RESTAURANTS

FLAMES RESTAURANT − Westcliff, Johanneburg Informal but elegant, Flames has a sparkling urban atmosphere with several seating options, both indoors and out on the terrace, both offering staggering views of the world’s largest urban forest, affectionately known as ’the Parks.’ Executive Chef Dirk Gieselmann, former executive chef of three-Michelin-starred French restaurant L’Auberge de l’ill, is at the helm and his dishes focus on seasonality and locallyprocured ingredients. He reinterprets classic South African and international dishes and it is a delight to watch the chefs in the outdoor braai kitchen. The menu and wine list both offer something for every palate. Flames is an ideal venue for any event, from business meetings, to kicking back on the terrace with good friends for sunset drinks and nibbles. Service is excellent, as is to be expected at any Four Seasons property. Together with the hotel’s other dining experiences, guests will be spoilt for choice. Four Seasons Hotel, The Westcliff, 67 Jan Smuts Avenue, Johannesburg. Open Monday to Sunday from 06h30 to 22h00. Tel: (011) 481-6190 Email: reservations.johannesburg@fourseasons.com www.flamesrestaurant.co.za

THE STEAMWORKS – Fourways, Johannesburg Martin Jakoby and Thomas Hughes’s gastropub is a first of its kind in Johannesburg. The funky décor ensures a ’wow’ first impression. Bespoke steampunk-style furniture, brass cogs and clocks set a funky backdrop for superb gastropub food and a wide selection of craft beers. Steampunk has taken Europe by storm and has a dedicated following there and it’s good to have a bit of Steampunk in Johannesburg. The menu is, as far as possible, seasonal and locally sourced from sustainable, free-range and organic producers, and is a modern South African twist on traditional British pub fare. Friday evenings are the highlight of the week and their Sunday breakfasts are well-known, and for non-meat eaters there is a great selection of meat-free options. Check out their Facebook page for specials and weekly events. The two friends’ stable also includes The Office in Greenside and Illovo eateries The CATHARINA’S RESTAURANT − Constantia, Cape Town Catharina’s Restaurant at Steenberg has embarked on an adventurous journey with Executive Chef Archie Maclean breaking new ground on the culinary frontier, exciting palates with his ’contemporary heritage’ cuisine. Creating a sensory experience that resonates with the spirited life and times of the feisty Catharina Ras, Chef Archie pays homage to Steenberg’s 17th century founder. The new menu at Catharina’s is interwoven with fresh indigenous ingredients Catharina would have hunted, grown and prepared herself. By revealing hints of Catharina’s thrilling life in this sensory culinary narrative, Chef Archie brings the ’contemporary heritage’ dictum to life. “We want to take people outside their comfort zones, to try something new when they dine with us. Our guests need to leave in awe, having experienced something absolutely amazing,“ he adds. Catharina’s offers diners a three-course à la carte menu as well as an eight-course tasting menu. Signature dishes include seared tuna wrapped in crisp salmon skin; salmon trout served with a horseradish and sour fig risotto; pan-fried crocodile tail; and grilled zebra loin. While the tasting menu at R1 100 per person includes wines from leading estates, it is interlaced with Archie’s more adventurous dishes, the à la carte menu also includes the more familiar for a quick lunch or informal dining. Catharina’s Restaurant is open 7-days a week for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Tel: (021) 713-7178 Email: reservations@catharinasrestaurant.co.za www.steenbergfarm.com

Griffin and Perron. Sunset Avenue and Forest Drive, Fourways, Sandton, Johannesburg. Open for lunch from 12h00 to 18h00 and dinner from 18h00 to 22h00. Tel: (011) 467-9721 Email: info@thesteamworks.co.za www.thesteamworks.co.za

BABEL RESTAURANT − Klapmuts Babylonstoren’s garden is an Eden where over 300 varieties of edible plants are grown. Fruit and vegetables are harvested year-round for use in the restaurant. A visit to Babylonstoren is not something to be hurried – take a guided tour of the farm before lunch. A cup of tea and a slice of cake in the Greenhouse is an ideal precursor to lunch. The restaurant is housed in a converted cow shed with floor to ceiling glass walls and white painted original brick. It is light, informal and incredibly chic. Simple, creative meals with edge are served either in the glass enclosed restaurant or under the plane trees in the garden. The stars of the menu are the organically-grown vegetables from the garden, and they are joined by trout, artisanal bread, charcuterie and cheese. A simple philosophy of "pick, clean and serve" ensures food that is fresh, nourishing and as close to what nature intended it to be. Another converted barn has been made into a delicatessen and bakery selling freshly baked breads, homemade charcuterie and cheeses. It houses a wine tasting area as well. Babylonstoren, Klapmuts-Simondium Road, Klapmuts. Open for breakfast from 08h00 to 10h00, Monday to Saturday. Lunch from 12h00 to 16h00, Monday to Saturday. Dinner from 18h30 to 20h30, Friday and Saturday. Tel: (021) 863-3852 Email: enquiries@babylonstoren.com www.babylonstoren.com

LE CHAMELEON − Humansdorp More is more at this quaint eatery and gift shop. Passing through the front of the premises where visitors can buy homebaked goods, one arrives in the delightful gift shop. Here you will be tempted by a variety of trinkets worthy of Aladdin’s cave. There are silver animals, book ends, tableware, Charlotte Rhys products, jewellery and other blingy bits. But, it is the restaurant that provides the high point and the setting is suitably over the top as well, with oxblood red walls lined with paintings, mirrors and bottles of wine, lit by Art Nouveau style lamps. Paisley shawls serve as tablecloths and the chairs are comfortable, inviting guests to linger and enjoy. Outdoors, the tea garden provides alfresco dining. Home cooking has never tasted this good! Bobotie, pies with gravy, massive salads, toasted sandwiches and decadent breakfasts are served by ever-smiling waitresses. Giant fluffy omelettes and French toast with green fig preserve, bacon and maple syrup are great brunch options. Linger and savour the ambience. You’ll be back, as much for THE COUNTESS − Melville, Johannesburg As 27 Boxes in Melville was being built, many locals had feelings of ambivalence. The centre, built from re-purposed shipping containers, has turned out to be just what the suburb needed. Pride of place is taken by The Countess, an authentic American smokehouse whose fabulously fresh artisanal food offers something for everyone. The design is sparse, grungy-steampunk and perfectly suits the centre and style of food. Everything is smoked on site and all produce is fresh and as far as possible locally sourced. Get ready for some seriously inventive food, such as the beer and cheese brûlée topped with smoked chorizo served with toasted ciabatta. On the pasta menu, the truffle mac and cheese is a firm favourite among the restaurant’s regulars. Known for their burgers, the 200g beef burger made from lean mince and oxtail fat is terrific. The sticky pork ribs are a house speciality. Vegetarian offerings are delicious as well and the veg burger is highly recommended. Try the deep-fried battered pickled gherkin as a side. For a typical American finish to your meal, have some Rocky Road ice cream. 27 Boxes, 75 3rd Avenue, Melville, Johannesburg. Open Tuesday to Saturday from 08h30 to 22h00 and Sunday from 08h30 to 18h00. Tel: 082 804-0046 Email: Jenny@theorganicstudio.co.za www.thecountess.co.za

the good food, as for the pocket pleasing prices. 53 Voortrekker Road, Humansdorp, Eastern Cape. Open Monday to Friday from 08h30 to 16h00 (Kitchen closes at 15h30). Saturdays from 08h30 to 14h00 (Kitchen closes at 13h30). Closed on Sundays and public holidays. Tel: (042) 291-0262 Email: le.chameleon@agnet.co.za www.facebook.com/LoveLeChameleon

THE SHORTMARKET CLUB – Cape Town Luke Dale-Roberts of The Test Kitchen fame has partnered in a joint venture with his wife, Sandalene Dale-Roberts, his top chef Wesley Randles and manager Simon Widdison to open The Shortmarket Club in a heritage building just off vibey Bree Street. Dale-Roberts focuses mainly on The Test Kitchen and The Pot Luck Club in Woodstock and is here mainly in a supporting role. The restaurant is unique in its design and it’s a place to relax and really lap up the feeling of luxury that surrounds you. Head chef Wesley Randles, who has worked closely with Dale-Roberts since the opening of The Test Kitchen, is clearly having fun with this big new project. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner and, in keeping with its opulent old-world feel, many of the dishes are modern interpretations of classics. Their breakfasts have heralded a new trend for the City Bowl with the likes of shiitake brioche

THE LOCAL GRILL – Parktown North, Johannesburg Having won the Wolftrap Steakhouse Championships in 2013, 2014 and 2016, owner Steve Maresch has reason to be proud of his accomplishments. Yet, he’s remained humble and treats his guests with genuine warmth. With the drought still raging, Steve’s policy of knowing the farmers who produce his meat is essential to maintaining consistently excellent quality. Diners have a choice between grass-fed and corn-fed beef, perfectly matured on the premises. Patrons are offered a quick pre-meal tour of the kitchen and cold room during which Steve reveals some of his cooking techniques – like using slabs of heated pink Himalayan salt to cook the meat, or cooking with wood from wine barrels to impart a gentle smokiness and wine flavour to the meat. Other than the superb beef, chicken and pork is also on the toast soldiers with boiled eggs, quinoa granola made in-house and classic Arnold Bennett omelette. The open kitchen features a braai barbecue section. Front-of-house manager Simon Widdison comes to the fore with his years of experience on the floor. For him, simple, efficient and personable service is at the core of the diner experience. The restaurant space has been conceptualised and designed by Sandalene Dale-Roberts, Luke’s wife, and her vision is a powerful one creating an uncompromisingly opulent feel. The space has the feeling of a club, with leather and wood used extensively. 88 Shortmarket Street, Cape Town. Open Monday to Saturday for breakfast from 08h00 to 11h00. Lunch from 12h30 to 14h30 and dinner from 19h00 to 11h00. Email: info@theshortmarketclub.co.za www.theshortmarketclub.co.za

menu, and there are a number of seafood options such as calamari tubes and some of the best salmon you’ll find. And, if you have room for it, the dessert menu is a delight. Service is as much part of the package as the food, so expect it to be top-notch. The wine list is extensive and there are a few options for those on a bit of a budget. If you’re interested in learning how to cook great meat, then get a few friends together and book a cooking class. You are sure to learn some very valuable insider secrets. 40 7th Avenue, Parktown North, Johannesburg. Open Monday to Saturday from 12h00 to 14h30 and then from 18h00 to 22h00. Closed on Sundays. Tel: (011) 880-1946 Email: info@localgrill.co.za www.localgrill.co.za

THE RESTAURANT AT WATERKLOOF − Somerset West Spectacular vistas of the vineyards and False Bay can be enjoyed from the modern space housing Waterkloof Wine Estate’s signature restaurant. A glass and steel eyrie encases the dining area adjacent to the stylish wine tasting lounge and gravitational cellar. Having worked in Michelin-starred restaurants, French chef Gregory Czarnecki brings his expertise to the table in his contemporary classic cuisine that is perfectly complemented by the estate’s elegant biodynamic wines. Presentation is truly art on a plate and takes your taste sensation to spectacular levels where few local chefs compete. As to be expected, this can never be a quick lunch stop venue and the beautiful venue does help to be more forgiving. Allow about three hours to enjoy the Kodak moment cuisine. Art takes time and you will find that you will be more willing to share the pictures than the food.

THE LOOKOUT DECK – Hout Bay, Cape Town Perched right on the water’s edge, the glass-enclosed deck offers gorgeous views over the picturesque Hout Bay harbour and Chapman’s Peak. While seals and dolphins frolic amid yachts and fishing boats mere metres away, sit back and enjoy the laidback vibe. The extensive menu comprises of seafood like freshly caught line fish – brought in daily by local fishermen – Cape rock lobster, prawns, mussels and tuna and calamari steaks. Try the gigantic hake and chips. If you just feel like popping in for a quick nibble and a beer or two, there is a great selection of lighter snack baskets. Wood-fired pizzas and fine cuts of meat are also on the menu. For the more glamorous palate, there are a sushi, Champagne and oyster bar. Live music on selected evenings enlivens sundowner time. Lot 65, Quayside Hout Bay Harbour, Hout Bay. Open daily from 10h00 for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Tel: (021) 790-0900 Email: reservations@lookoutdeck.co.za www.thelookoutdeck.co.za Fresh seasonal ingredients include free-range eggs, farmreared Schapenberg lamb, sustainably farmed trout, kabeljou and marron, and a variety of common and rare herbs and vegetables – many of which are grown and sourced on the farm. Signature starters include lime-cured trout sashimi, while mains like springbok loin and Magaliesburg duck are paired with foams, reductions and purées. Interestingly, the artisan suppliers of the ingredients are mentioned on the menu, thus allowing patrons a glimpse into the origin of their meal. Sir Lowry’s Pass Village Road, Somerset West, Western Cape. Open for lunch Monday to Sunday from 12h00 to 14h00. Dinner from Monday to Saturday from 19h00 to 21h00. Tel: (021) 858-1491 Email: restaurant@waterkloofwines.co.za www.waterkloofwines.co.za

AUBERGINE – Gardens, Cape Town One of the best known restaurants in Cape Town, Aubergine is helmed by chef Harald Bresselschmidt. The interior is chic, service is effortless and the food unvaryingly exquisite. The signature dish, the aubergine soufflé filled with marinated chèvre never fails to disappoint. Meat dishes are cooked to perfection and the grilled beef rib-eye, as well as the saddle of lamb are highly recommended. As legendary as the aubergine soufflé is for starters, the must-have dessert is the cardamom and vanilla crème brûlée. The wine list is excellent and the sommelier is at hand to assist with your selection. Consistently rated among the top restaurants in the country, Aubergine has received many local and international awards. It is the perfect choice for a first date, anniversary or to enjoy a meal with close friends. 39 Barnett Street, Gardens, Cape Town. Open for lunch from 12h00 to 14h00 and dinner from 18h00 to 22h00. Booking is essential. Tel: (021) 465-4909 Email: info@aubergine.co.za www.aubergine.co.za

KURLAND HOTEL − Plettenberg Bay Kurland ranks among the best romantic luxury hotels in the country. The suites are spectacular and the view is simply staggering. Kurland’s polo ponies grazing happily in their paddocks add to the English country atmosphere. Kurland’s food is hearty and traditional, but executed with gentle flair. The restaurant situated in the homestead is comfortably elegant and the unique Chef’s Table created personally by the Executive Chef is a highlight. Guests are able to choose their dining space according to their mood and tables can be set up in the library, on the verandah, at the pool, in the courtyard, your private terrace, in the heart of the kitchen itself or the rose gardens. As another dining option, Katarina’s Restaurant offers a light yet extensive bistro style menu. During the summer months, dine alfresco on the verandah or inside by the log fire during the winter months. Individual requests and dietary requirements are happily catered for. The wine cellar is a connoisseur’s delight, but also caters to more modest budgets. By all means, spend a night or two to round off a perfect experience. The Crags, N2, Kurland Polo Estate, Plettenberg Bay. Open Monday to Sunday from 08h00 to 22h00. Tel: (044) 534-8082 Email: reservations@kurland.co.za www.kurland.co.za

MAKARON RESTAURANT − Stellenbosch The team at Majeka House’s Makaron Restaurant is working in close collaboration with well-known consultant chef Pete GoffeWood to bring an inviting, and altogether more approachable, direction to dining here. Pete Goffe-Wood brings years of first-hand kitchen experience and a wealth of restaurant-industry knowledge to his new consultant role at Majeka House & Spa. He is responsible for directing and mentoring Makaron restaurant’s kitchen team, including head chef Lucas Carstens. Previously at Cuvée, on Simonsig Wine Estate in Stellenbosch, Carstens’ style leans towards locally sourced, ingredient-driven food with a sustainable conscience. It’s clear that Carstens and GoffeWood share a similar philosophy on food. They agree that the focus of good cooking should be all about the flavours on the plate, rather than any disguises or pretence. The hotel’s resident sommelier, Esme Groenewald, who holds a prestigious Cape Sommelier qualification, has tweaked the drinks list to reflect ’proudly Stellenbosch’ and regionally sourced wines, craft beers and artisanal cocktail ingredients. DISTRICT SIX – Emmarentia, Johannesburg Unpretentious home-made food and owner-run, this is a little bit of Bo-Kaap in Jozi. Colourfully decorated with old carnival costumes, shelves displaying old tins and teapots, the space has an eclectic vibe. The owner, Grace Fourie is hands-on and known for dishing out hugs. She knows her food, and her clients, and is on hand to give advice. Her staff are like family and guests are made to feel at home while enjoying the personal service. From the small kitchen appear mouth-watering dishes like samosas and pickled fish. The most popular main must be the superbly tender denning vleis, a dish of slow-cooked lamb. There is oxtail in pumpkin stew, chicken curry and some vegetable options as well. Spicing is fragrant and with just enough kick. On the dessert menu you’ll find perhaps the best melktert in all of Johannesburg. Traditional sweets also include Malay koeksisters and pumpkin fritters. No matter what you order, make sure to leave room for dessert! 35 Greenhill Road, Emmarentia, Johannesburg. Open on Tuesday to Saturday from 12h00 till late and Sunday from 12h00 to 16h00. Tel: (011) 486-7226 Email: grace157@gmail.com www.districtsixeatery.co.za

With its sophisticated, eclectic interiors – a mix of contemporary and antique, local and imported furniture, Makaron provides the perfect backdrop for a new era of accessible, ’bistro chic’ food that is rustic, authentic and modern. 26-32 Houtkapper Street, Paradyskloof, Stellenbosch. Open for lunch from 11h00 to 21h30 and for dinner from 18h30 to 20h30. Tel: (021) 880-1549 Email: reservations@majekahouse.co.za www.majekahouse.co.za

MRS SIMPSON’S − Dullstroom Whether you are driving through Dullstroom on your way to the Kruger, or if you are spending a few days in the area, one restaurant you should visit is Mrs Simpson’s. Owners Bryan Wolmarans and Stephen De Meyer’s over the top ode to Wallace Simpson is crammed to the rafters with vintage shoes, handbags and clothing donated by friends and patrons. The atmosphere is one of small town hospitality infused with generous warmth and humour. The food is home cooking at its best. Dullstroom is trout country and the deboned stuffed rainbow trout is not to be missed. Other mains include slow-cooked lamb shanks and huge soles. If you manage to make it through your mains and have room to spare (not an easy feat!), try one of the dessert options. Signs on both side of the street warn that Wallis, the resident moggie might decide to cross at any time. The speed bump in front of the restaurant has also been painted with brightly coloured cats who are up for ’adoption’ in support of the local kennels. 197 Teding van Berkhout Street, Dullstroom, Mpumalanga. Open for lunch Thursday to Monday from 11h00 to 15h00 and for dinner from Thursday to Saturday from 18h00 to 22h00. Closed Tuesday and Wednesday. Pets are welcome. Booking is advisable. Tel: (013) 254-0088 Email: mrssimpson@dullstroom.net www.mrssimpsons.co.za

HARVEY’S RESTAURANT AND HARRY’S BAR − Umhlanga Harvey’s is a visual and culinary feast. The décor is a mélange of old and new, black and white, with books lining the walls, black leather padded doors and a massive crystal chandelier commands centre stage in the dining room. Pop into the cocktail bar, Harry’s, for pre or post meal drinks and enjoy some of the most artfully creative cocktails. Attractive waiters dressed in traditional waiter’s attire are well trained and engaging. Owner Andrew Draper is known for his fine food and impeccable hands-on personal service – a reputation he’s worked on for over twenty years. Asian flavours combine with French flair and good old South African home cooking. Tempura, bouillabaisse and teriyaki sit happily side-by side and invite patrons on a culinary journey. Among the starters are Peking duck, complete with mini pancakes, West Coast mussels steamed in white wine and a divine Caesar salad. The seafood casserole in a Noilley Prat and truffle cream is one of the signature main courses and every bit as elegant and decadent as the name suggests. Vegetarians will love the wild mushroom and crêpe gateaux. Their wine list is a connoisseur’s delight and patrons can choose affordable tipples for everyday drinking, or blow-the-budget vintages for special occasions. Shop 13, Umhlanga Centre, 189 Ridge Road, Umhlanga Rocks, KwaZulu-Natal. Open for lunch Tuesday to Saturday, dinner Tuesday to Sunday and breakfasts at the weekend. Tel: (031) 561-4977 www.harveysrestaurant.co.za