La Vita Restaurant

La Vita restaurant has had a reputation as being one of the most upmarket and expensive eateries in Pietermaritzburg for a while now. Situated in the popular and well-known Invesco Centre just a few kilometres from the CBD, La Vita specialises in Italian cuisine and has an extensive selection of pizza, pasta, seafood and meat dishes to cater for almost any palate. Curious sounding offerings such as Drunk Duck and Raunchy Rabbit are guaranteed to arouse interest and even Guineafowl is available for those wanting to try something new.

Italian cuisine has a rich heritage, having traceable roots as far back as the fourth century BC. La Vita strives to maintain this heritage by using only imported ingredients, giving the food an authentic and unmistakable Italian flavour. My mom and I experienced this authenticity first hand when we had supper at La Vita recently, an experience we’ll certainly remember for some time.

With so many options and combinations to choose from we were somewhat befuddled but with a little help from our waiter, Musa, we were able to place our orders. I selected the Polla Limone (a whole free range spring chicken, prepared in a wood-fired pizza oven and sprinkled with fresh garlic, fresh lemon and a medley of fresh herbs), which came with the option of vegetables, rice, chips or baked potato.

It was rather good and after applying a liberal amount of freshly squeezed lemon juice, the taste and flavour of the dish improved even more. I selected the option of vegetables (I am trying to eat as healthily as possible these days) to accompany the meal which, to be honest, could have been better prepared. Nevertheless the Polla Limone still represented value for money at R89 because it was well-cooked, well-presented and came in a rather sizable portion.

For starters my mom had the Roly Poly Pork (succulent pieces of pork glazed in honey and lemon) which she described as “succulent and tasty.” Not wanting to just take her word for it, I requested a “little taste” and boy was I glad I did so. The Roly Poly Pork was delicious, almost heavenly in fact and well worth R45.

At this point I was beginning to realise that talk of La Vita being “expensive and over-priced” were unfounded. It most certainly is not cheap, but by the same token cannot be described as expensive considering what I have encountered at similar establishments in Pietermaritzburg and the Midlands.

For her main course my mom ordered the Baked Polo (strips of Ostrich swathed in a delicious sauce and resting on a scrumptious potato bake), which she described as an “excellent” dish. Curious, I once again requested a “little taste” and was most impressed. I had never eaten Ostrich before and was quite surprised to find the meat tender and flavoursome. Truth be told I actually preferred the Baked Polo to the Polla Limone, it was that good.

With no room for dessert we requested the bill and began to reflect on the evening’s events. My mom was thoroughly impressed with her experience at La Vita. She loved the food and the vibrant atmosphere and would definitely recommend the restaurant to her family and friends, some of whom have a distinct love of Italian Cuisine.

I, too, was pretty impressed with this restaurant. The food was brilliant in every aspect, the atmosphere very uplifting and the service prompt and professional. With a packed restaurant and dozens of patrons to attend to Musa did not make a single mistake while serving us and his product knowledge was truly impressive.

Owner Shaun Beatt certainly has a winning combination in the form of La Vita and his adjacent Bangkok Wok franchise, which specializes in traditional Thai cuisine. Besides offering fantastic food and superb service, La Vita also boasts an extensive wine list, which features over 90 great tasting wines. Restaurant manager Tim Lander is always on hand to assist patrons in pairing their favourite dish with a wine to match and there’s even a range of certified organic wines available for those who would prefer this option.

La Vita is open from Mondays to Saturdays from 11h30 to 15h00 and again from 17h00 to 22h00. On Sundays the restaurant will be open from 11h30 to 15h00 and again from 17h00to 20h30. So for truly fine Italian dining at surprisingly affordable prices look no further than La Vita, arguably the best Italian restaurant in Pietermaritzburg.

Contact details:

Telephone: +27 (0)33 342‑0024
Physical address: Shop 10, Invesco Centre, Corner Sanctuary and Armitage Road, Pietermaritzburg

For a detailed review of the Bangkok Wok restaurant at the Invesco Centre, please refer to an earlier posting entitled ‘The Bangkok Wok – Add some spice to your life’

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Lunch in De Rust

We don't mean to stop in De Rust. We're on the N12 that heads off the N1 close to the Karoo National Park en route to Ladismith, our intended destination, and have just come through the incredible Meiringspoort, when De Rust appears out of nowhere.

The main road through town is littered with colourful restaurants, coffee shops and the odd boutique. The place is hot and humming. And a big board informs us that De Rust has won 'dorp van die jaar' and claims to be the best town in the Karoo.

Besides, we're hot and hungry. And with all the jolly jostling for attention that each of the establishments makes in a bid to get you to stop at their restaurant (they're rather colourful), the town deserves exploration.

The towns we've passed through, the heat of the Karoo and the incredible towering sandstone cliffs of Meiringspoort have all reminded me of author Ettienne van Heerden's The Long Silence of Mario Salviati (if there's one book that to me epitomises the Karoo, then it's this one, although the original, is of course, Die Swye van Mario Salviati).

Meiringspoort is De Rust's major drawcard. One is compelled to stop in town after passing through the kloof from the north, just to catch your breath. The sheer magnitude of the cliffs brings home sharply the arduous taks faced by farmers from the north to get their ox wagons through here, in an attempt to trade with Mossel Bay, George and Oudtshoorn.

Even today, if the road that was built finally only between 1920 and 1923 floods, which it is prone to do, trucks have to travel via Graaff-Reinet and Uniondale along the R62, or along the N1 to Laingsburg, branching off to Riversdale or Oudtshoorn, to arrive finally in George – both tedious and rigorous detours.

De Rust markets itself as a gateway to both the Great and Little Karoos. Its location is enviable, snuggled in amongst the Swartberg and Kammanassie Mountains. It's one of the few towns that isn't flat. Its tree-lined streets slope up and away from the entrance to Meiringspoort, and there is evidence that more than a few of the little Karoo houses have been spruced up and made pretty.

Around De Rust there are green valleys, incredibly rock formations, streams, an enviable bird life and walking and cycling trails to keep you busy for more than a couple of days. It's perfect as a place to lunch, but the town is also out to prove that it will hold your attention for a little while longer.

We finally settle on lunch at the Village Trading Post. From the road its exterior invites you to explore, while over the doorway there is the word 'courtyard' surrounded by swirling green curlicues, which suggest a cool veranda off the back somewhere. The mood is further endorsed by a couple of Harleys outside, and a dilapidated windmill on which is pegged the sign: 'windmaker kuns'.

We're not disappointed. Inside is an eclectic mix of things. Antique clothes, light shades donned with scarves and roses, furniture, a plethora of hearts, handbags, clocks and a selection of hats over the doorway catch your eye as you pass through the old house and out of a doorway into the courtyard, where there is also an art gallery.

Photographs — Left: De Rust Main Street / Right: Village Trading Post

We manage to find a perfect little nook up above the courtyard, next to the gallery, in amongst the leaves of a fig tree and a giant umbrella, its branches draped with glass bottles filled with pink liquid and wind chimes, the walls gently embroidered with painted climbing roses and the words of Ingrid Jonker — “...weerlose roos van die môre . wond van die rose...”

Afrikaans Karoo nostalgia as only the Karoo towns can do...

There isn't a hint of a breeze and we're grateful for the glass jug of iced water the waitress brings us. It's thoughtful. She could have simply slapped down three glasses filled with tepid tap water, as many restaurants do when you don't order a drink but request the freebie instead. Besides, I've spotted the water filter system similar to ours attached to the pump that brings water to the house.

Our food, when it comes, is also pleasantly refreshing, and not without artistry. The menu includes all day breakfasts, omelettes, salads, open sandwiches on home baked bread or ciabatta, toasted sandwiches, and 'magic meals' that include spaghetti 'bolle' naise served with tomato relish, and the village Trading Post's burger (their speciality).

There is also a good selection of local wines from Van Loveren, Hermanuspietersfontein, Bergwater and Rooiberg cellars. Part way through our meal, the Harleys are heard starting up and vrooming off.

At the gallery I become entranced by a painting. It isn't often I'm hooked. I'm not an art connoisseur, neither am I offay with South African art, but this beautiful modern and bright work with a swirling, almost green river that runs up towards a vivid farmhouse has me walking in muttering circles, wondering if I dare part with R4500 of my savings.

The heat and the added pressure of having to continue our journey abate my dilemma, but I still think about it. Often. I even have the gallery's card, delivered into my hands together with a little feather, lost somewhere in the bottom of my handbag. I think.

Photographs — Left: The courtyard / Right: Inside the Village Trading Post

Things to do when in De Rust:

• Herrie se Klip is a national monument found in Meiringspoort and is the famous spot where the writer CJ Langenhoven (he wrote the country's first national anthem) was want to sit and relax. Some say he even wrote here.
• Hikes and walks – there are numerous in the area. Contact Pieter Schoeman on +27 (0)82 377‑0547 or Barry Meijer on +27 (0)82 495‑5196
• Mons Ruber Winery – the local winery offers wine tasting
• Stompdrift dam – biggest dam in the Klein Karoo where you can fish and sail
• The old Slave dams – built in 1834
• The Swartberg Circular Route – from De Rust via Oudemuragie to the Cango Caves, then from the caves via the Swartberg pass to Prince Albert, then on via Meiringspoort and the waterfall to De Rust (find a map at De Rust's tourism office where they are very helpful)
• Karoo National Park – but an hour away, via Meiringspoort and Klaarstroom
• The Red Hills – found on the farm Rietvalley, roughly 10 kilometres outside of De Rust, these red collured hollow caves of Enon-conglomerate, or pudding stone, are millions of years old and a national nature heritage site
• Local artists – De Rust has attracted numerous sculptures, painters, landscape artists and writers
• Scenic drive – drive the section of Route 62 between De Rust and Ladismith as it is particularly scenic. En route stop off at Ronnie's sex shop, the hot springs just outside the town of Barrydale, and the town itself

Useful Links:

De Rust Accommodation
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Karoo Attractions
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Essence Cafe

Location plays a critical role in the success of any restaurant and Essence Café is most certainly well situated at Wetherlys Centre, probably the most upmarket location in the Pietermaritzburg CBD. On the day of my visit there were a number of luxury cars, including BMW’s, Mercedes Benz’s, Audi’s and even a Porsche gracing the centre’s parking bays – unmistakable proof that this venue is quickly gaining a reputation as one of the best meeting places for local business people.

Owner Martin Maltby named the restaurant ‘Essence’ because he believes the word encompasses the ‘soul’ of the business: “Good food, good friends and excellence,” and he certainly has devised a comprehensive menu that caters for just about everyone. From health breakfasts such as jungle oats to tasty offerings like crumpet stacks, pancakes, French toast, freshly baked croissants, Welsh rarebit and omelettes to name but a few, the early morning cuisine certainly sounded wonderful but having arrived just after one in the afternoon, the lunch menu was what I was most interested in.

A wide selection of open sandwiches, wraps, bagels, tramezzinis, salads and gourmet burgers cater for a variety of palates while ‘healthier options’ include the Sweet Chilli Fillet, Lemone Calamari, Rolled Chicken, Whai-Thai Curry and Pot Pie among other delectable dishes. With so many options and combinations to choose from deciding on what to have took some time, but I eventually selected the pot pie (R60) with a chicken filling and a phyllo pastry crust.

Although the portion was a little on the small side I thoroughly enjoyed the meal. It was truly delicious and expertly presented and the side salad that accompanied the dish was one of the most tasty I have ever had – no doubt attributed to the superb coriander and olive oil dressing.

For dessert I devoured a half portion of chocolate cake (R12) which admittedly was rather rich but by the same token, irresistibly good. Further dessert options included carrot cake, lemon meringue, chocolate brownies and a number of other mouth watering offerings that even the most disciplined diners would find hard to resist.

Seldom have I been as impressed with a meal as with what was served up to me at Essence Café. The quality of the ingredients and the care taken in the preparation of my dish was of a very high standard as was the service I received, although I have to say that my waiter could have been a little more enthusiastic at times.

Besides the great food, Essence Café also offers patrons an opportunity to relax and enjoy their meal while browsing through a wide selection of magazines or surfing the net on a wireless network. A number of books are also on sale at the café adding another dimension to the venue and giving it that extra appeal to potential customers.

So if you are looking to enjoy a scrumptious meal or an award winning cappuccino in a relaxing yet stimulating environment look no further than Essence Café. It’s the perfect spot to recharge your batteries or ponder your next business move and even if your favourite dish isn’t on the menu Martin will make sure that it’s made for you – provided the ingredients are available that is.

Essence Café is open from Monday’s to Friday’s from 7am to 5pm and on Saturday’s and Sunday’s from 8am to 2pm. However, the restaurant is also open for evening functions by prior arrangement.

Contact details:

Telephone: +27 (0)33 342‑9215
Physical address: 120 Victoria Rd, Wetherlys Centre, Pietermaritzburg

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Rawdons Estate

Situated in the heart of the Midlands Meander and only a five minute drive from the N3 highway is Rawdon’s Estate, probably one of the oldest hospitality establishments on the Midlands. The first thing that struck me about Rawdon’s was its unique, old world charm.

Closely resembling an English country estate of a bygone era the establishment is furnished with a variety of prize antiques that create an atmosphere of class and sophistication. Walking through its numerous hallways and investigating its many nooks and crannies was an absolute delight and I especially enjoyed the countless, animated framed sketches that adorned the walls.

Although Rawdon’s is most famous for its pub, The Boars Head, where visitors from far and wide come to enjoy a pint (or two) of their favourite brew, it’s also home to a first class restaurant as I discovered when I dropped in for lunch recently.

After perusing through the menu I was tempted to request an offering of roast beef, roast potatoes and Yorkshire pudding (R65) but I decided to select the de-boned Berg trout, known to be a speciality and a signature dish of the Midlands, instead. Although I found the taste a little unusual I rather liked the trout (R68) which also came with a hearty helping of vegetables and a garnish of your choice. My friend Mary-Anne, who had accompanied me for the afternoon along with my mom, also had the trout. She, too, enjoyed the dish although she did feel that had she applied less of her lemon and herb butter garnish (I opted for the garlic butter), she would have enjoyed it even more.

Considering this fish already has a rather unique flavour of its own, the key to a superb tasting trout seems to be the application of as little garnish as possible. However, since this was the first time either of us had eaten trout, we weren’t aware of quite how to proceed resulting in the rather over zealous application of our respective garnishes. Oh well, as they say you live and learn in this life and I’m pretty sure that both of us will keep this in mind next time we order trout.

My mom, who had a Greek salad (R32) as a starter, opted for the roast beef, roast potatoes and Yorkshire pudding (which also came with a helping of vegetables) for her main course. She had nothing but good things to say about the meal, remarking that the beef was “exceptionally tender”, the potatoes “crispy and very tasty”, the Yorkshire pudding “light and fluffy”, and the veggies “nice and crunchy”.

After lunch Mary-Anne and I decided to take a leisurely stroll along Rawdons’ neatly manicured lawns. We soon ended up exploring further and were most impressed by the beautiful lake that teemed with various types of birdlife. It was certainly one of the most tranquil settings I had encountered during my travels around the Midlands and the perfect remedy to calm jangled nerves.

I really enjoyed my visit to Rawdon’s. The food was tasty and affordable, the service top notch, the atmosphere very relaxed and the hospitality first class thanks largely to the personal touch applied by senior manager George who has worked at the establishment for 52 years.

George is probably one of the friendliest souls a person is ever likely to meet and his welcoming attitude and hospitable nature made us all feel right at home. He is a credit both to Rawdon’s and the hospitality industry in general and I’m sure it won’t be long before I return to experience the good old fashioned service this popular Midlands venue has became famous for.

Contact details:
Telephone: +27 (0)33 266 6044
Physical address: Nottingham Road, Natal Midlands (off R103), KwaZulu Natal
Useful Links:

• Nottingham Road Accommodation
• Natal Midlands Attractions
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Gunther's

I’ve never been to Switzerland, but I got the chance to experience just a taste of what that might be like when I visited Gunther’s on the Midlands Meander recently. Gunther’s is not really a restaurant in the traditional sense, serving only light meals of German / Swiss sausages washed down with your favourite draft or glass of wine, but even without a formal menu it certainly is a venue that has a lot to offer.

The secret to its success is the hands on approach adopted by owner Gunther Janz, a man who clearly has a passion for the hospitality industry and a love for traditional German / Swiss cuisine. Born in Switzerland, Gunther moved to South Africa at a young age and quickly fell in love with its stunning, natural beauty. He decided to stay and, together with his wife Carmen, established Gunther’s some years ago.

Billed as ‘a little piece of Switzerland in the heart of the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands’ Gunther could not have picked a more beautiful spot for his beloved creation. Situated high on a hill overlooking the perennially majestic Caversham Valley, Gunther’s resembles a setting straight out of the pages of an international travel catalogue and in the winter months, where snowfall is common in the Midlands, it certainly must be an awesome sight to behold.

Gunther’s even sports a pair of huge St Bernard’s, aptly named Hansel and Gretel, which make their home on the establishment’s lush, green lawns. The huge hounds are obviously very used to people as they hardly made an effort to greet us as we strode towards the ‘restaurants’ entrance, but they still made for quite an attraction and if I had the money and the space I’d probably consider getting myself one of these gentle giants. There is just something so adorable about them.

Upon learning that a menu wasn’t available, I asked Gunther what he had to offer. Ever the gentleman, he encouraged me and the rest of my lunch party to make our way to the serving counter where we sampled some of the fine German / Swiss sausages that were on offer.

After careful consideration I selected the Schueblig sausage (R55), a herb flavoured pork and beef combination that is a firm favourite in the north east of Switzerland. Served with a helping of fried onions and a large, crispy roll it was truly delicious.

Seldom have I enjoyed a better meal for that kind of money and it soon became apparent that when it comes to sausages, Gunther is certainly a man who knows his stuff. My friend Craig, who had accompanied me and my good friend Mary-Anne for the afternoon along with his wife Tandy and their four children, also opted for the Schueblig sausage and was similarly impressed with his findings.

His only quibble was that the meal was a tad pricy (a view with which I most certainly cannot concur given my findings on the Midlands during the course of this past year) and that the venue was ‘not family orientated’ given the lack of a jumping castle or a jungle gym to keep the kids busy.

Mary-Anne decided that a Bratwurst sausage (R55) would be more to her liking and she certainly wasn’t disappointed with her choice, giving it the thumbs up in every department. In addition to enjoying her meal she liked the “relaxed and friendly atmosphere” and stated that a return visit was “an absolute must.”

Tandy also opted for the Bratwurst sausage and expressed similar sentiments regarding both her meal and the venue itself. “The sausage was very tasty and I really liked the potato although I didn’t care much for the Sauerkraut (a R17.50 side order which we shared among the four of us). All in all it was an enjoyable experience and I would definitely come back given the unusual cuisine and friendly atmosphere,” she remarked.

After settling my bill and bidding Gunther farewell, I had plenty of time to reflect on my experiences and can most certainly concur that Gunther’s is indeed a venue well worth a visit. The service was first class, the atmosphere relaxed, the scenery most beautiful, the cuisine tasty (albeit a little unusual) and the hospitality some of the best you’re ever likely to encounter on the Midlands. My only reservation though is that Gunther’s is not a venue for vegetarians given the lack of options available for non meat eaters.

Contact details:

Tel: +27 (0)83 600‑0923
Physical address: Caversham Cottage, Caversham Valley, Kwazulu-Natal Midlands

Useful Links:

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La Popote Restaurant

The quaint little village of Hilton in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands is a pleasure to visit no matter what time of the year. The crisp, clean air is always refreshing and with a number of quality eateries to choose from, you are almost always guaranteed to find the perfect venue to tickle your taste buds.

La Popote Restaurant, situated amidst the beauty and tranquillity of Sue Tarr’s Summerhouse, is without a doubt one of the best eateries in the area as I found out when some friends and I popped in for Sunday lunch recently. Although more of a tea garden than a restaurant, La Popote offers a range of cuisine catering for most palates.

To ensure variety the menu changes regularly and upon learning that all meals, desserts and drinks are prepared on site I promptly ordered a home made ginger ale (R18). It was exceptionally refreshing, not to sweet yet full of flavour and just what I needed to quench my thirst.

I opted for the Bobotie (a local dish consisting of spiced minced meat baked with an egg-based topping) as a main course which was served in a mug and came with a helping of salad and vegetables. Although the presentation was rather unusual, I really enjoyed the dish. It was rather tasty, not over spicy (although it did have a bit of a zing to it) and hit the spot perfectly. The veggies were delicious too, and the salad tasty and crispy.

My mom also had the Bobotie and was equally impressed with her findings, remarking that the mince was “fine and tender making for a truly fantastic meal.” Not only was the Bobotie top notch in terms of quality and taste, it was also reasonably affordable. Dining out these days is generally quite an expensive undertaking but the good news is that this dish costs just R60 – not too shabby when you consider what that will buy you at a similar establishment.

Peta-Anne selected the savoury cheesecake which consisted of spinach, mushroom, onion and blue cheese accompanied by a helping of avocado salad. Although most definitely a dish I would not have chosen given my dislike for blue cheese, we all have our preferences and Peta-Anne really loved the dish, remarking that it was “delicious, not too salty and tastefully presented.”

While there’s no doubt that she really enjoyed her savoury cheesecake, I noticed that Peta-Anne’s portion was rather small. Had it been more substantial I would have given it a thumbs up in terms of value for money, but at R55 it most certainly wasn’t cheap. For that kind of money I would have expected a bigger portion, after all country cafés are known for offering larger portions than that of their city counterparts.

Mary-Anne opted for the parmesan and lemon chicken, a rather unusual combination to say the least but certainly an interesting one. She was most impressed with her dish, describing the chicken as “succulent” and the vegetables as being “full of flavour and rather tasty.” On this occasion the portion was thankfully more than adequate equating to a value for money meal that would be pretty hard to beat just about anywhere.

For dessert both Mary-Anne and I had the carrot cake (R25), which was outrageously delicious and exceptionally well-presented. I especially enjoyed the way my plate was drizzled with a ‘snow like’ decoration which spoke volumes for the exceptional care La Popote take in presenting their meals.

My mom decided that the chocolate fondant cake with berry coulis (R25) would be more to her liking and judging by her comments it certainly proved to be a good choice. She described it as “delicious and decadently rich” and something she’d “definitely try again.”

A few quibbles aside I was most impressed with my findings at La Popote Restaurant. The food was tasty and well-presented, the service good and the atmosphere very uplifting. But what I liked most about this venue was the beautiful and intimate setting of Sue Tarr’s Summerhouse – a nursery par excellence and a place where you can get just about anything for your home or garden.

So if you are feeling stressed out and need a break or if you just feel like enjoying a leisurely lunch amidst the greenery and tranquillity of nature then La Popote is the perfect place for you. It’s a little oasis of peace and harmony that everyone touring the Midlands should visit at least one. I thoroughly recommend it.

Contact details:

Tel: +27 (0)33 343 2352
Physical address: Folly Hill, Dennis Shepstone Drive, Hilton

Useful Links:

Hilton Attractions
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Natal Midlands Accommodation
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Butcher Block Restaurant

When my good friend Mary-Anne invited me to join her and her parents for dinner at The Butcher Block Restaurant in Pietermaritzburg recently I didn’t hesitate on taking up their offer knowing from past experience that the food at this establishment is generally pretty good. Situated at the Liberty Midlands Mall, The Butcher Block finds itself in a competitive environment with a number of similarly themed restaurants located close by.

The Butcher Block copes with this competition by delivering fast and efficient service and great tasting, affordably priced food in a relaxed yet uplifting atmosphere that makes you want to relive the experience time and time again. Although essentially a meat and chicken lover’s paradise The Butcher Block menu offers a wide selection of starters, salads and main meals that cater for just about every palate, no matter how particular.

Mary-Anne opted for the chicken wrap (chicken fillets filled with mozzarella cheese and herb and garlic butter wrapped in bacon and topped with a mushroom sauce) and thoroughly enjoyed it, mainly because of the “deliciously tasty mushroom sauce that complimented the dish to perfection.” At R82 the meal was also well priced, especially when you consider, as with all the poultry dishes on the menu, that it included a serving of fresh chips or seasonal vegetables.

I decided that a chicken schnitzel with mushroom sauce (R75) would be more to my liking and I certainly wasn’t disappointed with my choice. It was an outstandingly good schnitzel, tender and flavoursome and definitely one of the best I’ve had in many a year. Not only was the meal exceptionally tasty and affordable it was well presented too, always a sign of a creative chef.

Mary-Anne’s parents, Paul and Olive, also opted for the chicken schnitzel and were both rather impressed with their selection. Olive remarked that the chicken was “nice and soft” and the vegetables “very nicely presented” while Paul exclaimed that the dish was “definitely way above average.”

Although none of us ordered any of the combo meals that were available nor any of the meat or seafood dishes for that matter, I’m pretty sure they must all be rather good, especially the meat dishes, many of which The Butcher Block is renowned for. Choice cuts of rump, fillet, sirloin, T-bone, ribs and chops in various sizes and configurations are all available to satisfy the appetites of even the most ravenous meat eaters – a pretty impressive selection to say the least.

Besides offering great tasting food and above average service The Butcher Block had another ace up its sleeve (on this particular evening at least) in the form of the Blaskapelle Wunderbar band – a traditional German Oompah band based in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands. Their catchy music created a festive atmosphere with some patrons even deciding to leave their seats and partake in a spot of impromptu dancing.

We all enjoyed our visit to The Butcher Block. The service was good (we received our orders within 30 minutes despite a packed house), the food even better and the ambience almost exhilarating. I also loved the décor with its curious mix of the modern and yesteryear.

I couldn’t fault this venue in any way. It was simply superb and I’m already looking forward to my next visit, which I’m sure won’t be too long in coming.  

Contact details:

Tel: +27 (0)33 342 1607
Physical address: Shop 303, Garden Food Court, Liberty Midlands Mall

Useful Links:

Pietermaritzburg Attractions
Things to Do in Pietermaritzburg
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St Ives Restaurant

St Ives Country Estate has to be one of the most attractive venues on the Midlands Meander and quite possibly one of the most well-known as well. Situated on the R103 just up the road from the Piggly Wiggly Coffee Shop, St Ives is hard to miss.

It’s a huge estate sporting well manicured, lush green lawns and a beautiful lake making for a landscape rivalling among the most alluring the region has to offer. St Ives has many attractions, the most well known of which is undoubtedly its superb trout fishing.

However, indulging in a spot of fishing was not the reason for my visit. I had come to indulge my taste buds at their popular gourmet restaurant, reputed to be one of the best in the area. My good friend Mary-Anne and my mom accompanied me for the afternoon and although we all (for the most part at least) simply loved the cuisine that was on offer, we left somewhat disappointed with our findings.

The menu at St Ives is one of the most comprehensive I’ve encountered anywhere and contains some really delicious dishes. A wide selection of salads, wraps, bagels, pizzas, burgers and a variety of vegetarian and meat dishes are available to cater for most preferences and tastes.

With such a variety to choose from making a decision wasn’t easy but I eventually opted for the chicken oriental spring rolls (R29) as a starter and the rosemary and garlic shank (R109) as a main course. Filled with chicken and vegetables and served with a honey soy dip the spring rolls were pleasantly crispy and fairly tasty although I didn’t care much for the sauce, which I soon discarded all together.

The main course was a lot more enjoyable, after all who could say no to a slow roasted lamb shank, rubbed with rosemary and garlic and finished off with the chef’s demi-glace. However, as good as this meal was it didn’t quite compare to other shanks that I had enjoyed at similar establishments on the midlands. It just wasn’t as tasty or as juicy and it lacked that special something to make my taste buds sit up and really take notice.

My mom selected the herb and brie fillet (R95) for her mains while Mary-Anne decided that the chicken cutlets (R60) would be more to her liking. My mom loved her fillet, a tender grilled steak topped with slices of brie cheese, drizzled with a tasty berry sauce and garnished with a selection of seasonal herbs, describing it as “delightfully succulent and very flavoursome.”

Mary-Anne was equally complimentary towards her chicken cutlets describing them as “delightful and perfectly complimented by the tasty mushroom sauce.” As with all main meals at St Ives the chicken cutlets came with a helping of seasonal vegetables and a choice of French fries, mashed potato or a light garden salad. Mary-Anne opted for the mash which she thoroughly enjoyed although she didn’t care much for the vegetables, remarking that they were “pretty average.”

Given the mostly positive culinary experiences of my lunch party and the fact that my meal was certainly by no means a bad one you are probably wondering why we left “somewhat disappointed with our findings.” The answer lay in the sub standard service we received from the moment we entered the restaurant.

Our greeting at the entrance was tepid to say the least and to make matters worse the trainee waiter assigned to our table committed just about every blunder he possibly could have during the course of the afternoon. Call it an aberration or just a case of being at the wrong place (or should that be table?) at the wrong time I’m not sure, but whatever the case there really was no excuse for this type of service to be meted out to customers.

To be sure the overall quality of the food at St Ives could not be faulted and the majestic scenery went a long way to lifting our spirits, but at the end of the day it’s all about service and on this occasion there simply wasn’t any to speak off. However, everyone deserves a second chance and it’s for that reason I’m likely to return sometime in the future.

Contact details:

Tel: +27 (0)33 234‑4490
Physical address: Lions River, KwaZulu Natal Midlands

Useful Lions River Links:

• Lions River Attractions
• Lions River Hotels
• Lions River Accommodation
• Natal Midlands Accommodation
• KwaZulu Natal Accommodation

John Dory’s

Founded with the intent of making fresh fish and seafood available to the public at affordable prices, the first John Dory’s Fish and Grill opened its doors in Durban in 1996 and quickly mushroomed into a national brand with 26 stores in eight provinces. That sort of growth is pretty impressive in anyone’s books and being eager to discover why John Dory’s have been so successful I decided to have dinner at their Liberty Midlands Mall outlet in Pietermaritzburg recently.

I invited my good friend Mary-Anne and my mom to join me for the evening knowing full well that both of them would be more than willing to provide an honest assessment of their culinary experiences. Upon entering the establishment we received a warm welcome and were promptly shown to our table stopping occasionally to appreciate some of the vibrant décor, which created an almost theatrical ambience throughout the restaurant, along the way.

After ordering our drinks we scanned the menu trying to find that special dish that would make our evening one to remember. Although the John Dory’s menu is primarily aimed at providing patrons with a wide selection of seafood dishes, it does offer steaks; chicken, pasta and salad for non seafood lovers while a variety of combo meals are available for those wanting the best of both worlds.

For starters I decided to have a cheese and garlic Maputo roll (R16) which proved to be the perfect appetiser for what was to follow. I opted for the quarter chicken and rib (R85) with a side order of fries (R14) as a main course and was rather impressed with my choice.

The ribs were tasty and meaty, full of flavour and cooked to perfection, the chicken tender and very appetising and the fries crispy and delicious. All in all the meal proved to be great value for money especially since it included an option of fries, vegetables (my choice) or salad.

My mom decided to have the grilled kingklip (R89) with a helping of vegetables for her mains and was similarly impressed with her choice of dish describing the fish as “tender and succulent” and the veggies as “very tasty.” She added that her meal was “well worth the money” and expressed a strong desire to “return as soon as possible,” no doubt in order to relive what was clearly a thoroughly enjoyable experience for her.

Mary-Anne opted for the chicken Alfredo (smoked chicken, mushrooms and spinach tossed in linguine pasta with a garlic and cream sauce) which certainly sounded appetising. She loved the dish and was particularly impressed with the smoked chicken which she described as “awesome.”

To be sure the quality of the food at John Dory’s was simply outstanding and definitely exceeded even my highest expectations. Their service was excellent too and I was particularly impressed with the professionalism displayed by both the manager and our waitress who were very attentive to our needs.

I simply could not fault John Dory’s in any way, shape or form. It’s a superbly well-run restaurant serving great tasting food at competitive prices and certainly lives up to its motto of “wanting visitors to tell their friends about their experiences and to return soon.”

After such an enjoyable experience I definitely will be returning soon, especially since plans to provide outside seating are already underway. This will not only maximise John Dory’s exposure to passing trade but should also give the establishment an even better look making it one of the most attractive eateries in the Liberty Midlands Mall.

Contact details:

Tel: +27 (0)33 342 3738
Physical address: Shop 304, Liberty Midlands Mall, 50 Sanctuary Road, Pietermaritzburg

Useful Links

Pietermaritzburg Attractions
Things to Do in Pietermaritzburg
Pietermaritzburg Accommodation
KwaZulu Natal Accommodation

The Calabash Café

The Calabash Café is a quaint, little coffee shop situated just off the busy N3 near Howick in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands. I decided to pop in for Sunday lunch there recently, persuading friends Mary-Anne, Peter and Lisa to join me for what proved to be an interesting experience.

After being shown to our table we promptly ordered drinks and began to peruse the menu which contained just about everything you’d expect to find at a country café. We had the option of choosing from a selection of sandwiches, burgers, soups, quiche’s and salads as well as a variety of traditional favourites such as Welsh Rarebit, fish and chips, Chicken a la King and bangers and mash to mention but a few.

With so many options available deciding what to have was proving difficult and so both I and Peter decided to play it safe by ordering the Sunday roast (R60). Mary-Anne, on the other hand, opted for the chicken schnitzel, chips and salad (R45) while Lisa decided to skip mains, selecting one of her favourite treats, a lemon meringue tart (R20), instead.

Served with roast potatoes, rice, vegetables and gravy the Sunday roast was neither as tasty nor as substantial as similar offerings found elsewhere in the Midlands. Nevertheless it still represented value for money if only because it included dessert, which in my case came in the form of a delicious tasting pancake with honey and ice-cream.

Peter expressed similar sentiments regarding the meal, stating that the portions should have been larger, except for his helping of vegetables, which he felt was reasonable. Mary-Anne was more than happy with her chicken schnitzel which was served with mushrooms and a tasty cheese sauce.

Her overall impressions of the meal were positive although she did describe the vegetables as “average”. For dessert Mary-Anne simply requested a helping of ice-cream and chocolate sauce (R16), which she thoroughly enjoyed.

Lisa’s lemon meringue tart certainly looked delectable and was probably one of the most well presented desserts I had come across in a while. She loved it, describing it as both “delightful” and “satisfying.”

There’s no doubt that the food, for the most part at least, was pretty good at this venue, but what I savoured most about my culinary experience was the ‘dark’ hot chocolate that I enjoyed before my meal. Now I’ve had dozens of hot chocolates over the years, but none could compare with this one.

The majority of coffee shops or cafes serve hot chocolate with a complimentary biscuit or shortbread. In this instance however, a cube of baking chocolate accompanied the drink. Putting two and two together I placed the baking chocolate directly into the steaming drink. Within a few minutes the baking chocolate had melted resulting in a hot chocolate that was simply out of this world. What a brilliant idea!

Besides offering patrons a selection of hearty breakfasts, lunches and takeaways, the Calabash Café also has a deli, an art gallery (with a distinctive African theme), an arts and crafts section and a children’s play area. Braai packs, picnic baskets, camping supplies and even hammocks are also available if you want them.

I enjoyed my visit to the Calabash Café. The staff were warm and attentive, the food well-presented and well-prepared and the atmosphere uplifting and refreshing. I really liked the bright décor and I loved the colourful fish tank complete with its host of mini marine attractions.

If you want to enjoy some warm, country hospitality and a tasty, home cooked meal in the serenity of the Midlands the Calabash Café is a good place to visit. Just bear in mind though that their Sunday roast is not the most substantial offering around so if you have a big appetite you might want to try something else on the menu.

Contact details:

Telephone Number: +27 (0)33 330 4094
Physical address: Howick, KwaZulu-Natal Midlands (straight opposite the entrance to Midmar Dam)

Useful Howick Links

Howick Attractions
Things to Do in Howick
Howick Accommodation
Natal Midlands Accommodation
KwaZulu Natal Hotels
KwaZulu Natal Accommodation

Terbodore Coffee Roasters

Situated on the Curry’s Post Road in the KwaZulu-Natal midlands, Terbodore Coffee Roasters are renowned for their award winning cappuccinos made from the finest roasted coffee in the area. Not being a coffee drinker however, I had never really shown much interest in paying Terbodore a visit, that is until I learnt the establishment is home to a fully fledged restaurant.

Eager to find out what was on the menu I booked a table for Sunday lunch as soon as I could. The trip from Pietermaritzburg to Howick is seldom a pleasant one these days with lumbering, heavy-laden trucks and hazardous construction work proving a challenge for even the most vigilant motorist. Once off the busy N3 however, I began to relax as I made me way onto the Curry’s Post Road – the epitome of a quite country road if ever there was one.

The scenery in this part of the world is simply stunning. A series of sea blue lakes shimmered in the glorious spring sunshine and the lush, green meadows were so inviting that I experienced an almost irresistible urge to stop the car and enjoy an impromptu picnic right in the midst of all the beauty. However, as enthusiastic as I was I wasn’t going to risk spoiling my appetite and so I carried on driving, reaching my destination in good time and in very good spirits.

Terbodere, without a doubt, is a gorgeously attractive venue. The scenery and surroundings are simply heavenly and for a moment I felt as though I had entered another dimension where everything was uncorrupted and without blemish. After alighting from my car I made my way towards the restaurant’s entrance where I was greeted by Terbodere co-owner Marian Macaskill who promptly showed me to my table.

A friendly lady, Marian grew up in the Western Cape, but decided to relocate to the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands some years ago. In 2004, together with her husband Mark, she established Terbodere Coffee Roasters and has never looked back; deciding to open the restaurant in 2010 after visitors requested a snack to enjoy with their coffee.

I ordered the grilled lemon baby chicken (R90) as a main course while my mom, who had accompanied me for the afternoon, opted for one of the specials of the day, the fillet steak, chips and onion rings (R110). Layered with a creamy, herb sauce and served with potato crisps and green vegetables the baby chicken proved to be a good choice.

Although initially a little dry, an extra helping of the delicious sauce improved the flavour and taste considerably and I soon made light work of the dish. What I liked most about the meal was the scrumptious potato crisps. They were cooked to perfection, exceptionally light and crispy and a treat for even the most particular of palates.

The only real criticism I had were the vegetables, which consisted of a few pea snaps. I had expected a decent helping of a variety of green vegetables rather than this meagre offering, but perhaps this had been done for the sake of presentation since a cluttered plate is seldom pleasing to the eye.

For dessert I requested the individual carrot and pecan nut cake (R25). It was delicious, exquisitely presented and most enjoyable. My mom was similarly impressed with her main course, describing the steak as “juicy and tender” and the onion rings and chips as “crispy and very tasty.” However, she did feel the dish could have included a few vegetables or, at the very least, a side salad.

On the whole though both of us were rather impressed with what Terbodere had to offer. The setting was delightful, the food exceptionally well-presented and the service top notch and had we been coffee drinkers, we would probably have given it ten out of ten judging by the wonderful aromas that filled the air.

Even if you are not a coffee drinker, a visit to Terbodere is well worth your time. It’s the perfect venue to unwind and enjoy a quality meal in peace and tranquillity and in surroundings that rank among the most beautiful the midlands has to offer.

Where to Find Them:

Telephone: +27 (0)33 330‑2380
Physical address: Curry’s Post Road, Howick, KwaZulu-Natal

Useful Howick Links:

Howick Attractions
Things to Do in Howick
Howick Accommodation
Natal Midlands Accommodation
KwaZulu Natal Hotels
KwaZulu Natal Accommodation

Jaxx Restaurant

The beautiful and quaint village of Hilton in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands is home to a number of fine eateries, many of which have been around for quite some time. A recent visit to village’s popular Quarry shopping centre, however, revealed the presence of Jaxx Restaurant, an obvious ‘new kid on the block’.

Not wanting to pass up the opportunity to try something new I decided to sit down and enjoy an impromptu lunch and, a few quibbles aside, I was rather happy with my findings. The Jaxx menu is quite varied with breakfast offerings including a selection of omelettes and traditional fare such as bacon and eggs on toast while healthier options are available for those keeping a strict eye on their waistlines.

I quite enjoy my cooked breakfasts, sometimes requested them even in the afternoon, but with Jaxx strictly adhering to their policy of “breakfasts served until 11am only” I had to look elsewhere on the menu for satisfaction. Not being particularly hungry I decided to settle for a roast beef, pickled onion and Dijon mayo sandwich with French fries which, at just R35, seemed like a decent bet.

While waiting for my meal to arrive I enjoyed a delicious hot chocolate (R17) served with a complimentary shortbread which I thought was a nice touch. After about 15 minutes my sandwich arrived and although it didn’t appear particularly appetising it certainly was both tasty and filling.

With delectable desserts such as crème Brule and berry meringue on offer it wouldn’t be out of place to question my sanity for opting for something seemingly as bland as a scone and marmalade (R20) instead. Perhaps it’s the sweetness of the marmalade or the aroma of a freshly baked scone straight from the oven that does the trick for me, but whatever the reason, it’s a winning combination every time.

I enjoyed my visit to Jaxx. The service was fairly good, the food reasonably well-presented and well-priced and the atmosphere quite lively and up-beat and for those wanting more than just a light lunch, dishes such as coriander and coconut chicken (served with basmati rice), ginger and lime prawns, chicken pasta and vegetable curry, among others, are sure to tickle your palate.

Jaxx Restaurant is also open for dinner till late and after a pleasant lunch time outing I see no reason why an evening visit wouldn’t herald a similar result. Just a word of caution though. Hilton can get very cold in the evenings, even this late in the year so it’ll be wise to pay close attention to what the weather is doing before booking a table.

Where to Find Them:

Telephone: +27 (0)33 343‑2226
Address: Quarry Centre, Hilton, KwaZulu-Natal

Useful Hilton Links:

Hilton Attractions
Hilton Accommodation
Hilton Guest Houses
Natal Midlands Accommodation
KwaZulu Natal Accommodation
KwaZulu Natal Hotels

RJ's Steakhouse

The RJ’s restaurant chain has become a household name in South Africa for a number of years now and is synonymous for producing succulent steaks, mouth-watering ribs and various other types of delicious cuisine. Eager to put these claims to the test I paid a visit to RJ’s at the upmarket Invesco Centre in Pietermaritzburg recently.

Friday and Saturday nights at RJ’s are known to be busy and the evening of my visit was no exception. There wasn’t a free table in sight and the restaurant was a hive of activity with waitrons scurrying about and patrons engaging in loud conversation and much merriment.

The RJ’s menu contains everything you’d expect to find at any steakhouse worth its salt and it was difficult to make a choice with so many juicy sounding options on offer. After studying the menu for a while I opted for the ribs and calamari rings which, at R97.95, seemed like a good bet. Half an hour later my meal arrived and, not wanting to waste any time, I promptly tucked in.

The ribs were delicious, full of flavour and cooked to perfection although the calamari was a little on the rubbery side. Nevertheless I was impressed with the overall taste and presentation of my meal. It certainly represented value for money especially considering that all main meals at RJ’s include an option of vegetables or baked or mashed potato or chips.

My mom, who had accompanied me for the evening along with friends Mary-Anne and Peta-Anne, decided that the Danish Chicken Cordon Bleu (R79.95) would be more to her liking. She certainly wasn’t left disappointed remarking that her dish was “very tasty and well presented.”

Mary-Anne was similarly impressed with her order, the Californian Chicken Schnitzel (R61.95), which she requested with vegetables. Describing the chicken as “tender and tasty” and the veggies as “awesome” she was clearly thrilled with her choice, and when one considers what other establishments charge for a similar meal, her dish was certainly well-priced.

The ever cautious and conservative Peta-Anne opted for the hake with rice (R67.95) which she, too, thoroughly enjoyed, remarking that the fish was “well cooked” and the overall presentation of the dish “spot on.” She went on to add that she’d definitely like to return soon to “experience the great vibe and atmosphere once again,” – a sentiment with which we all concurred.

No dinner is complete without dessert though and after spotting one of my favourite treats (malva pudding) on the menu I promptly ordered a helping. Although not as sweet as I had hoped, it was still tasty enough to enjoy and, at R26.95, was affordable too.

I thoroughly enjoyed RJ’s. The food and the service was excellent, the décor simple yet attractive and the atmosphere upbeat and uplifting. Wine lovers will be pleased to know that the RJ’s cellar is always fully stocked with a visit to the carvary being an option for those who may not find the menu quite to their liking. Children, too, are well catered for, with a colourful ‘playzone’ on hand to help them out of mischief.

A visit to RJ’s is simply a must for anyone wanting to experience great tasting and affordable food in a safe and friendly environment. It’s the perfect anti-dote to a stressful day (or even a week for that matter) at the office and an establishment that I’m sure I’ll be frequenting quite often from now on.

Contact details:
Tel: +27 (0)33 342 1185
Physical address: Invesco Centre, Chatterton Road, Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu Natal.

Pietermaritzburg Links

• Things to Do in Pietermaritzburg
• Pietermaritzburg Attractions
• Pietermaritzburg Guest Houses
• Pietermaritzburg Accommodation
• KwaZulu Natal Accommodation

Tea at Nellies

I've got a confession to make. I've lived in Cape Town for nigh on six years and up until yesterday had still not had high tea at Nellies. This is a sacrilege. Even my friends, who recently came to stay from Durban, managed to make a detour to the Mount Nelson Hotel something of a priority, where after they waxed lyrical for at least an hour.  Nothing like feeling you don't know your home city to get one motivated. Nonetheless  it still took an irresistible special offer and an organised man to get me there.

Organised he can be, but he didn't get things off to a swinging start by interrupting my morning dressing ritual (usually a rather rushed and disorganised affair at the best of times that relies heavily on impromptu clothing combinations to feel 'right' for the day) with an 'oh, and the dress code is smart-casual'. This followed closely on the heels of 'I've got a surprise for you today, expect me at 12pm sharp'.

I don't do dress codes. They make my toenails curl and bring on an immediate attack of dig-in-heels. The type of response similar to when your dog absolutely refuses to cross the threshold to go and do his thing outside because it's too cold – that one.

Fortunately the Mount Nelson's dress code is virtually non-existent. You probably couldn't stroll out onto their veranda in your shorts and slip-slops (unless you were Brad Pitt and then he wouldn't stoop to mooching around in shorts, would he?), but actually just about anything goes.

The older generation, who in hindsight had obviously done tea here before, camped out just inside the lounge area as close to the cucumber sandwiches as possible (these are the first to go, should you be interested for when you give it a whirl) still wear pretty smartish clothing (I'm sure I caught a glimpse of a couple of cravats out of the corner of my eye) but the rest of us were casual, although no-one was sporting a pair of shorts. You can safely wear jeans, though.

Nonetheless, I didn't take into account that we would have a scorching summer's day in the middle of winter. I would much rather have been clad in a flowing summer skirt and cute little top number, rather than my thick corduroys and African spirit t-shirt from Mr Price, as funky as it is! Fortunately, I manage to ignore unessentials like my attire when it comes to enjoying the moment. It's something that happens to you once you're over 35, I believe.

My man, bless him, managed to find the special offer that combines a massage for two at the Librisa Spa with high tea. Bliss for two allows a couple to enjoy a 60 minute balancing massage for two using Africology massage balm, followed by Afternoon Tea for two in the hotel lounge. For just R1735.

What they don't tell you, is that because you booked for a Monday afternoon, you'll have the change room and sauna area to yourself after your incredible massage from which you will emerge five years younger and miraculously minus the worry lines with which you entered.

Then (in the changing area I mentioned) having ditched your white toweling robe with abandon, you will dart from the outside shower into the sauna, launch yourself into the heated outside plunge pool followed swiftly by a whirl in the steam room. All in the throws of thoroughly enjoying yourself.

Then you will smother yourself in Africology body lotion (www.africology-sa.com) because it has to be the most wonderful smelling stuff you've laid your hands on, ever, finally emerging a completely new person. All this for the price of a special massage. I can vouch for it.

Mount Nelson's high tea is something of an institution. The rich and famous hang out there, although I confess that no-one I'd seen of late on the big screen graced the veranda. There were a couple of ladies with rather loudly dyed dark hair, obviously resident at the hotel judging by the effusive greeting they received from the maitre d', an odd-looking gent who scoffed his petit fours discreetly down one end of the veranda, a couple of students, a few Americans and a group of Brits who looked as though they were on a tour of the hotel.

An interesting aside: the Mount Nelson was not always pale pink, and I must admit to being somewhat mystified as to why it is that colour at all. I suppose now that it has earned the nickname the 'Pink Palace' there's no going back, but originally the Mount Nelson was painted pale yellow and green. After that it had a short period drenched in ochre and oxblood red, probably totally inappropriate for WWI as shortly after it, in 1923, the Nellie went pale pink.

We could choose where to sit, inside or out, and since it was such a glorious day the veranda (it's the 'terrace' to you, darling) was the only logical choice. For those of you who want an idea of the indoor décor, I could not do better than a description by the hotel:

“the mood for afternoon tea is set by warm creams, taupe and duck-egg blue fabrics, unlined taffeta curtains diffusing Cape Town's brilliant sun, and high ceiling cornices highlighted in silver leaf and an oak floor.”

The variety of teas alone is worth footing the bill for high tea. From an incredible selection of loose leaf black, green, white, herbal and floral teas I chose the white tea, whilst my man had gunpowder with mint, a green tea. Tea is brought to us in collaboration with Nigiro, celebrated tea specialists, and John, our waitor, was thoroughly knowledgeable and could easily distinguish between non-fermented, lightly fermented and fermented teas, why these were so, and their effects on the tea drinker.

My Durban friends had already exclaimed in some detail over the Nigiro glass teapots in which the tea is served. I have been tasked with finding them one as they did not make it to the shop De Waterkant before boarding their flight (I think the tea room at Origin Coffee Roasting stocks them).

John warned that my tea would take a little longer to draw then most. The loose leaves are set in a little glass infuser within the pot that easily lifts out once your tea has unfurled and the flavour is released enough. I'm not a tea fundi and despite the warning, poured my first cup a little prematurely. Nonetheless, the tea was so different from any I have tasted before. I'm not sure that I was as fond of it as my man's though. His was wonderful.

The menus surreptitiously disappear around the time of ordering the first pot of tea with the understanding that you need but ask for them to order another  pot. But by this stage you are knee-deep in strawberry cream cake, mini éclairs, petit fours, spinach croissant quiche, tea loaves, mini cup cakes, various sandwiches, muffins, glazed onion and tomato tarts and scones with jam and whipped cream from the help-yourself buffet. And nothing else seems to matter.

Useful Links

• Mount Nelson Hotel
• Cape Town Hotels
• South Africa Hotels

O'Ways Teacafe

Tea houses haven’t exactly taken off in Cape Town. While we embrace coffee culture with almost religious zeal, we tend to sniff our noses at anywhere that offers anything other than Ceylon and Rooibos (or perhaps Green Tea or Chamomile for the real daredevils.) The now defunct Tea Emporium in Cavendish Mall had dozens of varieties of tea, but its many Eastern-inspired teapots stood empty whilst denizens of the mall jostled for room in the coffee shops.

Thankfully we now have a new tea house in the suburbs to challenge the coffee oligarchy. O’ways Teacafe offers more than sixty-four exiting forms of nigiro teas and infusions sourced from all over the world.  The exotic names are enough to make you try them all; Chinese Gunpowder, Strawberries and Cream and even the more esoteric flowering teas.

The whole act of tea drinking is a ritual unto itself. Coffee may be all about the buzz, but tea is a slower, more refined beverage that takes it time.

First, the smelling of the different varieties of teas and infusions in their clear glass jars. Each tea also has a story and description of origin which helps to really immerse you within the tea-drinking experience.

Next is watching the careful process of tea-making unfold. The tea is steeped in a glass tea pot and timed by an old-fashioned sand timer. When sufficient time has elapsed, the sieve is removed and it’s time to drink. O’ways does offer top-quality Origin coffee. The specialty coffee beans are sourced from Africa and transformed through artisan roasting into a rich cup of Joe. When you’re looking for your morning buzz; it more than delivers.

The menu is diverse offering a variety of delicious Asian-inspired meals. For breakfast I chose soft fried free range eggs with a chickpea patty and tomato-basil salsa, which was delicious. My friend (and fellow tea drinker) had a Taiwanese Dan Bing pancake omelette with guacamole and lime yoghurt.

Both meals were elegantly presented, appealing to look at and filling. I was so impressed with the delicious breakfast that I have vowed to return for lunch. A quick glance at the menu shows an interesting fare including Honey and Mustard Tofu slices in a ciabatta, Creamy young pea and lemon verbena soup, Tom Yum broth and warm vermicelli salad.

Contact Details & Address
Shop no.2, Heritage House, 20 Dreyer Street, Claremont, Cape Town.
Telephone: +27 (0)21 671‑2850

Claremont Links

• Claremont Attractions
• Things to Do in Claremont
• Claremont Hotels
• Claremont Accommodation

Olive Tree Coffee Shop

The Olive Tree Coffee Shop in Pietermaritzburg has been one of my favourite eateries in the KwaZulu-Natal capital for a number of years now, and after my latest lunchtime visit I can happily say that the establishment hasn’t changed its recipe for success. The chief aim of any coffee shop should be to make it as easy as possible for patrons to unwind and relax while they sample top quality cuisine and receive extraordinary service – something The Olive Tree does very well.

Unfriendly or poorly trained staff, sub-standard or poorly presented food and a noisy, cluttered environment are a major turn off for any potential customer. Happily, though, The Olive Tree maintains a high degree of professionalism right from the kitchen to the table making it undoubtedly the best coffee shop in Pietermaritzburg by some margin.

The cuisine on offer at The Olive Tree comprises tramezzini’s, quiche’s, schnitzel’s, salads, sandwiches, curries, pies, lasagnes, lamb shanks, burgers, oxtail and pan-fried sole (always remember to have a look at the daily ‘specials boards’ as some of these items are not found on the menu). That’s quite a selection and the breakfast menu is not to shabby either boasting a variety of omelettes, toasted sandwiches, open melts and traditional offerings such as the good old-fashioned English breakfast.

I opted for a chicken mayonnaise trammezzini which was brought to me in good time and with minimum fuss. The dish was delicious and, at just R57, was well worth the money. As a substitute for dessert I settled for a scone with marmalade (R16,50) although it was difficult to pass up on the tasty treats (milk tart, chocolate cake, carrot cake and lemon meringue being among them) that were on offer.

After settling the bill I decided to spend some time photographing a flock of delightfully cute bronze mannikins that were buzzing around a feeding perch set up on the establishment’s wooden deck. These diminutive (average length just 7,5cm) birds were a frenzy of activity as they jostled for position, each one eager to secure the best feeding spot.

I was fascinated by the speed at which the mannikins darted to and fro from their feeding perches to the branches overhanging the adjacent river bank. With the exception of the hummingbird family, they must be some of the most nimble and agile birds around. Truly amazing!

As always I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to The Olive Tree. It’s an establishment that offers everything even the most particular of patrons could want. The service was good, the waitrons friendly and attentive, the food tasty, the portions generous and the atmosphere relaxed and calming.

There’s also a children’s menu for smaller appetites and a playground to keep them out of mischief while pensioners can look forward to ‘Pensioners Days’ on which they will receive special attention – surely a full house in anyone’s books. The Olive Tree is a must visit for anyone wanting to experience a quality culinary experience in tranquil and peaceful surroundings and is likely to be a firm favourite among both locals and visitors for years to come.

Contact details:
Tel: +27 (0)33 394 7033
Address: MacDonald’s Nursery Complex, Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal

Pietermaritzburg Links

• Pietermaritzburg Hotels
• Pietermaritzburg Accommodation
• KwaZulu Natal Accommodation

Delish-Dish in Howick

While driving through the small town of Howick in the Natal Midlands recently I spotted an eatery that I had not previously been aware of, the Delish-Dish family restaurant and pub. Not usually the spontaneous type (I generally prefer to plan even the smallest of outings at least a few days in advance) my curiosity nevertheless got the better of me and I pulled over to take a closer look.

Intrigued by the rather rustic look of the place I decided to treat myself to a rather impromptu mid-afternoon lunch despite not knowing what I would encounter. My hostess for the afternoon was Shay, a rather bubbly young woman who seemed most enthusiastic about her job – always an important trait for success in any profession but especially so in the hospitality industry.

The restaurant has a pretty comprehensive menu with starters including offerings such as crumbed button mushrooms, vegetable and cheese spring rolls, peri-peri chicken livers and a most unusual offering of grilled snails (cooked in a wood-fired pizza oven). Despite being spoilt for choice I decided to pass up on starters and head straight for the main menu, which contained a host of mouth-watering dishes such as Eisbein, Spaghetti Boere-naise (boerewors mince served with a thick tomato sauce) and Shitaki chicken (a fanned chicken breast filled with garlic herb butter and served with yellow rice, brown lentils and a creamy mushroom sauce) to mention but a few.

I decided on the Eisbein (R80), a huge 800g salted pork hock guaranteed to satisfy even the most ravenous appetites. Served with a helping of creamy potato mash and selected vegetables the Eisbein was delicious and well worth the money. The portions I received were more than generous, in fact so much so that I was unable to finish the meal. As enjoyable as the Eisbein was though, I would recommend requesting apple jelly or apple sauce as a garnish rather than the standard offering of mustard sauce, which is likely to make the dish a little too dry for most palates.

With a full stomach preventing me from sampling some of the delectable desserts (malva pudding and mixed berry Pavlova being among them) on offer I rather reluctantly requested the bill and stepped outside onto the wooden deck for some fresh air. The large deck is covered and houses a wood-fired pizza oven and a fireplace – just what the doctor ordered for keeping warm on cold winter nights.

Delish-Dish is also part of the Pizza Perfect restaurant chain and consequently is able to provide its customers with additional menu options, the most popular of which are its delicious wood-fired pizzas. It is well known that the majority of consumers prefer pizzas cooked in this way as opposed to those prepared in traditional ovens – a finding with which I can most certainly concur. After settling my bill I snapped as many pictures as I could before the fading light put an end to all the fun, leaving me no choice but to climb into my car and head off home.

I really liked this eatery. The service was good, the welcoming very warm, the décor tasteful, the ambience relaxed and pleasant and the menu offered virtually everything you’d expect to find at a family restaurant. There was also plenty of parking space available and the children’s playground kept all the young ones busy while their parents enjoyed their meal and a few drinks on the delightful deck. Delish-dish is definitely an establishment that offers something for everyone and is a must visit for both locals and out of Towner’s wanting to enjoy a tasty meal out.

Contact details:
Telephone: +27 (0)33 330 5036
Physical address: 118 Main Street, Howick, KwaZulu Natal

Howick Links

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Southern Cross Deli

When I first saw that the Palmyra Junction Shopping Centre in Claremont had opened, I was annoyed. “We don’t need any more malls,” I muttered as I drove past and in theory it’s true.

However, it turns out Palmyra Junction holds a hidden gem beneath its slick consumer veneer. The Southern Cross Seafood Deli is a special little place with a homely, welcoming feel and will delight avid sea food lovers.

Everybody seems to know about the Southern Cross already. It’s getting a reputation as the best little seafood shop in town and it’s rumoured that this is where a lot of chefs buy their seafood; the best kind of recommendation any food shop could ask for.

A little questioning revealed that the Southern Cross takes great care in buying fresh fish. They make sure that all the vessels they buy from are licensed and that they comply with the SASSI code to ensure that the best possible product is sold at the deli. In a country where the once abundant fish stocks have been heavily depleted by foreign trawlers this is a very important point.

The owner is a fisherman himself and takes delight in educating his patrons about the fish they are buying. He runs a tight ship and the staff are helpful and friendly – something which always adds to the experience.

There is a great seasonal selection of fish available (never been frozen) from the daily catch, like Cape salmon, kob, yellowtail, line fish, snoek and also fresh tuna available in summer. Frozen items include langoustines, clams, prawns, oysters, shell fish, and scallops.

Not only can you buy delicious fresh or frozen seafood but you can also enjoy a delicious meal at the deli. There is an array of choice from the sushi or cold tapas selection to skillfully prepared hot dishes (You can also order the more traditional fish and chips.)

I decided to try the Southern Cross deli for breakfast with some friends. The breakfast menu is served until 12 noon daily, which suits me perfectly on a lazy Saturday morning.  I ordered the pink lady, which is smoked salmon on rosti with a poached egg topped with horse radish mayo. My girlfriend ordered a very different meal; the prawn fooyong, which is a flat omelette with prawns, spring onion, soy sauce and sesame oil.

Others in our little Saturday morning breakfast club ordered the Junction breakfast comprising of fried eggs, bacon, sautéed mushrooms and grilled tomato.  This of course was enjoyed with a good cup of coffee all round.

The lunch menu has a great variety of light meals and more hearty winter warmers to choose from. There is a delicious selection of sandwiches like the Po’boy which is marinated hake cubes, crumbed deep fried and served on focaccia with mixed salad greens and topped with tartar sauce.

There’s also a prawn Caesar wrap with mixed salad leaves, tossed in Caesar dressing with anchovies parmesan shavings croutons topped with grilled prawns in a tortilla.

The cold tapas selection is appetizing and great to share as a starter. There are fresh mussels with tomato chilli and coriander or seared hake with roast tomatoes. The deli also serves a great hot tapas platter for R110, Which includes a combination of mussels, salt and pepper squid, and garlic prawns.

There is also a fantastic sushi menu with a surprising addition that I just have to try; eel sushi. You can order eel maki, California rolls or fashion sandwiches.

Claremont Links

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Fresh Earth Food Store

I'm sitting at a wooden table in an alcove amidst the buzz of the café that lies to one side of the food store cum health shop that is the Fresh Earth Food Store, exclaiming over my breakfast. I can count on one hand the number of eateries* where I can hope to find something on the menu, like my choice of French Toast on wheat-free bread, with 'real' free-range eggs and real maple syrup (the Canadian kind not cheap, flavoured syrup).

This particular dish also comes with huge slices of haloumi cheese. You have no idea how good it was. Heart-warming stuff. Add to that the African-brewed organic  and Fair Trade decaf coffee (Bean There Coffee) that I'm enjoying with, I have no doubt, 'real' milk (not the kind full of hormones and other stuff, because the cows are fed so badly) with a choice of rice or soy milk if you do not do dairy, or are vegan.

The main emphasis of the Fresh Earth Café is vegetarian, vegan foods and special dietary requirements such as wheat and gluten intolerance. But don't let this description scare you, for wheat-free and vegan foods have come a looooong way.

Gone are the days of wheatfree bread that disintegrates when you so much as look at it, or the kind that looks as if it was sat on, rather than baked. Matthew, the dynamic individual behind this trendy eatery, is so in-love with food and its production – all his meals are made from scratch without any artificial additives, sweetners, colourants or preservatives and organic wherever possible – that the food is simply gorgeous.

The menu, on the face of it, is filled with the usual – salads, sandwiches, tramazzinis, burgers, breakfasts – but look a little closer and you will find out why the restaurant is called the 'fresh earth' food store.

The proof is very obviously in the pudding, as the fashionable spot is doing a roaring trade first thing Saturday morning. It is also filled with people of all ages, from students, to rather trendy looking fifty-year olds. By 11.30am the stage is being set for the all-you-can-eat buffet that happens at lunch time on Saturdays, dubbed the 'Table of Abundance' (we get a look at this on our way out of the restaurant sometime later, and if it weren't the pressing need to relieve granny of our five-year old, we would  have stayed to lunch as well).

I head upstairs shortly after my meal to chat to Matthew in his eyrie (a wooden garret above our heads in the café). Such food deserves a closer look at the man behind it.

Matthew is tall. Very tall. But he manages to fold his long legs under his desk, where, on this very cold winter morning he sits complete with beanie, a series of computers spread before him on the desk. It seems Matthew is something of a geek. He likes what computers can do. Consequently, don't be alarmed when you browse the Fresh Earth Food Store's website and discover that a chat box immediately opens, and someone offers you help.

His other idiosyncracy is the cameras he's got set up in his bakery, just around the corner from here, so that he can keep an eye on things. It's not what you think. Matthew's not a fanatic about security. He just loves his bread and wants to make sure that it's being made the way that he would make it. We thus find ourselves traipsing after him through the icy winds that have gripped Johannesburg, down a little side road and into the bakery behind the restaurant.

Amazingly, the bakery used to belong to someone else before he managed to lay his hands on it. Matthew has always had a passion for bread making. He did a bread course in Melmerby, the little village somewhere in the English midlands, where he knew that bread making was to become a part of whatever it was that he did. He didn't just fall into the restaurant business either. Matthew cut his teeth with the Fruits and Roots crowd.

We watch him tease and cajole his baking team, whilst adding the final touches to a focaccia on which he sprinkles what looks like caramelised onion. All the time that he's working, he's telling us more about himself, the food store and his ideas. He's obviously someone quite at ease with multi-tasking (I will refrain from the obvious sexist comment here), obviously a pre-requisite for someone running such a large operation.

We head back to take a good look at the wholefood part of the food store. Matthew has done a really good job at scouting around for a wide selection of alternative, healthy wholefood and fresh food options. There are also cleaning products, kitchen equipment, natural body products and the kind of supplements you would usually find in a health shop. Everything is arranged well, easy to find and the floor is worked by a number of experts, so you are never without help.

Everything in the shop is also available on the online store, as are a number of recipes and eating plans, should you be in need of a few new and exciting vegetarian or vegan ideas (I know I am always in need of inspiration).

The Fresh Earth Food Store has got it just right. It doesn't suffer from the rather staid 'health shop' formula where only supplements are on sale, with the odd aromatherapy product thrown in. The clever combination of a café, health shop and food store means that there is something for everyone and, once your tummy is full and you've discovered a really amazing bread that you would like to take home, you can find it in the shop.

The shop also has a great outside spill onto pavement area, although totally inadequate, despite gas heaters, for cold winter days, it must be fantastic during summer.

Matthew is now being enveloped by the workings of the shop. Customers know him by name and stop to chat or ask him something about a product. The student crowd are busy surreptitiously giving the slow accumulation of platters to the eat-all-you-can buffet the eyeball, whilst we spend a generous amount of time pouring over the shelves, buying a few items for our holiday and generally enjoying the space – there is much to savour.

Where?

You will find the store and restaurant at 103 Komatie Road, Emmarentia, Johannesburg
Telephone: 011 646 4404.

*Closer in Muizenberg, Cape Town (raw and vegan food)
kwaLapa at Montebello Design Centre, Newlands, Cape Town (organic)
Leafy Greens in Muldersdrift, Johannesburg (vegan and raw food)
Fresh Earth Food Store, Emmarentia, Johannesburg
Fruits and Roots in Bryanston, Johannesburg ( vegetarian)

Useful Jo'burg Links

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Jimmy’s Killer Prawns

Although I’m not a huge seafood fan my curiosity got the better of me one evening when I decided to pay a visit to a recently opened branch of the Jimmy’s Killer Prawns restaurant chain. The branch in question is situated at the increasingly popular Invesco Centre in Pietermaritzburg, which is home to a number of upmarket restaurants in the KwaZulu-Natal capital.

Friends Mary-Anne, Peta-Anne and Allan (a caterer by trade) joined me on this occasion and I was looking forward to an enjoyable evening dining out. Mary-Anne ordered a helping of calamari served with vegetables, chips and rice (R70) while the ever exuberant Peta-Anne opted for sushi, which took the form of an eight-piece smoked salmon California Roll (R45).

I adopted what I thought would be a more conservative approach, selecting a portion of crispy calamari strips (R29) as a starter with grilled hake served with rice, chips and vegetables (R55), as a main course. The more adventurous Allan decided that a rib and prawn platter (R89) would be more to his liking.

Jimmy’s Killer Prawns

Mary-Anne enjoyed her calamari, describing it as “tender and cooked to perfection” and was equally complimentary about the rest of her meal although she did remark that her vegetables could have been “a little tastier”. Peta-Anne raved about her sushi, remarking that it was “very tasty” and “among the best she had ever had”.

Allan, rather surprisingly given the large portion set before him, made short work of his rib and prawn platter and was clearly impressed with his choice of dish. “It was definitely value for money, the onion rings were superb, the ribs exceptionally tender and the prawns and chips were nicely cooked,” he remarked.

His dish certainly looked appetising and I almost felt like kicking myself for being so conservative, especially after sampling what had been served up to me, which was, to put it mildly, very disappointing. My calamari, which I had requested fried instead of grilled, was rubbery and virtually tasteless while the hake was full of tiny bones and bordered on the insipid.

Jimmy’s Killer Prawns

To say I was surprised would have been an understatement; I was actually stunned at how poor my dish was. The only good thing about it were the rice and chips which were fairly tasty and well-prepared, but unfortunately neither they, nor the delicious malva pudding I ordered as a dessert, were enough to rescue the evening, at least as far as I was concerned.

My friends, however, were more than impressed with their findings with all of them stating that they would return. While I wasn’t sure I would do likewise given my decidedly disappointing experience, I had to concede that Jimmy’s Killer Prawns does have a lot going for it.

The layout was functional and spacious, the food well-presented, the décor practical yet tasteful and the ambience warm and upbeat. The service was also pretty good and I was particularly impressed with our waitron, Precious, who had a very pleasant disposition.

In fact had I asked her to recommend a dish I’m almost certain she would have advised something other than the calamari and hake. What a pity I hadn’t requested her advice; it might have transformed a forgettable evening into a memorable one.

Jimmy’s Killer Prawns

Contact details:
Telephone: +27 (0)33 342 7991
Physical address: Invesco Centre, 16 Chatterton Road, Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu Natal

Useful Links

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Jewel Of India

The relatively newly established Invesco Centre in Pietermaritzburg boasts a number of top quality restaurants all offering their own unique brand of cuisine. One of those restaurants, The Jewel of India, was my latest port of call on my travels through KwaZulu-Natal, and what an amazing experience it proved to be.

My good friend Mary-Anne and my mom accompanied me for this review and they both agreed that The Jewel of India was quite possibly the most exclusive restaurant they had ever had the pleasure of dining at. The expensive décor and the smart attire of both staff members and patrons served notice that this was an upmarket establishment, in fact so much so that I almost felt out of place among all the glitz and glamour.

However, I had dressed for the occasion and was looking forward to a great dining experience. The menu features traditional Indian cuisine and although I am not a huge fan of hot and spicy food, I thoroughly enjoyed the Lamb Do Piazza (lamb and onions cooked together in a delicious curry) I ordered.

The meat was tasty and tender and although I found the curry to be a little on the hot side (despite it being billed as ‘mild’ on the menu), it by no means detracted from a great tasting meal. The only gripe I did have was having to pay an extra R18 (over and above the asking price of R85) for a plate of Basmati rice to complete my dish.

Mary-Anne, obviously not wanting to tackle anything too spicy, opted for the chicken korma (a very mild flavoured chicken cooked in a rich cashew gravy) while my mother, always one to sample even the hottest of dishes, decided that the chicken kadhai (tender morsels of chicken cooked with green peppers, tomatoes and onion) would be more to her liking.

She really loved the kadhai (R75), remarking that the “chicken was among the most succulent I have ever tasted.” Mary-Anne expressed similar sentiments regarding her korma (also R75), describing it as “possessing a rich aroma of flavours”. Despite their praise however, they also felt that their meals should have included rice.

Both Mary-Anne and I enjoyed a bowl of ice cream and chocolate sauce (R22) for dessert and although I’m sure my mom was tempted to indulge yourself, she exercised a measure of discipline and declined. After settling our bill we reflected on our evening and unanimously agreed that The Jewel of India was a restaurant we would definitely visit again.

The service was top notch with both the management and waitrons displaying a high degree of professionalism at all times, the ambience upbeat and the décor exquisite. The location, too, was befitting an establishment of this nature and I can only imagine that The Jewel of India will quickly earn a reputation as one of the best restaurants in Pietermaritzburg.

Contact details:
Tel: +27 (0)33 342 0334
Physical address: Invesco Centre, 16 Chatterton Road, Pietermaritzburg

Pietermaritzburg Links

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The Junction

Established in 2000 and situated in Nottingham Road in the heart of the spectacular KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, The Junction restaurant and coffee shop is the perfect place for families to enjoy a great tasting meal out in the country. Strangely enough I had never eaten there before until friends Mary-Anne, Peta-Anne and I decided that a visit was long overdue.

For those of you who have never visited this part of the world before, you have been missing out on something special. Whether in winter or summer the scenery is always spectacular and the revitalising clean, crisp air is a welcome change from the choking smog so commonly found in our cities today.

The Junction menu is varied with a variety of soups, salads, quiches, pastas, burgers, rolls, tramezzini’s, toasted sandwiches, waffles, muffins, scones and pizzas all available. For those who prefer seafood, you’ll be able to treat yourself to a plate of fish and chips, calamari and a tasty trout dish that is a typical example of the cuisine found in the Nottingham Road area.

With so many options and combinations to choose from, making a decision wasn’t easy but when Mary-Anne and I learnt that The Junction’s pizzas are wood-fired we knew we just had to try them. All pizzas, in my humble opinion, should be cooked in a wood-fired oven, rather than in a conventional oven because the difference in both taste and texture is truly remarkable.

After devouring a huge steak pie the night before I wisely opted for the Vegetarian pizza, which, at just R55.50, seemed like a reasonable deal. Mary-Anne, in stark contrast, decided to order a Meaty Feast pizza (R63.50), which with its steak, biltong and sausage topping certainly looked very appetising (at least for a dedicated meat-eater that is).

I thoroughly enjoyed my pizza. The base was light and crispy, the ingredients extremely tasty (all Junction pizzas are prepared with olive oil rather than vegetable oil, which is known to improve flavouring and taste) and, had it not been for a rather late start to the day, I would have probably ordered another one. Mary-Anne was similarly impressed, although she did remark that her pizza was a “bit overdone”.

The ever cautious Peta-Anne decided to settle for a toasted ham and cheese sandwich with a small helping of French fries. She enjoyed this simple offering, which, at R37, offered reasonably good value for money. For dessert we all shared a large slice of carrot cake (R25), which was outrageously delicious.

In addition to the restaurant and coffee shop, The Junction also has a deli and a wine section where patrons can buy a variety of sweets, pickles and preserves not to mention a bottle of their favourite Cape estate wine. But what appealed to me most about this venue is its friendly and relaxed family atmosphere.

The kid’s playground contains every apparatus you could imagine to keep the young ones busy, with the jumping castle probably being the biggest attraction of the lot. Dozens of children were happily bouncing up and down on this multi-coloured cushion of air when we arrived giving their parents time to enjoy a break and a cup of coffee out in the fresh, clean air.

I really enjoyed The Junction. The service was excellent, the food great, the atmosphere relaxed and upbeat and the country setting as picturesque as you could ever want it to be. It’s well worth a visit and unquestionably great value for money.

Contact details:
Tel: +27 (0)33 266 6116
Physical address: Nottingham Road, Natal Midlands, KwaZulu Natal

Nottingham Road Links:

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Il Postino Pizzeria

Although it opened its doors in the Natal Midlands just over two years ago, Il Postino Pizzeria was a restaurant that was unfamiliar to me, that is until I decided to pay them a visit for lunch last weekend. The drive from Pietermaritzburg to Dargle in the Midlands was a familiar one, except that on this occasion I had to take the Dargle Road off the well worn R103 rather than proceed straight ahead as I had done so many times before.

Even though the route may have been slightly different, the scenery was, as always, stunningly beautiful. Un-seasonal rain had left the Midlands countryside as green as ever and set against the backdrop of a clear, blue winter sky it was as refreshing and welcoming as always. After roughly 30 minutes on the road we reached our destination where restaurant manager Bjorn and his friendly staff greeted us.

The menu at Il Postino contains everything you’d expect to find at any good Italian restaurant. A wide selection of expertly prepared Insalata (salads), pizza’s and pasta dishes are available at very affordable prices and with so many variables to choose from, it wasn’t easy for friends Curran, Mary-Anne, Cally and I to decide on something.

Il Postino Pizzeria

I eventually opted for a wood-fired Regina al Pollo (chicken and mushroom) pizza, which I thoroughly enjoyed. The portion was more than generous, the base light and crispy, the topping filling and tasty and, at just R68, the al Pollo unquestionably represented value for money. Curran also decided on a pizza, selecting the Margherita (Napoletana base, Mozzarella and Herbs), which he really liked, describing it as “tasty and definitely worth R45”.

Mary-Anne and Cally decided that a pasta dish would be more to their liking, with both of them selecting the blue cheese sauce with Gnocchi (a type of thick, soft dumpling). Mary-Anne found the dish too her liking as did Cally, although the latter remarked that it “could have done with a little more sauce”.

For dessert I had the ‘Saucy Chocolate’ (R28), a type of chocolate sponge cake topped with a dollop of ice-cream that was sinfully good, while Mary-Anne opted for the ‘Chocolate Mousse’ – a special offer for the day at just R29. She absolutely loved it and after sampling some, I had to agree. Delicious!

Il Postino Pizzeria

Despite being located in reasonably close proximity to a number of competitors, I have no doubt that Il Postino has a really great future. The service was good, both in terms of the friendliness of the staff and their excellent product knowledge, and the food was well presented and carefully prepared. Furthermore the pleasant ambience and simple but effective décor were perfectly in line with the restaurant’s theme and unlike similar establishments; Il Postino is easily accessible off the main road.

I also really liked the fact that petrol was available on site in the event of me needing to fill up my tank – something which I have never seen anywhere else on my travels in the Midlands of KwaZulu Natal. To sum up I have no reason not to give Il Postino Pizzeria a big thumbs up. Owner Sergio Guerrera has really put together what I feel is a winning combination of style, service and quality and I wish him well for the future.

Contact details:
Tel: +27 (0)33 234 4809
Address: Dargle Road, Natal Midlands, KwaZulu Natal

Useful Links:

• Dargle Attractions
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Graze

Stanford already has its requisite village market on the green, held on the last Friday evening of the month. During summer, I believe, it's a great place to be. The town is no newcomer to good, local food either and both Marianas and Madré's Kitchen are well supported by locals and Capetonians, who if the influx of 4x4s is anything to go by, make no bones about using Stanford as their regular weekend and holiday base.

It's a beautiful town, is Stanford. It's got everything you could possibly hope for in an Overberg village – gorgeous historical and restored buildings that the local heritage committee have not only individually numbered, but have also included in an Historical Stanford on foot, which you can pick up at the local tourism info (just across the road from the Stanford Trading Store).

There is picturesque scenery (bar that riduculous tower right in the middle of town – couldn't they have put it up on a hill somewhere?), a backdrop of mountains that go on forever, a cheesery or two close by, wine farms, the Birkenhead Brewery, the Klein River and easy access to the coastal town of Gansbaai (and the less well known artists' hamlet of Baardscheerdersbos – more on that later).

But it was at Stanford Trading Store, whilst chatting to Ansie — the town's font of all knowledge, and a great contact should you be in need of last minute accommodation in Stanford — that I suddenly become aware that the wee little shop next door is called graze, and that it's a slow food café. My interest is immediately piqued and I find myself peering in at the window.

Ansie continues to regale me across the verandah about this particular chef's pane di mare – he makes ciabattas and focaccias of note, using sea water. She is obviously a big fan and waxes lyrical about his pasta, meals (graze is only open on Friday nights and Saturdays) and the fact that he's an up-and-coming chef.

I snap a few photographs, but the doorway and wooden sign don't tell me much of a story. I later find, when viewing my digital photos more closely online, that Jero is actually there, his back to me, tea towel over shoulder, whilst he cooks up a storm in the kitchen. He and his wife Catch use the venue as often as they can, bearing in mind that they have three-year old twins at home, to experiment with recipes.

But it is only a couple of days later, and quite by chance, that I spy Jero sauntering across the main road from the restaurant to the local Spar in search of celery, I later learn. And I shamelessly track him down – well, I had to do shopping at the Spar anyway.

Jero, whose real name is Jeremy Revett, is thoroughly Italian. I watch as he greets everyone he sees, shakes hands, cracks jokes. In the first few minutes of meeting him I discover that despite being born and bred in Cape Town he's having a love affair with everything Italian, including his wife, his father-in-law — who also lives in the village, and with whom, up until the shop that is now graze became available, he had been trying to start up some sort of restaurant – and olive oil.

No surprise then that he's into slow food, given that Italy is where it all began, a movement founded in 1986 by Carlo Petrini as an alternative to fast food (and a bid to keep McDonalds out of Rome).

Once he gets talking about food, there isn't much that can halt the flow of things, except the entrance of Niël Jonker, a local artist and breadmaker from Baardscheerdersbos, who invites me to attend his breadmaking course in a couple of days time. I do promise to come to the Baardscheerdersbos Art Route that weekend.

Niël safely on his way to yoga, Jero continues to tell me about his studies in Italy, how he and Catch have always loved cooking, how when the shop space became available they thought they'd just open a deli, but how it's taken on a life of its own and you now have to book if you want a seat at the huge chef's table they place out on the verandah on Friday evenings.

Catch and Jero have a huge vegetable garden at their house. It's won garden of the year in the Overberg district two years running, and a lot of their seasonal food is sourced there. They talk about the journey of their food from 'plot to pot, to table', and whilst everything is organic, Jero says he'd rather tell people its a 'natural' garden, as he gets funny looks when he starts speaking 'organic'.

We move across the road to graze, as Jero refuses to have his photo taken at the Spar – can you blame him? It's tiny inside, but perfect. This is the story of their lives, Jero continues. One side is lined with light box photos of their garden, their children, their meals. Down the other are a few black boards that highlight the menu of the day, and the prices of their breads and coffees, which are apparently notorious.

'People continually ask me why our coffee tastes so good', says Jero, 'but the secret is that we use unpasturised milk, straight from the cow, and straight from a farm not far from here'. With their focus on natural, unprocessed, seasonal and local food, Jero has also sourced local pork that's cured using rooikrantz rather than oak. His cheeses too come from a local dairy farmer friend of his.

Down the back end of the narrow shop is the kitchen, which forms the leg of the L-shape of the restaurant. It's small but incredibly functional, and Jero describes how they churn out meals here. They also sell their own homemade pasta and specialised goods, including tins of local Karoo olive oil, made by a buddy of his in Prince Albert.

The couple recycle as much as possible, compost any vegetable peelings and give away leftovers to soup kitchens. They're thoroughly responsible, and I'm bowled over by the enthusiam and the obvious love and dedication that goes into graze.

I unfortunately missed the chance to sample any of Catch and Jero's menu, but that's just reason to return to Stanford and the chance to graze on slow food.

Details:

Graze slow food café is open on Friday nights and Saturdays for breakfast and lunch.
You'll find them at 21 Queen Victoria Street, or phone them on 082 491 8317.

Stanford Links

Stanford Attractions
Things to Do in Stanford
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Western Cape Accommodation

PMB Botanical Gardens

Established in the early 1870s for the purpose of conserving and propagating rare and endangered indigenous plants, the Pietermaritzburg Botanical Gardens is always a great venue for anyone looking to relax and unwind amongst the beauty of nature. Flowers of every description birth forth a kaleidoscope of colours and hues while tall trees shade visitors strolling along the neatly manicured lawns creating a sense of utopia seldom experienced in any city setting.

These beautiful gardens are home to the Strelitzia Room restaurant, which some friends and I decided to visit for Sunday lunch recently.  Owned and managed by well known local restaurateur Penny Hatting, the Strelitzia Room has a reputation for serving great tasting food with style and professionalism and I was eager to experience these claims first hand.

The menu is a relatively simple one, comprising a few meat and fish dishes and the usual selection of sandwiches and salads. With nothing from the menu particularly tickling our fancy, my mom and I opted for the Sunday lunch special, which consisted of a beetroot and pear soup starter, a main course of roast pork and vegetables rounded off with a helping of malva pudding and ice-cream and chocolate sauce for dessert. Avid meat-eater Mary-Anne, on the other hand, decided that an offering of steak and chips (R65) would be more to her liking.

The beetroot and pear soup had an unusual albeit pleasant taste, while the main course was well presented and tasty with both the meat and the vegetables containing plenty of flavour. However, the pork contained a little too much fat for my liking and the portion was rather small, which was disappointing considering the careful presentation of the dish.

With my mom expressing similar sentiments it was left to the malva pudding and ice cream and chocolate sauce to save the day and although it was delicious and a mood enhancer of note, it wasn’t enough to convince me that the meal represented value for money. At R85 the Sunday lunch special was at least R15-R20 overpriced and with the service (our waitress was either having a very bad day or was completely untrained) virtually non-existent, I was left decidedly disappointed.

Nevertheless, although Mary-Anne agreed that the service was poor, she was delighted with her steak and chips (which came with a French salad), describing it as “delicious and great value for money.” It certainly looked the part and would no doubt have been a much better choice for both my mom and I.

After settling the bill we took a stroll through the gardens and were soon becalmed by the beauty and splendour of the many species of plants, flowers and trees (some of which are over 140 years old) that surrounded us. The stillness and tranquillity was periodically interrupted by the harsh squawking of the resident Egyptian geese but even their unpleasant vocal emissions did little to dampen my enthusiasm to drink in the majestic beauty that is the hallmark of the gardens.

Even though our visit to the Strelitzia Room was not exactly what we had expected, it certainly is worth a visit if not just to experience some of the magnificent sights the surrounding gardens have to offer. They are truly impressive and something rarely encountered in the hustle and bustle of any modern city.

Contact details:
Tel/Fax: +27 (0)33 344 2207
Address: Botanical Gardens, Prestbury, Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu Natal

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Tumble Downs Café

There’s nothing quite like visiting the Natal Midlands in autumn. The hues of yellow, red and orange are something to behold and the fresh, crisp air is the perfect anti dote for even the most jaded psyche. Friends Mary-Anne and Curran agreed and we were soon looking forward to lunch at Tumble Downs Café and Restaurant, a good distance away from the smog and pollution of Pietermaritzburg. Billed as a “well established family restaurant offering good food and panoramic views of the Kamberg and Karkloof Valley” Tumble Downs certainly lived up to the hype. Situated just eight kilometres outside of Howick on the Currys Post Road, the restaurant was easily accessible from the tar road with a short 500m drive through an avenue of beautiful trees the only bit of off-roading required ...

Co-owner Werner Jacobs greeted us with a friendly smile and after weighing up our options we chose to sit outside and soak up some of the warm afternoon sunshine while we decided what to order. The a la carte menu at Tumble Downs is rather unusual, offering a range of meat and fish dishes with some interesting sauce selections that made it difficult for me to make a choice.

In the end I opted for the lamb shank with vegetables and mash (as did Mary Anne), a dish not found on the menu but one that formed part of the restaurant’s Specials Board, which changes regularly. Curran, who obviously wasn’t that hungry, opted for the home-made curried lentil soup (R34), which came with a slice of home-made bread.

He enjoyed his meal, describing it as “tasty” and was satisfied with the portion although he did feel the dish was slightly overpriced in comparison with the offerings served up by other restaurants in the area. Both Mary Anne and I were impressed with our lamb shanks which were outrageously delicious. The meat was succulent and just fell away from the bone as we ate and the vegetables and mash were tasty to say the least.

As good as the lamb shank was though; at R120 it was probably about R10 to R20 more than the going rate – something that seemed to be a trend on the Tumble Downs menu. However, paying a little extra to enjoy a home cooked meal in a beautiful country setting is something the average person would be more than happy to do, so it wasn’t much of an issue.

Speaking of ‘a beautiful country setting’ it would be difficult for any establishment to match the beauty that surrounds Tumble Downs. The views of the Kamberg and Karkloof Valley are simply spectacular, the lush green meadows, shimmering blue lakes and mustard coloured grasslands all combining to create a landscape seemingly only found in fairytales.

After settling our bill we decided to take a walk along the establishment’s vast lawns where we came across the children’s play area complete with slides, swings and a jungle gym – perfect for keeping the young ones happy and out of trouble. Before heading off home I thanked Werner for his friendliness and warm hospitality and took a few photographs of the restaurant’s interior, complete with a delightful fireplace and traditional farm style finishing’s.

I enjoyed my visit to Tumble Downs. The food was great, the service good and the atmosphere very uplifting. It’s the perfect venue in the Midlands to enjoy a tasty meal in the company of friends or family and is not to be missed, even if you have to pay a little extra.

Contact details:
Telephone: +27 (0)33 330 8099
Address: Curry’s Post Road, Howick, Natal Midlands, KwaZulu Natal

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Linga Lapa

Linga Lapa Restaurant and Butchery situated in Nottingham Road in the Natal Midlands is highly recommended for its quality steaks, relaxed atmosphere and cosy warm fires so I decided to pay the establishment a visit this past weekend to see what all the fuss was about. Friends Mary-Anne and Peta-Anne accompanied me for the trip from Pietermaritzburg to Nottingham Road, which despite the wet and misty conditions, took a little less than 45 minutes.

Upon reaching Linga Lapa, we couldn’t wait to head indoors to escape the freezing cold and quickly made a bee-line for the front entrance where owner Ian Mackay greeted us with a warm handshake and a friendly smile. After taking our seats next to a glowing fire, we ordered our drinks and began to scroll through the menu, which was packed with almost everything any dedicated meat eater could ever want.

Yes, when it comes to steaks, chops and ribs Linga Lapa are the experts, offering a wide selection of these dishes grilled to perfection and basted in a mouth watering secret sauce. With so many tempting combinations and options to choose from I really struggled to decide what to order, but I eventually decided on the Sunday roast which Ian had earlier suggested.

I certainly wasn’t disappointed with my choice because the roast was fabulously delicious and, at just R65, almost a give away. My gammon and lamb portions were so succulent they almost melted in my mouth and the potatoes, Yorkshire pudding and vegetables that accompanied them were out of this world. With the entire meal bathed in thick and tasty brown gravy my taste buds were crying out for more, but remembering that I still had to leave room for pudding, I decided to resist the urge to line up for a second helping.

Mary-Anne, although I suspect somewhat tempted to go for the roast, ordered the lamb curry which she described as “tasty, tender and full of flavour”. At R58 she felt the dish represented excellent value for money, remarking that a better curry would be “hard to come by”.

Despite the abundance of meaty and filling dishes available, the ever cautious and conservative Pete-Anne opted for a beef fillet open sandwich (R40) which, in reality, was more of a starter than a main course. Although she enjoyed her meal, describing her sandwich as “delicious”, Pete-Anne did feel it should have contained a little more beef, an observation which I certainly couldn’t dispute.

While all three of us had selected different options for the main course, we were all on the same wavelength when the time came to choose dessert. We unanimously decided on a pancake and two scoops of vanilla ice cream each, which we wolfed down despite the cold weather. At just R15 our choice of dessert was way cheaper than most and yet was by no means less enjoyable – a trend seemingly synonymous with Linga Lapa.

We all agreed that in terms of value for money it would be hard to find a restaurant that could top this one. My roast was worth at least R20 more, the helpings were that generous, and with Mary-Anne expressing similar sentiments I had no reason to suspect that our findings were an exception to the norm.

After settling our bill we decided to browse and with Linga Lapa sporting a butchery, deli, furniture shop and a nursery there was plenty to keep us occupied. Ever hospitable, Ian was more than happy to show us around and answer any questions I had. It was this type of personal service that really impressed me and I have to say something which I’ve seldom encountered on my travels through KwaZulu Natal.

We all thoroughly enjoyed our visit to Linga Lapa and have already recommended it to many of our friends. The atmosphere was warm and homely, the food brilliant, the décor unusual and intriguing and the hospitality of the finest order. If you are a regular on the Midlands Meander and haven’t yet paid this establishment a visit, do yourself a favour and do so. It’s simply an absolute must!

Contact details:
Telephone: +27 (0)33 266 6110
Address: Nottingham Road, Natal Midlands, KwaZulu Natal

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La Lampara

In my most recent restaurant review I penned my impressions of a Saturday breakfast at the Piggly Wiggly Coffee Shop in Lions River and mentioned the experience heralded the beginning of what was to prove a most enjoyable and memorable weekend. The good times continued when I visited the La Lampara Italian Restaurant for lunch the following day.

Set in an old, restored brick dairy and located on the breathtakingly beautiful grounds of the Farm Boschfontein in Balgowan, La Lampara has a quirky ambience unmatched by any restaurant I have ever encountered in the Natal Midlands. Established in 1840, Boschfontein was one of the first farms ever in the area and the dairy formed an essential part of its operations for many years.

Complete with a wood-burning pizza oven it’s as rustic a setting for a restaurant as you are ever likely to find, and fits in perfectly with La Lampara’s Italian theme. You truly feel as if you have stepped back in time to a pre-war Italy or somewhere thereabouts – an unusual but captivating experience to say the least.

La Lampara

Another unusual aspect of La Lampara is that the menu changes every week with owners Pino and Caroline continually shopping around for fresh, local ingredients that they can utilise in the preparation of their traditional Italian dishes. After taking a while to browse through the extensive menu my companions and I, with the exception of my mom that is, decided that the wide selection of pizzas looked too tempting to pass up.

I do not consider myself to be a big pizza lover by any stretch of the imagination, but having being informed that the traditional wood fired pizzas prepared by La Lampara are far superior to those baked in an electric or gas oven at your local Pizzeria, I was eager to put this claim to the test.

I ordered the house speciality, the La Lampara (R67) with its main ingredients of salami, onion and green pepper expertly prepared on a light and crispy base. It was absolutely delicious, so much so in fact that I almost ordered another one just so that I could experience that magical combination of flavours for another 30 minutes or so.

La Lampara

My good friend Mary-Anne opted for the Alfredo (ham, mushrooms and cheese) at R68 and was more than satisfied with her choice although she did remark that her pizza crust was a bit too crispy. Her fiend Tanya, a newcomer to my restaurant review party and not generally a lover of wood fired pizza, nevertheless thoroughly enjoyed her Pollo (chicken strips and mushrooms).

At just R59 she felt it undoubtedly represented value for money, describing the base as “light and crispy” and the chicken and mushroom topping as “delicious”. Another friend, Cally, decided that the Hawaiian Pizza (a ham and pineapple combination for R59) would be more to her liking and she wasn’t disappointed, handing out another “delicious” verdict before she had even finished her meal.

My mom, seldom a pizza lover no matter the method of preparation, opted for the Linguine Anatra, a pasta dish consisting of strips of duck and leeks garnished in a white, creamy sauce. Although she felt her meal could have contained more meat, she did describe it as “tasty” and, at R89, felt it represented “good all round value for money.”

La Lampara

With everyone satisfied it didn’t look as though there would be any need for dessert, but with the chocolate cake sounding too good to resist, Cally and I decided to share a slice. At R35, it was by no means cheap, but oh my word was it divine – in fact, good enough to rank as one of the best tasting desserts I have ever had. If only there had been more of it!

I really liked La Lampara and so did all of my friends. The food was great, the service excellent (the advice on menu choices was particularly impressive), the ambience superb and, despite an annoying eight kilometre drive on a tricky gravel round, it was well worth a visit.

Contact details:
Telephone: +27 (0)33 234 4225
Address: Farm Boschfontein, Balgowan, Natal Midlands, KwaZulu Natal

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Common Ground Cafe

'Meet me at this really great venue,' my other half chimes at me across the cell, 'it's in Rondebosch, you can't miss it, right across from the common'. And that is the main allure of this café – the view.

Essentially, it must have one of the best views in Cape Town. Well, certainly one of the best views of the mountain, even if it is the back side of the table top. But you don't get better than sitting out on a verandah overlooking the common and the university buildings, the mountains a gorgeous backdrop. Even if you have to know something about the slip road to get there, or at least I did...

And, interestingly, the café lies in the grounds of a rather modern, charismatic church, the meeting hall of which you can view if you press your face up against the darkened glass that runs the length of the inner wall of the restaurant. But you don't have to believe in life after death in order to make use of the restaurant, and if my visit was anything to go by, the ladies of Rondebosch who lunch have discovered the value of the venue.

Which is no surprise given that here you will find a relaxed atmosphere, a good cup of coffee (complete with coffee art, I kid you not) good, simple and very reasonably priced food, and a lovely space in which to eat it.

The venue itself is the modern 'thorn' in amongst the roses, which are a series of beautiful, old and big manor houses, all of which appear to belong to parts of the Common Good Foundation, established by the church as a non-profit to mobilise the church to help those with social problems in the city.

Common Ground Cafe

All of this lies across from what used to function as a military camp ground and is today a national monument – Rondebosch Common – almost 40 hectares of open, critically endangered Cape Flats Sand Fynbos, which exists nowhere else in the world. It also has the odd patch of Renosterveld and a seasonal wetland – at least nine plant species are on the Red Data List.

In the evening, its perimeter is rabidly pounded by avid walkers and joggers (the loop around the common is a 2.6 kilometre loop), and the common itself is often used for school and environmental events. Thanks goodness it's a monument, or some developer would have had a field day – quite literally. A recently published book entitled 'Rondebosch Common', by the Friends of Rondebosch Common with illustrations by Betty Dwight, gives a wonderful account of the history of the common:

“This 38-hectare patch of land in the heart of suburban Rondebosch has survived – and continues to survive – a wide range of human activities and developments that have included military encampments and training for war, a burial ground, quarrying for stone, dairy farming, municipal rubbish dump, the development of playing surfaces for a variety of sproting codes from golf and cricket to rugby and soccer, the introduction of invasive alien species, and recrreation in the form of walking, running, bird-watching, kite-flying, model aircraft flying and dog-walking, among others.”

Bottom line: it is not your everyday, average common.

And the restaurant is not your average restaurant. The food is served cheerfully. The menu is fairly simple with a weigh-by-the-gram buffet, a series of sandwiches or quiche and salad to choose from. Other than that, there is a breakfast menu served up until 11am (they're open at 7am, which might please those who need a breakfast venue) coffees, teas and a few offerings for those with a sweet tooth.

The front of the restaurant, with views over the common, is made entirely of glass, and you can spill out onto a verandah, if the day is not too hot, to enjoy your meal alongside the mountain.

Common Ground Cafe

And they're one of very few restaurants prepared to supply free-range chicken on their sandwiches. My selection of chicken mayo served on ciabatta was definitely more-ish, as was my other half's mozzarella, pesto and tomato. But best of all is that it is a perfect meet-for-work venue, and you are left in peace, have plenty of available table space, or if you wish, can convene to a series of couches that are placed on either end of the fairly large space that is the Commonground Café.

Despite the recent fire on the common, in which roughly a third of the beautiful ground was in flames, this beautiful open ground, common to the people, remains one of the few preserved open spaces in Cape Town and to be enjoyed.

If you are after a cheap, cheerful venue with superlative views in Rondebosch, then 23 Milner Road's Common Ground Café is right on the button.

Contact Details:
Common Ground Cafe, 23 on Milner, Rondebosch, Cape Town
Monday to Friday 7am to 4pm; Saturday 8am to 2pm and Sundays 8:30am to 2pm and 5:30pm to 8:30pm
Telephone: +27 (0)21 686‑0154.

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Piggly Wiggly

A recent mid morning breakfast with some friends at The Piggly Wiggly Coffee Shop in the beautiful Natal Midlands, proved to be the perfect start to what turned out to be a rather enjoyable and memorable weekend. The drive from Pietermaritzburg to Lion’s River is more often than not a pleasant one and this occasion was no different — the greenery of the Midlands still in evidence, despite the approach of autumn and its many changing hues.

Flanked by sprawling vineyards and rolling green pastures, Piggly Wiggly has an alluring attractiveness that makes it almost impossible to pass by. Best known for its award-winning cappuccino’s, the establishment boasts a varied menu that caters for most tastes and preferences. Patrons can choose between light meals and tasty basics like pastas, all made from fresh, local ingredients and carefully prepared for maximum enjoyment.

Traditional breakfasts such as omelettes and bacon and eggs, a variety of sandwiches, and a host of lunch options are available and considering the wide selection it wasn’t easy for any of us to make up our minds in a hurry. After a fair amount of contemplation, I decided on the Country Omelette which, at R49, seemed like a good deal.

The Country Omelette is a three egg omelette with a choice of any of three fillings, namely feta, grilled mushrooms, tomato, bacon or olives and served with a salad. I opted for the tomato, bacon and mushroom filling and boy was I happy with my choice! The omelette was delicious, probably one of the best I’ve ever had and together with a piping hot mug of hot chocolate (R18), made for a great breakfast indeed.

Mary-Anne opted for a Dancing Cappuccino (R20) and a Country Omelette with a cheese, mushroom and bacon filling and was delighted with her choice, describing the omelette as “tasty and filling” and the cappuccino as “refreshing”. Her close friend, the aptly named Peta-Anne, ordered the Sweet Feta (two slices of toast covered with scrambled egg, topped with feta and sweet chilli sauce for R45) and a small glass of red grape juice (R10) and she, too, was more than happy with her order.

So with just two members (Louis and Sue) of my breakfast party left to voice their opinions, things were looking pretty good. Louis selected the farmers breakfast (two eggs served either poached, fried or scrambled with rashers of bacon and grilled tomato for R49) while Sue, having already had a bite to eat before arrival, opted for a filter coffee (R10) and a slice of cheesecake (R22).

Unfortunately, neither of them was impressed with what they received – Louis remarking that his bacon was overcooked with the rest of the meal being adequate at best while Sue referred to her cheesecake, which was visibly burnt on top, as “decidedly bland”. However, it’s very seldom that everyone in a group eating out is satisfied with what was presented to them, and so I wasn’t in the least bit surprised that my breakfast group wasn’t any different to the norm.

After settling our bills we decided to browse around in the lovely farm stall (complete with a delightful deli) on the premises and to visit the unique surrounding shops selling their various wares and trinkets. Although I didn’t come across anything of particular interest, my companions certainly did and spent a good half an hour moving about the various stores – no doubt intrigued at what they had encountered.

In case you are wondering what to do to keep the kids occupied, you’ll be pleased to know there’s also a delightful children’s playground on site to keep them out of mischief, while if it’s a bottle of wine you are after you can visit the wine cellar across the lawns for an extensive selection and plenty of advice from establishment owner Rudi Kassier.

On the whole I was rather impressed with my findings at Piggly Wiggly. The service was prompt and efficient, the food tasty and well presented and the ambience appealing and pleasant. The gripes of my friends aside, I couldn’t fault it and feel the establishment is a must visit for anyone wanting to enjoy a great breakfast or lunch out in the always picturesque KwaZulu-Natal Midlands.

Contact details:
Telephone: +27 (0)33 234 4323
Physical address: 1 Dargle Rd, Howick, Natal Midlands, KwaZulu Natal

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