Tis the season for...Christmas Feasts

Seeing as Christmas is around the corner (can you believe it....) everyone is hopefully in good spirits and the restaurant specials are plentiful. I thought that I'd dedicate this post to Christmas Feasts....particularly those on Christmas Day - more and more people are going out for Christmas Lunch rather than cooking themselves. And who can blame them? You don't have to do the grocery shopping, the cooking, the preparation and decor, the hosting and most importantly, the clean up afterwards....

So here are a few places that have graciously opened their restaurants to make Christmas an even more magical affair for you :) (If you are considering eating out on Christmas, I'd make my booking fairly soon if I were you)

1. March - Melrose Arch, 011 214 6666

The main restaurant in the Melrose Arch Hotel is offering a wonderful African Inspired menu for their Christmas Lunch.
Price: R450 per person
Includes:

Amuse bouche - Champagne knysna oysters served with fennel and chardonnay salsa  potato and coriander fritter with a chilli konfyt  Starter - Cape Malay pickled Kingklip terrine  (traditional battered and pickled fish, served with a date and prune bread colonial style)  or  Springbok Carpaccio  (smoked springbok carpaccio with grilled peach salad and fynbos honey dressing) or  Bloukrans and Quinoa Salad  (salad of blue cheese, fresh figs, toasted pumpkin seeds, olives, organic quinoa, micro herbs and a citrus dressing) Mango and Mampoer Sorbet Main Course  Walnut crusted Saddle of Lamb  (braised saddle of lamb, crusted and crisped with walnuts, served with a parsnip puree, asparagus and a pinotage jus) or  Turkey Galantine  (traditional rolled turkey with apricot and thyme accompanied with potato dauphinoise and baby vegetables) or  Butternut and Bean Tomato Bredie  (slow cooked butternut and broad bean tomato bredie served with a kalahari truffle samp risotto)  Dessert  Summer Christmas Trifle  (a layered trifle, with sherry sponge, vanilla cream and an splash of rooibos syrup jelly and tangy summer berries) or  Cape Brandy Pudding  (served with a cardamom custard, candied naartjies and Amarula-peanut brittle ice cream) or  Christmas Pudding ice cream  (silky ice cream with traditional christmas pudding bits and an eggnog sauce)  2. The Cradle Restaurant, Cradle of Humankind, 011 659 1622 For a real "lunch-in-the-country" experience, try the Cradle Restaurant. You have a choice of a 5 course sit down Christmas meal at the restaurant, or for something a bit different, they're also offering a colonial picnic lunch under the trees. With items like Cranberry and Camembert Salad, Caramelized Leek and Onion Tart, Merguez Sausage with Saffron Caramelized Onions,  Venison Carpaccio, Lamb Loin wrapped in Potatoe Rosti, Spinach and Feta Canneloni, Chicken Breast stuffed with Cognac Prunes and Pistachios and a buffet of desserts, one can't really go wrong. Please contact the establishment for prices. 3. Maximillien Brasserie, Sandton Square, 011 292 7111 This restaurant is wonderful - I've been there a few times myself. Black and white checked floors, brass bar, pressed ceilings, it's the epitome of old school brasserie chique. They are offering a fabulous Christmas lunch at the reasonable price of R385.00 per person. 4. Avianto, Muldersdrift, 011 668 3000 Avianto is also having a Christmas Lunch, which might be nice for a lazy Sunday drive into the country, followed by a sumptuous lunch. Prices are R375.00 per person, R155 for kids under 12 and babies under 2 are free. The menu is too large to detail everything here, so please contact them for more info - it looks really yummy though :) 5. Aurelia's, Emperor's Palace, 011 928 1908 Needless to say, doing Christmas lunch in a casino doesn't exactly scream class to me, but there may be people out there who have loads of family and may require a larger booking.... so this one would be for you. Also, whilst Aurelia's is technically part of the Casino, it's more in the hotel area so it's not bad at all. Price is R345.00 per person, kids under 12 are R140 and those under 3 are free. Their menu is also huge, so I've trimmed it down to give you a few examples: Freshly opened oysters on crushed ice with black pepper, Tabasco and lime Steamed salted prawn tower with a trio of dips and lime cheeks  Smoked turkey on grilled pineapple wedges with home made Peppadew chutney  Mussels Rockefeller tossed with crispy bacon, leek and mini rye bread croutons  Clove Studded Gammon with Pineapple and Apricot Glaze served with apple sauce and mustards Citrus Marmalade Basted Roast Turkey with Savoury chestnut stuffing served with Cranberry Jelly Pepper rubbed roast Strip loin with caramelized onion served with horseradish cream and mustards Rolled leg of Lamb with Rosemary, Garlic Honey Brush served with Mint Sauce Individual Christmas pudding with Cinnamon Custard, Festive Fruit Platter with Creamy Vanilla Ice-cream, Raspberry cream in chocolate cups, Vanilla poached pears, Chocolate almond cake, Choc dipped meringue fingers, Croquembouche, Assorted Fruit Tartlets, Baked Cheesecake with poached fruit There is PLENTY to choose from. 6. Fairlawns Boutique Hotel, Sandton, 011 804 2540/1/2/3 The restaurant at Fairlawns guarantees a very elegant and sophisticated affair. They are offering a Christmas Day buffet lunch on the Terrace at R450.00 per person. It includes the following, to mention only a few: Mosaic of tomato and fennel with Goats cheese, Calamari, Roast Leg of Lamb, Honey-glazed Gammon, Sage and Chestnut Turkey, Butternut Tortellini, Apple Crumble, Chocolate Log Pudding, Pecan Pie, truffles and tea & coffee. 7. Byzance, Lonehill Shopping Centre, 011 465 5735 Another one of my personal favourite restaurants. They don't have a special menu for the day, but their regular one is so good, it really doesn't matter. It's a la carte for Christmas at Byzance and that is awesome. Expect delicious mediterranean cuisine.

Tis the season for...Christmas Markets

Yup...it's that time of year again. You know that when the shopping centres hang their decorations and put up their trees that Christmas is just around the corner. In my opinion, Joburg is the best kept secret around Christmas time. Everyone goes away and leave us with empty streets, gorgeous weather and plenty of merry cheer.

With that in mind, a few of my upcoming posts will be Christmas-related and for this one, I thought I'd give you an alternative to Christmas shopping in busy crowded malls and let you know of a few Christmas Markets that are coming up.

1. Hazel Food Christmas Market
When: Thurs 10 Nov - Sat 12 Nov
Where: Greenlyn Village Centre, Menlo Park, Pretoria
Enjoy incredible food and wine and browse over 80 stalls offering delicious food products as well as unique gifts and handmade Christmas decorations. This evening market is sure to put the Christmas spirit in everyone!

2. Parkview Christmas Market
When: Friday 25 Nov - Sunday 27 Nov
Where: George Hay Park, Parkview
Entrance: R30
There are over 70 stands to visit, with something for the young and old alike. Plenty of food stalls, produce stalls, live music, kids entertainment.

3. Nickel Christmas Market
When: Friday 25 Nov - Sunday 11 Dec
Where: Paul Jungnickel Home, Plot 214 Zwavelpoort, Lynwood Rd, Pretoria
The Nickel Christmas Market's aim is to raise funds for the home, but it's also a great job creation project for unemployed women and youth. It's now one of the largest Christmas Markets in the area with over 300 exhibitions under one roof. Only handmade items are for sale here. Open daily from 09:00 to 18:00. Come shop around and have a cup of tea in the Teagarden.

4. Neighbourgoods Market
When: Every Saturday in December
Where: 73 Juta Street, Braamfontein
Highly recommended for self-proclaimed foodies, anyone interested in artisan goods and interesting jewelery, accessories and design goods. This market is very trendy and it's a great way to spend a Saturday morning or afternoon. 09:00 - 15:00

5. Irene Christmas Market
When: 10 December 2011, 09:00 - 14:00

Where: Jan Smuts Ave, Irene, Pretoria
Named as one of the best markets in South Africa, the Irene Christmas Market has earned wide acclaim as both a superb outdoor shopping venue and as a great way to unwind from urban life for a little while.
Products on offer are so varied that it would be impossible to list, but there is an incredible selection of goods and food.


Happy Gift Hunting!!

Picnics in Joburg!

I haven't been a very good "blogger" of late - I've been so wrapped up in getting baby stuff ready and work , but hopefully this post will make up for it with a few nice ideas :)

So I thought that seeing as the weather has been so fabulous over the last while, it would be really nice to mention something "outdoorsy". If you're anything like my husband (who is an IT geek and practically breaks out in hives at the mere mention of going into nature and leaving civilization behind), please keep your panties on... I'm talking about picnics of course.....

As Joburgers, we have access to some of the most beautiful spots and I think that having a casual picnic with friends or a more romantic affair with your partner is a great idea, especially since the weather is so nice at the moment.

Here are a few ideas - hope you enjoy!!

1. The Cradle Restaurant - 011 659 1622
Have your picnic along the Motsetse stream. Your basket will include a 3 course meal with foods like freshly baked bread, rare roast beef, leg of lamb, Italian sausages, tomato pies, salads, tiramisu and fresh fruit.
R280 per person

2. Tres Jolie - 011 794 2473
Situated just off Beyers Naude in Northern Joburg, Tres Jolie offers patrons the chance to sit and relax on blankets and cushions under umbrellas whilst taking in the beautiful gardens and enjoying delicious food. Your Mediterranean picnic basket will include things like beef and chicken kebabs, homemade breads, smoked salmon and cream cheese, antipasta's, olives, dips, fruit kebabs with chocolate and cheese platters with crackers and preserves.
R125 per person

3. Lethabo Estate - 082 654 1690
Lethabo Estate has stunning scenery, being situated in the Cradle of Humankind.
They have 3 different options when it comes to their picnics.
 - Romantic Picnic @ R400 per person; enjoy the lazy river bank on blankets and cushions with a    
                               gourmet picnic basket
 - Luxury Picnic @ R750 per person; enjoy a private and secluded picnic under a thatched gazebo
                               with a double bed and cushioned spot for lounging around and being lazy. Eat your
                               gourmet picnic at a table infront of a secluded stretch of river.
 - Boudoir Picnic @ R 1325 per person; enjoy Lethabo's romantic boudoir style picnic venue on a
                               completely private stretch of river. Roses,  petals and luxurious carpets and double
                               bed make this area special. You might like to try swimming behind the waterfall
                               infront of your picnic table. A bottle of Method Cap Classique is included in this
                               package too.

4. Toadbury Hall Country House - 079 512 0554
Depending on the day that you book for, your picnic could take place in the hotel's beautiful gardens or along the Crocodile River banks. Romantic private picnics can also be arranged.
Your basket is packed full of decadent gourmet foods and includes a bottle of wine. Expect items like homemade Quiche Lorraine, biltong, Bobotie Springrolls with Apple Chutney, Chicken kebabs with BBQ sauce, Chocolate brownies and Vanilla Fudge.
R295 per person

5. Dial-a-Picnic - 081 329 7538 or 083 601 7135
From over the top feasts to simple snacks - from a romantic dinner for two to a decadent meal with family and friends, Dial-a-picnic is the perfect answer to an outdoors event.
You can make it as complicated, detailed or simple as you like. They can do themed evenings, plan, set up and arrange everything so you just need to arrive, or simply pack you a picnic basket that you collect and enjoy. Similarly their menus can be simple or decadent.
www.dialapicnic.co.za
Romantic Picnics start from R700 per couple and increase from there.

If you're not into the outdoors, but are keen on a picnic, here is something a little different:

6. Picnic in the Sky - 079 567 0997
Started by a company called "Main St Walks JHB", the idea is simple. You are provided with a basket, eating utensils and basic picnic items. You are then given 30 mins to peruse the nearby market to buy whatever foods you like (at your own cost) to pack into your basket. After that, everyone catches the lift up to the 50th floor of the Carlton Centre, and you enjoy the picnic and view from up above.
It happens on the first Sunday of every month.
R220 per adult, R50 per child under 16

Festivals of Food (and wine....)

Yay for September and Spring!
Aside from being my birthday month, I love September because it really does close the curtain on Winter. I'm sooo ready for Spring this year it's not even funny. Spring in Joburg is a particularly special event...all the blossom-flecked bushes, the green buds on all the trees, thunder showers, smells of freshly mown grass...
Yes, I know I sound like a hippy, but it's true. Spring is awesome. Good-bye jerseys and boots, hello dresses, skirts and sandals :)

There is also so much to do now and everyone is finally happy to venture out of their warm cosy homes and seek sun, good food and WINE!

Here are a few festivals coming up that will make a great day (or night) out with friends and family:

1. Taste of Joburg, Montecasino - www.tasteofjoburg.com
Starting on Thursday 15 September until Sunday 18 September, the Taste of Joburg offers an incredible line up of "star" chefs from the best restaurants in Joburg. You will be able to try signature dishes, meet award-winning chefs and sample amazing food and wine.
You'll discover a mouth-watering array of gourmet food suppliers and be able to browse the stalls and try the delicious speciality food and ingredients to either eat there or take home.
Some of the award-winning featured restaurants include Piccolo Mondo (Michaelangelo Hotel), DW-Eleven, La Belle Terrasse (The Westcliff), Roots (Forum Homini) and The Saxon Hotel.

On the drinks side, if Whiskey is your thing, be sure to head to the House of Johnny Walker. Featured wine estates include Boschendal, Beyerskloof, Diemersdal, Graham Beck and Pongraz, to name a few.

Normal tickets are R70 per adult, but there are more exclusive tickets available.
Long and the short of it? I won't be missing this one for anything in the world!!

2. Robertson Wine Valley Festival, Kloofzicht Lodge - http://www.robertsonwinevalley.com/gauteng/kloofzicht_festival.html

Starting on Saturday 17 September to Sunday 18 September and hosted at the stunning Kloofzicht Lodge in Muldersdrift, festivals like this make me REALLY miss wine...only another 3 1/2 months to go!!
Tickets are R130 per day or R210 for the whole weekend, kids under 18 are free. Gates open at 10:00 and close at 17:00.

This festival will allow you to spend a fabulous day in the country, drinking gorgeous wine and meeting the wine-makers, owners and personalities of the Robertson Wine Valley.
Free wine tasting will obviously take place, guys can take their fishing rods and fish in one of the numerous dams on site and there will be plenty of activities for kids.

So bring your picnic blanket and enjoy a day in the Robertson Wine Valley.

3.Good Food and Wine Show, Coca Cola Dome - www.goodfoodandwineshow.co.za
Publish Post
Starting on Thursday 22 September running until Sunday 25 September at the Coca Cola Dome, tickets start at R80 to get in and if you want to see any of the celebrity chefs in the "Chefs in Action Theatre", go to Computicket to book seats there.

I'm particularly excited about this show...just because of the incredible chefs that will be under the same roof as me! From the one and only Gordon Ramsey, Masterchef winner Adam Liaw, Masterchef favourite Alvin and many many more, this is another show that I will certainly not be missing.

There will be hundreds of stalls to go around and sample/buy ingredients and delicious food, a Lindt Chocolate AppreciationTheatre (girls, if you need more convincing than this, there's a problem), Huletts Baking Theatre (Queen of Tarts, Tina Bester will be hosting), The Amarula Outdoor Experience (think braai's, chilled out entertainment and music).

For Kids, there will be a CBeeBies Little Cooks Zone where "Sid" will be there to host your little ones while they enjoy hands on cooking classes.

Bring on the food and bring on the wine (sadly, only for my husband)!

Sunday is a day for.....brunch.

And on the 7th day, God rested. And I'm sure that if it was available, He would have also gone for brunch.

The institution of a good brunch was firmly ingrained in me after having spent a year living in Dubai. Obviously the weekends over there fall on Friday and Saturday, not Saturday and Sunday like they are....well, everywhere else in the world, and so the expats came up with the most wonderful idea of having a Friday brunch. The idea clearly took off because pretty much every restaurant now offers some sort of Friday brunch special. These generally entail paying anything from R100 to R1000 and getting a little more bank for your buck. My personal favourite was at a place called Yalumba, where for the *cough* price of R1000.00 per person, you get an all you can eat extravaganza and bottomless French Champagne. For me, it truly doesn't get better than this.

Anyway, I've since returned to South Africa and I'm quite sorry to say that brunches certainly don't carry quite the same weight here. There are however a few places that do offer a Sunday brunch, where we as Joburgers, don't have to dine and dash, we can sit around and enjoy a lazy Sunday with friends or family eating delicious food and drinking good wine.

As such, I've decided to put together my list of favourite Sunday brunch places. So go forth, be lazy and enjoy.

1. La Belle Terrasse, The Westcliff Hotel, 011 481 6001
Oh wow. This is probably the closest I've found to a Dubai brunch. It will cost you a pretty R285.00 per person, but it's a far cry from the R1000.00 gladly spent at Yalumba in Dubai. And let me say it's well worth it.
The spread is incredible. Anything from Oysters, Carved Scottish Salmon, other various types of seafood, roasts, a huge dessert selection etc....
Of course one of the most special things about the Westcliff is the beautiful view from the terrasse, which is one of a kind. Booking is essential, restaurant opens at 11:30 and seating on the terrasse is first come first serve - so go early to get a stunning spot. It is certainly a spoil and worth every cent.

2. Tony's Spagetti, Leaping Frog Shopping Centre, Fourways, 011 465 7224
From one end of the price scale to the other... Tony's Spagetti and Grill offers a Sunday Buffet at the meager price of R49 per person.
The spread is not enormous, but it's certainly got all the essentials. Muesli, yoghurts, a few fruits, pancakes and flapjacks, toast, beans, livers, mince, tomatoes, onions, mushrooms, sausages, bacon and a choice of scrambled or fried eggs.
All in all, a very nice buffet for the price. Kid friendly so you can take the family there.

3. Ndau Restaurant at The Hyatt, Rosebank, 011 280 1234
I haven't personally tried this one, but I've heard great things about it. The price is R280 per person, but the bonus of this brunch is that you get all you can drink Villiera Method Cap Classique Brut or Rose sparkling wine. Yay!
It's also good for kids as they provide entertainment outside (jumping castles etc...) and for the adults there is live entertainment (jazz bands etc...). Prices for kids between 6 and 18 are R100.00 per child and kids under 6 eat free. Opens from 11:30
The spread apparently includes hot and cold gourmet starters, roasts, seafood and an array of desserts.
Sounds like I'm going to have to try this as soon as I can... :)

4. Bistro at The Peech Hotel, Melrose 011 537 9797
The Sparkling Sunday Brunch is another one that I haven't personally tried, but I've heard good things about it. It's R150 per person and you also get unlimited Villiera Tradition Brut bubbly with your brunch, making it one of the most affordable champagne brunches in Joburg.
They offer an awesome continental breakfast as well as a selection of cooked breakfasts, making it great value for money. The Bistro looks out over the beautiful gardens of this boutique hotel in Melrose, making it a fantastic place to sit and relax on a Sunday.

5. Central (One) Restaurant at The Radisson Blu Gautrain Hotel, Sandton 011 286 1000
They boast about being one of the best brunch restaurants in Joburg, and their Super Breakfast Buffet certainly makes me want to put them to the test, coming in at a reasonable R165.00 per person. Being a cosmopolitan hotel, they offer a wide variety of foods in their buffet to cater to all of their guests. They offer breads from all over the world, amazing pastries, an array of seasonal fruits, eggs specially prepared to your tastes, among other things - basically a huge variety of north american, european and english breakfast items. Open from 06:30 to 11:30 on Sunday

So I hope there is something here that appeals to you and inspires you to go out on Sunday and enjoy a brunch somewhere in our beautiful city.

Anyone for Tea?

So one of my major weaknesses in life is tea. Good ol' Five Roses, milk first of course (I've been told that's how the Queen drinks it), and you're good to go.
In fact, I think I'd go so far to say that historically, my day is pretty shit unless I've had my morning cuppa.
I'm pregnant now, and my doctor has advised that 8 cups a day is a serious health risk to my child - given that there is apparently more caffeine in tea than coffee (true story). So now I've had to cut down to 4 cups a day and stick to decaf tea. Yes, there is such a thing.
So in light of my passion for this milky beige liquid, I've decided that my first list is going to be of GOOD tea places, where I can go with my mom or friends to enjoy some tea, treats and good company.

1. Nice on Fourth, 4th Ave Parkhurst, 011 788 6286
Over the last couple of months, Nice has become my local morning hangout. The vibe is very laid-back and the decor is simple but effective. Tea is served in beautiful silver teapots with a variety of mismatched china teacups and saucers.
Must try: Cupcakes, lemon ricotta cakes and gingerbread stars (when available)
For the more savory tooth,  the chicken mayonnaise sarmie with balsamic caramalised onions is a must.
Gulia is always a superb waitress.

2. Vovo Telo, 4th Ave Parkhurst
This branch of the Vovo Telo Bakery brand has literally only just opened up, but judging by how busy it is already, it's a sure winner.
Located on Parkhurst's trendy 4th Avenue, Vovo Telo hails from Port Elizabeth originally and their first JHB branch popped up in the other trendy area of 44 Stanley Rd, Braamfontein. Not actually a tea spot per se, but rather an artisan bakery (meaning that they make exceptional homemade breads and pastries etc...), they serve a variety of homely comfort foods, and more importantly, tea and treats.
Stop in for a cuppa and pick up one of the best loaves of ciabatta bread you'll ever eat.

3. Life Grand Cafe, Hyde Park Shopping Centre, 011 325 4350
A sister restaurant to Life in Sandton Square, Life Grand Cafe is the epitome of style and elegance. Beautiful wooden tables, simple yet gorgeous decor, and of course, delicious tea-time treats :)
Owned and run by husband and wife team Maira and John Koutsoudakis, incidentally the twin sister of Vicky Crease, renowned South African caterer, Life Grand Cafe is the perfect place to spend a morning sipping tea and eating fresh croissants. Staff are laid-back, but not terrible. The restaurant also has a retail section where you can buy gifts from R30 to R3000 apparently. Take a padded wallet....

4. Deli on High Street, Melrose Arch, 011 218 4000
This is a great tea spot as it's a little Alice in Wonderland-esque. Beautiful wing back arm chairs, stunning  decor, overall a really nice place to be.
They have a lovely spread of little yummies that will turn any dieter into a cheater.
As far as I know, they also offer champagne/sparkling wine, so it's a nice girly place to come and chill out with friends. Service was good.

5. The Patisserie, Post Office Centre, Rudd Rd, Illovo, 011 268 0044
YUM. That's actually all one can say about this spot. Pink and white candy stripes line the interior walls, but you're not looking at the decor here... decadence, yumminess and calories are the only things you're worrying about when you walk into this shop. Aside from serving all their offerings, it is obviously a patisserie (french for a bakery that specialises in pastry and sweets) and you can buy all of their wares.
Cupcakes with marshmallow frosting, decadent triple chocolate cake, carrot cake, quiche, croissants just to name a few.....Owner Glenda has even trained under Eric Lanlard, the French God of Pastry and Cake himself.
This is one of the ultimate tea time places for me. If you can get a table, that is....

Welcome!

Welcome to Joburg Pashash! 

Basically, I decided to write this blog in order to help other people like myself, who may sometimes get unbelievably bored with the humdrum routine of life in Johannesburg. 

I'm always on a mission to find new and interesting things to see, do and try with my husband, friends or family.

The problem is that I've always got to visit a million sites to get ideas for things. And so Joburg Pashash or Joburg Cool is born.

I'm putting all my findings here, into one place, in the hopes that someone else will make use of the information and try some of the things that I suggest :)

Happy Exploring :)