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.
Monday, 22 August 2011
Wednesday, 17 August 2011
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....
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....
Tuesday, 16 August 2011
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 :)
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