325 5107

Yo Sushi, Parktown North 6, Third Ave ; Take off the moving conveyer belt, prices charged by the colour of the plate 011 442 0246

Fishmonger, Illovo Consistently good fish as well as sushi; Thrupps Centre Oxford Rd 011 268-0068/7

Bite, Greenside Part of the Greenside neighbourhood cluster of restaurants; always good for sushi 137 Greenway 011 486-0449

Tsunami, The Rosebank Mall A large restaurant with not a lot of character but wide range of choice for Sushi and Sashimi 011 880 -8409