Weekend Learning's

Katie Holten's Trees of the USA.

Coldest weekend in London yet! It snowed on Saturday morning. Do not be daft, I did not see it, it was at 7 o’clock, I was in bed snoozing. But I did venture out, dressed like a snow man. By this I mean you wear so many items your arms stick out as there are so many layers, they sort of support your shoulder and armpits and create a funny bendy arm. As your elbow cannot bend either as that too, is padded to the max, it extends. It is fun actually. The blistery wind prickles your cheeks pink and puts a spring in your step. It is not as bad as I thought. This is what else I learned;

• Have you ever tried fresh mint tea. It is fresh, very. Try it. Delicious. 
• Tip: A woman can always tell if a man loves her by how much time he is willing to invest. Money spent is meaningless, but time spent is priceless. 
• I ventured to Zone Four this weekend to visit a family friend. It is really lovely out there. Nino’s in South Woodford is a great little traditional Italian restaurant. Really delicious and good value for money! Unlike anywhere I have been in the rest of London… Lol. Joke. 
• I also saw my first fox! In my friends garden! I could not believe it! I was so excited I almost ran into the glass doors. My friend was rather amused by my excitement, as locally these beautiful creatures are considered pests as they attack dogs, rip up garbage and poop in the street. He he. But I think Mr Fox was looking very fantastic scratching his fleas and then jumping through the fence… I felt like I reached a milestone in my move to London. Fox – Tick.
• “Later that night, I held an atlas in my lap, ran my fingers across the whole world and whispered; where does it hurt?” It answered; “Everywhere, everywhere, everywhere.” - Warsan Shire. What has happened to our world? Why is there so much pain and hurt? I cannot stand to watch the news for another minute.  
• I am loving Francois-Henri Galland at the moment. He is a French watercolour artist. His new work is all of lovers, shapes and spills of colour. Simply beautiful, very suggestive. You are almost left to imagine what is not there, and more importantly what is. See some of his work {here}. 

Hope you have a positive rest of your last week of November and remember, stay weird, moon babies.

Xoxo

PS. “You are the calm that saves me from my own hurricane of maddness.” - Almaz A.

Francois-Henri Galland, Untitled.

1 comment art, fox, Francois-Henri Galland, Katie Holten, London, London restaurant, Nino's, quote, restaurant, South Woodford, Warsan Shire, weekend, Zone Four

Weekend Learning's

Yes, I'm talking to you!

The weekends (*touch wood) are starting to become really amazing. It is not just about cramming as many parties as I can into the short window of freedom… how blasé. They're about quality, about enjoying the time I have with the people I love and about unwinding my coils. This is what I learned; 

• “I am beginning to learn that it is the sweet, simple things in life that are the real ones after all.” - Laura Ingalls Wilder 
• The Griffin in Illovo. So I thought I'd give this spot a second chance. I shouldn't have. The hostess 'lost' our booking and accused us of lying about making the booking, to be frank she was outright rude. I won't dwell on her issues but to end the night- when there is an unfinished meal and a clean plate and the waitress puts the empty one on the full one… (I wanted a takeaway and before I had a chance to ask she plonked the crockery on my half eaten meal) I swore I would never return. What the F, seriously. 
• Speaking of returning to places; if you haven't already visited the Kerri Evens exhibition at Everard Read I highly recommend it. I had to visit it again on Saturday morning after seeing the opening on Thursday and being blown away. Her art is honestly moving and seductive. I am in awe of her talent. Go now!
• “Every atom of your flesh is as dear to me as my own: in pain and sickness it would still be dear.” - Charlotte Brontë 
• I really love to walk on the weekends. It is becoming something that if I do not do, I feel like I forgot to visit an old friend on the weekend. And with a double set this last weekend and seriously pushing myself on Sunday, I am feeling quite sore today, especially in the buttocks region. *wink.
• "Every blessing ignored becomes a curse" - Paulo Coelho
• Have you tried Happy.Me tea? Well you should! I managed to sample some this weekend and as I thought… amazing! It kept me quite for ages trying to get every last berry flavoured jelly. I think my boyfriend loved the silence just as much as I loved the tea! Its all vegetarian and all natural. You should try it, we can be addicts together… mmm!
• A spur of the moment lunch on a deck with tapas, Mediterranean style. Water served in pretty glass bottles, the sun warming my cheeks and my handsome man opposite me, really made me longing to be on holiday in some random vacation spot, all loved up and eating hummus. *Sigh… I am REALLY looking forward to this long weekend, can you tell?
• “He held her as though she was a gift. Given to him in love. Something still and small. Unbearably precious.” - Arundhati Roy

Have an amazing short week my jellybabies! 

xoxo

PS. “There’s nothing more intimate in life than simply being understood… And understanding someone else.” - Brad Meltzer, The Inner Circle.

Seriously... life is too short. 

Leave a Comment art, Arundhati Roy, boyfriend, Brad Meltzer, Charlotte Brontë, Everard Read, fitness, Happy Me, Illovo, Kerri Evens, Laura Ingalls Wilder, Paulo Coelho, quote, restaurant, Tapas, The Griffin, weekend

Weekend Learning's

Feeling fantastic with mother natures fresh fruit and veg, loving life!

I haven't been feeling myself lately. I have been working really hard, I haven't been getting much sleep, and even with my double dose of smoothie action a day, I still feel slightly unwell and hazy. So this weekend I did a detox. To be honest with you 'detox' is the wrong word. I did a cleanse. 

What is the difference? You ask. 'Detox' is when you try to neutralize or eliminate toxins from the body. After the Bioscan I had last week, I am definitely not toxic and with the hardly to no drinking and super healthy eating I do, I do not need to be neutralized, *wink! A cleanse is just a simple raw liquid 3 day body clean out. 

I used to do this before and during exams to help clear my mind. You cut out meat, dairy, carbs and sugar and stick to raw fruit and vegetables and some vitamins and herbal teas and light exercise. It is amazing after the three days how much energy you have and how good you feel! I did a lot of thinking, soul searching and downright relaxing! I feel on top of the world! This is what I learned; 

• “Never trust your tongue when your heart is bitter.” - Samuel J. Hurwitt
• Sometimes, while I'm daydreaming in my head, I step back and look at my dreams and think to myself (above the daydream, thinking above the thinking I guess) Hells bells, my dreams are hu-mun-gus… and I blink repetitively wondering if they're too big and scary then I remember that quote, "If your dreams don't scare you, they aren't big enough." and I am satisfied with the big boots I am trying to fill. 10 points Coco!
• EateryJHB is still my favourite restaurant in JHB, by far! Even though there wasn't much I could eat I took my parents and my sister there to thank them for my little flat and it was wonderful to see how much they enjoyed the perfection of the service and the delicious and beautiful meals. Like I said, favourite!
• “Simplicity is about doing both: subtracting the obvious, and adding the meaningful.” - John Maeda
• I want to make the rest of my life, the best of my life. I read this on Instagram this weekend and couldn't help but think that this is exactly how I feel.
• “All the fireflies will keep you golden.” - The Glory, by Kanene Pipkin
• I forgot how much I love making fresh juice. 3x green apples, 1/2 a cucumber, 3x carrots, 2x beets and a thumb of ginger will not only give you a kick to send you buzzing into the afternoon but that ginger will cleanse not only your stomach but your sinuses too! Heaven! Tip; keep all of this in the fridge before juicing, or you'll have warm juice or have to add ice… my teeth no likey.
• You may think a 3 day cleanse sounds easy, raw liquid stuff, by the third day, all you want is a plate of fries! that’s why 3 days is enough! I keep this in mind during that third day; "When you get to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on." - Franklin D Roosevelt.

Heads up chickens, have a good week!

xoxo

PS. “He carries stars in his pockets because he knows she fears the dark. Whenever sadness pays her a visit, he paints galaxies on the back of her hands.” - Alaska Gold

Always and forever, my love. 

Leave a Comment Alaska Gold, bioscan, cleanse, detox, Eatery JHB, Franklin D Roosevelt, Instagram, John Maeda, Life Quote, restaurant, Samuel J Hurwitt, weekend

The Good Luck Club

Menu cover, lovely design!

The other day someone called me a foodie. Now I have heard this term before but never targeted at myself.

"Why?" I inquired.
"Because all you ever write about on your blog is food Coco!"

Mmm not quite. But with this statement I did so happen to realize that I never do reviews on restaurants anymore and what a shame that is. Since I do, in almost every Weekend Learning's, mention at least one coffee shop or restaurant and I eat out with wonderful company a minimum of twice a week. I should probably write about my experiences in the greater johannesburg area… right? Yes. Well here goes.

From top left, the beef basil heaven, the chichen dim sum, the
cute cactus on our tables and the 'save-your-life' Wolves cheese cake.

The Good Luck Club.

Everyone knows my favourite spot in town is Wolves. So when I discovered they were opening a noodle bar (second favourite thing!) I almost pitched a tent and camped outside with my bowl waiting for samples. I didn't… But I wasn't disappointed when I did eventually make it through the doors.

Walls adorned with kitty cats in top hats, tiny cactus table décor, a vintage bar and classic hipster overall design this place is the ultimate smile and enjoy your dindin's spot. With unique yummy starters like Chicken, Celery and Spring Onion Dim Sum and Prawn and Avo Spring Rolls, starters are a must.

I have to be honest I have only tried two of the mains. I have been there a total of six times now. I have tried the Ginger Plum Chicken and wasn't a fan, it was too sweet for me. But the Crisp Twice Fried Beef with Basil… oh my gosh. Yes I have had it five times and plan to have it again tomorrow night when I go there again. Di-VINE! Other friends have informed me that the Yellow Potato curry is to die for and the Peanut Sauce is a must as a side order.

When desserting I won't venture further than ordering Wolves's famous Cheescake, I swear by it to save lives and fix broken hearts.

Good to know booking is a must you can call them {here} and Lunch & Dinner - Tuesday – Saturday and Lunch only – Sunday.

Go there now, see you tomorrow night!

Xoxo

PS.  Take me to the Noodle bar baby ^_^

The Famous Four do The Good Luck Club.

1 comment restaurant, review, The Famous Four, The Good Luck Club, Wolves

Burnside Café

Burnside, loving this logo.

You know when you drive past a place over and over on a random way home and always forget to go in? Or don’t have he time? Well mine is Burnside Café. I drive past there a lot and always take my eyes off the road (just for a second) to look at its clean, white face. She is, very pretty.

Fresh green and summery its the perfect spring spot. There is a little garden and fountain which creates wonderful ambiance and a great area for the kiddies to play (if you have any). The white décor is just up my alley, clean and crisp. I have heard mixed reviews from people about the service but when I was there the waitress was always attentive and waiting to serve. And a table of nine women all wanting the same thing in different variations all at once can be... challenging to say the least. So the service is good.

The attention to detail is what I like. A cake stand with fresh cakes under glass bell cloches sits pretty and tempting outside... beats the average revolving cake stands you get in the mall... Ew. The food is served covered in a duvet of rocket and sweet dishes are adorned with pansy flowers and caster snow. Detail extends even down to the water which is spikes with oranges and strawberries, LOVE it when restaurants do this.

Everything is fresh and tastes homemade, see below what we ate.

Try it, I know you’ll love it.

Xoxo

PS. Your tummy is not a trash can, don’t fill it with junk. 
 

Poached Eggs
With relish, bacon, parmesan and toast fingers

Crumpets
With crispy bacon, mascarpone, syrup and berries

Leave a Comment Burnside cafe, Johannesburg, restaurant, review

Holiday Learning's ♡ an ode to Cape Town

Delaire... you're crying too right? Knew it.

Deluxe, Haas and Sidewalk. How's that bunny!?

I spent my birthday weekend in Cape Town. The more I go there the more I become obsessed and desperate to stay. These are some of the little gems I discovered there.

• When someone fetches you at the airport with balloons it is actually a lovely kind of embarrassment.
• I have wonderful friends in Cape Town and I miss them everyday here in my dust bowl.
• Are you a little strange and looking for a porcelain cat scull and delicious coffee all in one? Check out Haas, weird and wonderful. Astronaut bunny totally rocks my socks!
• Early morning on the promenade is great for surfer spotting... Hello there!
• The Grand has a R500 seafood pizza... I have to be honest I would go back there just to sit with my feet in the sand again.
• Wardrobe and The Lot on Kloof are still my two favourite shops, I could spend my salary proudly and not eat for the rest of my life.
• Vintage clothes make coco happy.
• I had my hair done at Scar Hair also on Kloof. Its the first time I walking into a place and wasn’t looked at like I had been in a bike accident, awesome. I especially loved The Little Book of Poo.
• You like Tequila right? Me to! Go to El Burro, Genuine Mexican Cuisine and tequila, wowza, heaven...
• I like dinky wooden decor with plants coming out of the ceiling... Dear Me has this and nom food... Homemade flapjacks and a ginger ninja please.
• I sometimes sway when I cannot dance and I have a nice song in my head, its a way of dancing to a hum.
• Delaire Graff Wine Estate is one of the most beautiful places I have ever been. The view made me shed a tear.
• Grey squirrels sometimes makes duck noises... Disturbing.
• Deluxe Coffee Works, there are no words... You’re just a delicious buttery coffee part of my life which I would like to exploit... Sigh.
• You know how I love hearts right? Well Sidewalk Café is full of them! With delicious guest chef menu’s you can have something different and gourmet every time.
• I cannot wait for our next encounter... Let it be NOW!

Xoxo

PS. You do not have to do much to make me happy, just take me to the beach and let me draw in the sand. 

Judge me? Fine I move to Cape Town then, goodbye.

Leave a Comment Cape Town, quote, restaurant, weekend

Weekend Learnings

It is amazing how Cape Town even looks gorgeous in a collage

I dream of a time when I won't have to say goodbye.

I spent the weekend in Cape Town with my love, celebrating our 4 year anniversary (congrats… thanks!). It was another perfect weekend and even though the weather wasn’t too great (I know right! After my seeking sunshine post… fail) we managed to have the best time. This is what I learned.     

• The more I fly the more I hate it. This is due to the fact that I do not think I have had one flight on time this entire year… and I fly a lot!
• Capetonians seem to be loving the multiple fabric bangle trend… hmmm
• I love virtually unknown discovery and 'Hemelhuis' restaurant is the most surprisingly fantastic little revelation in Waterkant Street. I love their bread served in a wooden bowl.
• Another hole-in-the-wall is the decedent Deluxe Coffee Works. Heavenly, R10, double-shot coffee which is mouth-watering and moreish!
• ‘Despicable Me’ is my animated movie of the year. I laughed through most of it, highly underrated, highly recommended.
• IF watermelon juice is on the menu, it gets a gold star!
• When I am in Jozi, I miss the boyfriend and when I am in Cape Town I miss the puppy… C'est la vie.  
• Even if a place has great reviews, bad service is a big red cross in my book. Sorry.
• I downloaded this awesome app on my BlackBerry called ‘Runtastic’. It uses GPS to track your walk. We walked the Promenade roughly 7km, awesome!
• I still do not understand those little swimmers and dragonfly statues on the Promenade… they’re fun to imitate though.
• Blonde is another fantastic restaurant in Cape Town, their service is great and the menu is out of this world delicious! Warm Chocolate Fondant, mmm!
• When the weather is cold and cloudy the perfect thing to do is wine tastings in Stellenbosch and Waterford Estate is a stunning stop!
• Gino’s (also in Stellenbosch) has the yummiest pizza’s!
• After watching ‘The Social Network’ I now think Mark Zuckerberg is a (insert bad word). I will not tarnish my blog with blasphemy.
• No matter how many times I have them, I still love Café Neo (Greek breakfast) and Arnold's (Brie, Pepperdew and bacon croissant) divine breakfasts!
• 4 years seems like a long time, life flies when you’re having fun, or just in love.
• I’m happier now than I’ve been in a long time.
  

Xoxo

PS.  Life is too short to always be wishing for what you had, rather appreciate what you have because it’s beautiful.

3 comments Cape Town, coffee, Deluxe, Hemelhuis, love, movies, restaurant, The Social Network, Waterford Estate, weekend

Weekend Learning's

Footsteps to a brighter future.

This weekend was all about personal relaxation. Making sure that I had a full and stress-free weekend. I caught up on reading and spent time with family and friends. Things I learned this weekend?

• Black Swan is a new American psychological thriller film directed by Darren Aronofsky (The Wrestler) and I cannot wait to see it! Check out the trailer {here}
• If I’m listening to Kings of Leon I am a happy girl. I love Pyro and Pony Up off the new Come Around Sundown. Fantastic.
• If I’m not 100% sold on buying a pair of shoes (doesn’t happen very often). If the sole of the shoe is interesting or creative I'll buy them. Check out these Mr Price sandals with a bird and heart detail. SOLD. I cannot wait to treck hearts down the beach in December.
• The new organic Pick ‘n Pay has a gorgeous little restaurant called Thyme on Nicol. When you order a wrap you make it yourself! They also serve my favourite Vida coffee and have a rotating Sushi table. A Glass of wine is a price busting R14 and the tea section on the menu is called “I’m a little Tea Pot”. If I’m missing on a Saturday… you now know where ill be.
• Early morning Yoga on a Saturday is great. However it is packed and for some reason I am insanely stiff… I like it.
• My new little red Moleskine is so gorgeous. I especially love the little quality control sticker in the back. The design is interesting. I plan to collect them.
• I love drawings in the sand. Especially when my boyfriend draws hearts and sends them to me so that I know he’s thinking of me… ❥
  

Xoxo

PS. Have a short and fun week (a girl can dream…)

1 comment fashion, Kings of Leon, Moleskine, movies, Pick 'n Pay, restaurant, Vida, weekend, Yoga

Bean There, want to do it again!

Logo and cute little shelves full of coffee goodies

Delicious coffee shops who take pride in their trade are rare and far between. And this kind of real coffee is a comfort that I find hard to ignore. Bean There, is a roast to be desired!

She is deep and comforting, warm and alluring and above all should not, in my opinion, be bought off the shelf at P&P. So when discovering Bean There, I could not wait to get my taste buds around one of their exclusive optimal roasts.

Stepping into the the spacious corner store, she’s tucked away at the curious 44 Stanley, I never expected the creative area. The décor is a juxtapose of vintage couches, lampshades and modern photos against the backdrop of shiny metal coffee pots, tall wooden ceilings and shutters and tarty cupcakes under glass bells.

I like buttery, rich and luxurious coffee. I like coffee that tastes like it travelled the world just to find me and make me ‘mmmmmm’ with happy coffee sippings. Bean There does this perfectly! It is relaxed and comfortable enough that you want to stay a little longer. Not like the rush and ‘fast food’ feeling most coffee shops have these days. You can borrow a newspaper and sink into the vintage couch while you wait for your cup o’ Jo.

“With a love for coffee and a passion for the African adventure, Bean There Coffee Company acquires, through direct fair trade, the world’s finest single origin coffee, which is hand-roasted to produce an exclusive optimal roast.” - Bean There Website

Visit the Bean There Coffee Roastery at 44 Stanley for a delicious blend of African coffee and sit and soak in the unique decorations and inspiring design!

Xoxo

PS. Try the iced coffee, she’s blended seduction and yum!! 

Lampshades and bicycle,  i love vintage beauty

Rustic cupcakes, so cute but mad delicious

Couch of dreams

Menu, note: the new iced latte shooter and the marshmallows

A real bean roaster, you cannot imagine the smell, mmm

 

3 comments coffee, Johannesburg, restaurant

Bella Life

I often wonder if I have a serious problem. I am mildly obsessed with food. This is not a common trait for a young woman who watches her figure. But I just find the joy in pasta so much more gratifying that looking for the size 0 labels.

So when I heard about La Bella Figura, I booked that day. And have since been there a total of four times and every time I have been pleasantly pleased, actually hugely satisfied.

Their website reads: “In Italy, the philosophy of La Bella Figura rules the land. La Bella Figura translates to “the beautiful figure” but is actually a way of life emphasizing beauty, good image, aesthetics and correct behaviour.” I’m convinced that every time I eat there the happiness exudes from me. 
The ambiance is undemanding, homely and relaxed. When you walk into Bella it’s like walking into a pillow of Roman clouded heaven. Warm smells of Italian roma tomatoes, oregano and fresh floury pasta and basil are pungent and welcoming.

The wine list is detailed with special pieces. The pastas are all made fresh daily on site and can be seen hanging heavy above the kitchen with hope of the perfect sauce. The walls are scattered with Italian memorabilia and images of Roman beauties and regal profiles. One of my favourite things is the ease of the placement of the music area. The bread is cut right there on the bar next to the CD’s. And to the right the Campari’s and Italian liqueur’s sit proudly next to the glass goblet of Ferrero Rocher, which can be ordered with their delectable Italian perfect coffees.

All this perfection and I haven’t even gotten to the food! The Suppli, a desirable little plate of two crumbed risotto balls with peas and Prosciutto is the tastiest little morsel ever. I highly recommend the mozzarella, Prosciutto and rocket plated salad. The mozzarella is ribbony and creamy, like nothing I have ever had!

Although I have in fact tasted many meals on the proudly Roman menu, the one that is out of this world delicious is the Oxtail dish (Its a long Italian name that I do not remember but it is the last dish at the end of the mains meals). It is, without a doubt, the most soul comforting meal I have ever had. I highly recommend this plate of joy!

Dessert in also beyond divine. Hot Chocolate pudding with a white chocolate molten centre served with cream that bubbles and splatters when added to the decadent lava. And Tiramisu paradise served with a fresh strawberry custard is fit for the Gods.

Go there hungry and experience life the way the Romans did, delicious and drizzled with olive oil!

Xoxo

PS. I’m madly in love with their red checker tablecloths!
 

1 comment food, Johannesburg, La Bella Figura, restaurant

Olive, Parma & Porcini Dinner Club #2

Parma’s Choice

Restaurant: So Yum

Cuisine: Contemporary, Asian

Ambience: Chic and Friendly

Main course: R80 – R100

Physical address: Shop No 4 Lower Level, Hyde Park, Johannesburg

When hearing mixed reviews on a new restaurant the immediate response is to book a table straight away. Since this weeks dinner club restaurant was Parma’s choice she thought So Yum in Hyde Park would be the perfect Tuesday destination.

The look is quite clinical yet they pull it off with the chic cool dark tables and chairs. Outside is more green and fresh. We felt a little exposed sitting outside (outside being the pathway of the lower level Hyde Park corridor) so we moved inside where the air con was on full blast. Sneaky as it encourages you to order some of their, quickly becoming, famous tea menu to warm you up.

They possess a wide range of dim sum as well as a wide salad selection. Some main meals are of the Thai influence, giving restaurateurs who want to diverge from the traditional Asian cuisine other exciting options, such as hot curries. Parma highly recommends the lamb curry! This spot is chic, and electrifying and guarantee’s to be a beyond doubt modern dining experience.

The Dim Sum literally meaning, "to touch your heart" (owww!) was out of this world. Next time I go I will strictly stick to that section of the menu. Not to say that the curries, salads or noodle dishes are not enticing, but the Dim Sum is too good to be true.

After dinner we had tea. The disappointment of a shortage of Lavender tea was highly upsetting at first. Porcini and Olive decided to stick to an apple tea. And Parma chose a Blooming Richness tea with a little hesitation. None of it disappointed us. The presentation was something to be admired. After doing the Tea Tasting at Contessa Tea Shop we thought we would find a better tea arrangement. The Apple tea smelt like Christmas in a Teapot. Absolutely scrumptious! The Blooming Richness tea was under the flower menu. Obviously you expect to be a petal and leaf tea, but its not. It really is a little flower bulb! When you drop it in the hot water it blooms and fragrances the tea. Highly recommended and a lot of fun!

So Yum in my eyes, and in my tummy, is a hit! I will definitely be going there again, preferably after payday though. The menu is a little expensive and with R36 for a glass of average wine and R40 for 3 Dim Sum it is a high priced affair. But totally worth it!

Xoxo

PS. They have a no booking policy so get there eary to snag yourself good spot!

Leave a Comment Dinner Club, Johannesburg, restaurant

Fishi Etiquette

Manners, all over the world, have become something rather forgotten.
If manners are almost forgotten, etiquette must be something not very many people practice, let alone know about.

When I saw this Sushi Etiquette I could not believe it! A lot of these things I do. Not because I am bad mannered, just because I did not know any better.

I felt rather embarrassed and now hope to improve on it.

xoxo

PS. I always wondered why Sushi chefs are so serious! We must look like the worst behaved people! *blush

Leave a Comment food, how to, restaurant

Olive, Parma & Porcini Dinner Club

Porcini’s Choice

Restaurant: Café del Soul
Cuisine: Italian
Ambience: Comfy & Casual, Hip & Happening
Main course: R90


Physical address: Shop 17 and 18, Olivedale Corner Centre, crnr Olive and President Fouche roads
Johannesburg





An enchanting place situated in the Olivedale Shopping Centre. It is decorative and warm, welcoming and instinctively attractive.
The layering of sandblasted glass and soft white walls, accompanied by written quotes about love and inspiration, is truly spectacular.
The lighting is warm and comforting. Olive described the light fittings as being ‘melting roses’. In between the ‘melting roses’ are small wooden woven hanging hearts which twirled and danced in the heat from kitchen.

A huge plus for me on the menu is the fact that they try to use as much of fresh, organic produce wherever possible. All the meals were delicious. I loved my Chicken Sesame
starter. The peanut satay sauce was the best I’ve had, it was not runny or oily like most restaurants and they served enough so I had some left over. The Mediterranean Olive Roulade was interesting but was said to be a little on the dry side by the waiter. Being such an interesting item it was ordered and was actually in fact dry. However the Porcini Roasted Chicken was a big hit with the 3 of us! Organic chicken, black truffle oil risotto and porcini cream sauce, what could go wrong with that! Yum!

The service was good but the overall ambiance was just marvellous! And considering the full house last night we were not the only ones who loved it!

Xoxo

PS. Don’t judge a restaurant by its shopping centre, it might seem a little scummy but Café del Soul is definitely the sparkle of that centre!

Leave a Comment Dinner Club, food, Johannesburg, Porcini's Choice, restaurant

Tasha’s brings out the Sun

Tasha’s has become a well known, or should I say Jozi known, hot spot for the hungry and stylish. Just to tell someone that you are having lunch at Tasha’s brings a little envy out in the people around you.

Who really knows what attracts the locals to the white and porcelain chic that we all love in Tasha’s? It could be the perfect, clear and virtuous décor that is Tasha’s. Perhaps it is the idea of sitting on white couches and sipping champagne that attracts you? Or maybe it is the great service that is received at all four branches? Whatever the reason, my personal one is always and of course the delectable food that arrives in front of me, always delicious, always divine!

We went for breakfast to try out the new Tasha’s in the newly built Morningside centre. It was a cold morning, which worked to our advantage. Because of course, Tasha’s is always full, no one wanted to sit outside so we braved the cold and elected to sit outside rather than stand in the 10 deep cue.

Cappuccino’s and heaters were assigned and warmed us up right away. We ordered, a standard breakfast, a scrambled eggs with salmon and I ordered corn fritters with bacon, avo, baby tomatoes and rocket (oh yum!). As our food arrived typically, the sun came out! The fritters were unbelievable. I managed to polish them both off. Then after breakfast a shot of wheat grass and I was ready for my day. And what a perfect start.

I think I am going to have to test them all out again just to check for myself that the Tasha’s are really the same! To be continued...

PS. Try not go at peak times or at least go early, you will cue! (Even though it is worth it!)

Xoxo

Leave a Comment food, Johannesburg, restaurant

Manna Epicure

A place where white is your favourite colour, a teapot is a decoration and cupcakes are fine art, Manna Epicure is a place where patisserie dreams come true.

It has the elegance of an upmarket art gallery. The clean white exterior reaches out to you when you drive past it due to the complete contrast to the rest of the bustle and grey of the concrete street. Simple yet beautiful decorations of cream, or should I say crème on white, create a gentle and cheering feeling.

The other people there were enjoying complimentary bread and dips. Others indulged in cocktails and breadsticks and tea and biscotti. Some were peacefully reading newspapers in the sun and the table behind us were discussing silk threads and gallery openings. A ménage of diners, all with one thing in common, their love for Manna.

Manna is not only a patisserie thought, the menu is separated into divisions for unique taste sensations: sweet, bitter, sour and savoury. They have a variety of scrumptious tapas, a selection of farm breads and of course the artistically ornamental cupcakes.

Of course I had to delve into a cappuccino and a cupcake. There is nothing that makes my heart sing louder than a perfect cupcake with the perfect company at the perfect place. This was one of those moments. Between 3 of us we each had a cappuccino and shared two cupcakes. And of course; one vanilla, one chocolate.

When the two little beauties graced us with their presence we could do nothing but “Ooooh!” and smile at each other with delight. They looked like two dazzling little gifts of glory, who had come to light up our eyes, and our tummies!

My new favourite cupcakes were hugged in brown paper cupcake holders. The vanilla one was sprinkled and dusted with powdered sugar and crowned with a striped, fabric ribbon. The butter cream icing actually looked like fresh piped cream and was surprisingly dense and sweet to the taste. There was also a pleasant surprise of rosewater.

The chocolate cupcake was dark and lustrous. A perfect brunette from the brown of the paper to the tip of the silky icing. The adorning ribbon matched the rest of the outfit in dark brown with light brown stitching. The two together were magnificent.

Manna is owned by Maranda Engelbrecht who works at Taste magazine. Taste magazine is one of my favourites so finding this out made it clear why I have such an attraction to Manna.

Manna is heavenly and bright. There is not one person I know who would not have a most wonderful time. Alone with a book or with friends and family, Manna is sure to make you’re day that much more special.

PS. Go hungry! You’ll want to order everything on the menu!

Manna, 151 Kloof Street, Cape Town. Tel 021 426 2413.

xoxo

Leave a Comment cake, Cape Town, cupcake, food, restaurant