LukAfrica - Riverside Chalets and Safaris

This last weekend was a great treat.

We packed the car and headed off to the Limpopo Province for a short road trip.

Needing a place to stay we looked up where to stay near Letsitele and came across this quaint place called LukAfrica.

The view from our balcony

Luke was kind and informative on the phone and was quick to respond to any queries we may have had.

On arrival you drive down a rough bush-veld drive, giving you the impression that you're actually entering a game farm. The reception area is neat, but at the time of writing very dry due to the lack of rain this time of year.

Luke was very friendly and on arrival offered us a welcome drink (Freshly squeezed orange juice) before showing us around the place and giving us a history of the place from the last great 100yr flood-line to how it is now.  I was personally impressed with what he's accomplished so far.

They mainly serve breakfast as they market themselves as a B&B, but do offer dinner on request (Which I'm led to believe is delicious). That night we were spoiled to an evening around the Lapa where we braaied our own meat and hung around the fire keeping warm in the cool evening air of Autumn in Limpopo.

The Cabins were well stocked and the amenities neat and functional. We slept well that evening and awoke the next day to a FULL English breakfast along with Fruit, Yogurt, Cereal and French Pressed Coffee or Tea and once again the amazing freshly squeezed orange juice.

All in all a very pleasant experience and we highly recommend LukAfrica to anyone traveling in that vicinity.

For a look see at the place visit their website at http://www.lukafricasafaris.co.za

The Common Room - (a quick personal note) at Menlyn Maine

Tried a little "on the spot" reviewing....

I think it's quite cool as it portrays the emotion we're experiencing at the moment where as a written review later comes across a lot more sterile and as George from Master Chef Australia says... good food is supposed to make you feel happy ;-)

The decor of the place was amazing, I just feel that what you get doesn't match expectations.

Mike's Restaurant - fine dining in Underburg

Passing through Underburg in Natal?
Do yourself a favour and pop in at Mike's.

We happened to see a little sign advertising Underburg's best breakfast.
At first glance it looked deserted,  but upon closer inspection found it to be a very cosy joint with old English charm.

Our host Mike made us the most delicious breakfast ( far exceeding our expectations - with wonderful homemade marmalade ) prompting this short and spontaneous review.

Having been around for 21 years we say well done.  Loved the short stop over. Thank you. 

Bistrot Boer'geoisie

Having been around since 2006 Bistrot Boer'giousie has certainly made a name for itself in the hearts of most Pretorianites (if that is even a word?) that we have come into contact with and so wanting a different experience for this mother's day, we opted for this restaurant we had heard so much about via the Pta bush telegraph of friends and family.

It being mother's day and all we were greeted to a bustling atmosphere of families as they all celebrated that one person in their lives they called mom.

At the reception we were given a complimentary sherry while we waited for our table to be cleaned and prepped. Granted, taking into consideration the volume of people at the place on the day and the amount of waiting staff it wasn't too long before were were comfortably seated in a nice little corner table were we waited for our menu's... and waited... and waited.. and, well, you get the message. ;-)

OK we were tucked away behind a corner, so I'll grant them the benefit of the doubt and say that they were just making sure our hunger pangs were at the right level to really really appreciate the food for which we were so eager to sink our teeth into and boy did they not disappoint!!

Our Waitress Dené was an absolute star and between the 3 of us we ordered an Oxtail Poitjie, A Venison Pie, an Oxtail Soup and a Chicken Schnitzel off their light-lunch menu. It was fantastic.

Penny, The head chef, who very animatedly told us that although she was not a mother, this place was her baby, said she practically lived there. We could clearly see the passion she put into her work not only in the way she presented her food but also in the way she got involved with the patrons. Taking pictures for them with their cameras, laughing and joking with the tables as she mixed with her clients. It truly was something to behold.
Everything from the atmosphere of the restaurant to the presentation and taste of the dishes (even the coupled Shiraz with the Oxtail and venison) worked wonderfully.

The decoration of the place is something to behold as owners Frikkie and Rikkie Marais have collected a wonderful ensemble of quirky and interesting South African memorabilia.

Do I recommend it: Definitely!!

For more info head on over to their website here: http://www.bistrotboergeoisie.co.za

Dulini Private Game Reserve - Sabi Sands

They say “The devil’s in the details” but I’d like to change that old saying because at Dulini Game Lodge “The DELIGHT is in the details”

I have reviewed a couple of game lodges in my time and have never been as blown away by the incredible attention these people pay to every detail of your stay than here.
From the warmest greetings of the staff and fellow lodgers (who’ve clearly been influenced by the ethos of the place) to the bubble bath that was poured for us by our butler, Maurice, we were truly astounded at the professionalism and sincerity of the staff.

Most 5 star establishments, although extremely slick and well run lack what I like to term “that personal touch”. Not so at Dulini.
Iain and Sue Garrett, our hosts, were there to make sure our stay was top notch, and their treatment of every staff member of utmost respect rubs off onto all the patrons who visit there.

Not only were we spoiled to two Game Drives a day with the most incredible sightings of Leopard, Lion, Rhino, Elephant, Wild Dog… the list goes on and on, each sighting holding its own unique story (ask me about the Hippo ;-)), but we were also pampered with the most delicious meals the bush has to offer (Thanks to our superbly talented chef Jess)

And it would be remiss of me not to mention the one person overlooking the entire experience, always there with a smile and a warm face-cloth at the end of the drives. Poppy.

Thanks again to everyone for an experience of a lifetime.

Where is it? Deep in the heart of the Sabi Sands Game reserve boarding the Kruger National Park.

Find out all you need to know here: http://www.dulini.com

See you on the road…

The Laughing Chefs

Tucked away at 217 Soutpansberg Rd in Rietondale, Pretoria, is a little paradise created by a mother and daughter, Maggie and Esrida, who have a passion for people, food and life.

We heard about this amazing place from several friends and acquaintances and with our curiosity peeked we headed off to find "this lovely restaurant" somewhere in Rietondale.

After having failed to find it the first time (Thinking that the name "Laughing Chefs" was a training academy) we were pleasantly rewarded when our persistence paid off. ;-)

The eclectic and romantic environment, created with the help of lush foliage and an integrated art gallery, compliments the food perfectly.
Having a choice of tapas or a full meal, we decided to go the tapas rout.

The snails (done in a blue cheese sauce) were incredible and have dethroned Huckelberry's as my new favorite.

The rest of the tapas were of top quality, lovingly crafted by our chef, Patrice, who even came out to say hi and do a little "modest" bragging about how he personally created these dishes.

Laughing Chefs also hosts numerous live celebrity music performances and has a diary packed with great entertainment. To find more about these we were told to either give them our email address or head on over to their Facebook page and press that persistent little "like" button.
(www.facebook.com/Laughingchefs)

A VERY romantic getaway as well as a splendid place to sit back relax and enjoy good food, good music and (I have a feeling if you visit there often enough) new good friends.

Detractors? The background music they played didn't quite fit the ambiance and the smoking section is right at the front door, so patrons have to walk past that to get inside (although smokers are generally very pleasant people so maybe that's not such a bad thing)

Other than that a DEFINITE thumbs up.

Find them here: http://www.laughingchefs.co.za/
For bookings call: (012) 329 6950

Mayfly - Dullstroom

Dullstroom.... The land of Fly Fishing.
Everything about the area screams.... FLY FISHING AREA.... and if you love fly fishing, then this is the town to come to.

That said, I don't fly fish. Tried once in Atlanta USA with a good friend of the family and .... well.... I didn't catch anything. (If you know what I mean) but the boat... now that was something else.... I digress.
Never having fly fished seriously, I had no idea what a Mayfly was but was quite sure it had something to do with fly fishing seeing that we were in Dullstroom and all.

While perusing the menu in pursuit of the perfect spot to satiate our ravenous hunger, built up from an exhausting day of sign making, the owner walked up to us and guaranteed - in a very humble manner I might add - that this restaurant was the best in town. Well, after going and having a look at the other menus nearby we found ourselves once again at the Mayfly's door.

Owned by Garath, the Mayfly, we were told, was run from out of town for about 4yrs, surviving on basically weekend trade, before moving into town and has now been in existence for more than 9 years.
Well, I could quite see that over those years Gareth and his staff have not lost the passion for the hospitality trade they have forged a life for themselves from. The service was exceptional (and I don't say that lightly). - I accidentally let my knife fall to the floor and before I could say "Trout Fishing" I had a new set placed before me with a flourish.

The Menu had everything from Burgers, Pastas to Oxtail (The specialty of the night)
The Oxtail, recommended to me by Gareth, was done to mouth watering perfection and complimented with sauteed potatoes and typical mashed veggies. (Spinach and Pumpkin)

Dirk, who had the Pesto Pasta (A fetochini, bacon, chili and rosa tomato mix) said that it was EXACTLY as he imagined it should have been. (Which is a very high compliment to any chef)

Well done to the staff and Gareth for a very pleasant night out.

Not really a child friendly place. But please if you have a gap and you're n the area, if you miss out on anything do not let it be the Mayfly.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mayfly-Restaurant/200686999989216

Women's day breakfast at Food Lovers Market

The bear went over the mountain and what he found was the Zambezi Food Lovers Market.
And there he came across the Market Café where he decided to try out their R55 breakfast buffet.

Very nice food on the whole, but being a Food Lover's Market, it was disappointing that their tomato sauce was not All Gold. ;-)

Other than that, a really pleasant morning out.
And if the mood grabs you, the market itself is chock-a-block full of really good food and some awesome deals.


You can find them just off Zambizi drive. (1121 Breed St, Pretoria, Gauteng)

The Baths - Citrusdal

Nestled in a quaint ravine and hardly touched in over 10 years, the baths just outside of Citrusdal are to a stressed family what a back rub is to Balloo from the Jungle Book.

Only a short 2 hour drive from Cape Town these healing warm baths are just what the doctor ordered to relieve that post recession tension ;-) You can either camp or make use of the fully kitted chalets there. We booked into a chalet and were very pleasantly surprised. They are comfortable with everything a family of 4 needs, bedding included. The only thing that’s a must on a get away like this is PLENTY of towels.
In my opinion there were not enough hooks or places to hang wet towels but that really is my only negative comment.

We arrived at just after 20:00 on Friday night passing the still occupied steaming main bath in the form of a walled swimming pool. Grabbed a quick bite for supper and then at the kids insistence headed on down to the warm pools.

It was amazing! Resting your chin just above water level watching the steam rise into the night air, somehow carrying your troubles with it, immediately creates a sense of well being. The kids just love the fact that they can play and jump and were tired out quite well by the time we headed on back to the chalet and bed.

For more information head on over to their website: http://www.thebaths.co.za/

Rosies

I have just been blown away!
It is very seldom that I have a meal that utterly thrills my senses.
Hidden away in a public rose garden, wedged between Fransis Bard and Pretorious streets on Eastwood street is the quaintest little "tea garden" I've ever had the priviledge of experiencing.
The phrase "Damn! That was good." was heard a number of times :-)
All I can say is... Go and try it. U won't regret it. And if u have kids, there's a great playground there too.
To make a booking call them on 082 641 2054
U can find them on www.facebook.com/Rosiesinthepark

Sorry, The burger was just tooo delicious to let it sit on the plate while I took pictures ;-)

Wagendrift Lodge - Lainsburg

Sitting here on the stoep of "nguni" cabin surrounded by some really impressive rock formations, overlooking the well trimmed garden enhanced by a well made rockery and listening to the nearby water feature, I now realise that this is an ideal location to get away from it all.

With No cellphone reception and plenty to keep the kids busy, including interacting with the local goat herd, this is the perfect stop over on your way down to the Cape or to just "hak uit" (let loose).

Offering a world class 4x4 route through the Anysberg Mountain range on the farm, as well as Mountain Bike and Hiking trails this place definitely left us wanting to come back for more.

We were only privileged enough for a night's stay over, and that was more than enough to rest our travel weary bodies and refresh our souls.

With a lodge, garden cottages and campsites (all self catering) this farm sure has a lot to offer.
The garden cottages were neatly kept and I could see that they have paid attention to detail.

Crits:

• If you're intending to stay a couple of days, think about taking your own wood, as they do supply but it's a little on the expensive side in my opinion (R30 a bag)
• If you're squeamish of animal trophies hanging from the walls then maybe go camping

Location:


All-in-all a very pleasant stay.

For More info and to see what they have to say about themselves visit their website:
http://www.wagendriftlodge.co.za/index.php

Mc Velly's Kitchen - Soshenguve

Hidden in block AA of Soshonguve is an amazing little "kitchen" called Mc Velly's Kitchen.
For anyone wanting to try out the best Kota in town, and by town I mean Tshwane, according to the locals then you need to head on to this very local, very lekker joint.
When there order yourself on of the many Kotas on sale or if you prefer something a little more traditional, there are dagwoods available too.

For those of you who do not know what a Kota is, it's basically a quarter loaf of bread filled with a variety of available fillings then covered in a generous layer of "slap chips".
To find out more call Velly on 079 114 4370
It'll be worth the trip :-)

Huckleberry's - Magnolia Dell Pretoria

You ever have those moments when you head on back to a place you used to visit as a kid, and when u get there you cannot remember how it was because everything's changed?

Well I had a similar experience tonight when we visited Huckleberry's in Magnolia Dell in Pretoria. I couldn't remember it because now it was soooo much better than I remember it.
We were pleasantly surprised by, not only the extremely friendly staff and cozy atmosphere (with fireplace to boot), but also the high quality of food that came at amazingly affordable prices. (I would use the word cheap,  but I don't want to reduce the experience). In fact my words to Heidi, my partner, were, "... I think I prefer this place to Moyo".
That said, I suppose it is unfair to compare the two :-)

Malin, our friend from Sweden, said her schwarma reminded her of the best one she'd ever had in Istanbul.

So if you enjoy a good, value for money out, romantically or with the family (there's plenty of lawn for the kids to go exercise out all that energy they seem to carry about with them), then Huckelberry's is the place to go!

You can contact them here:

Tel no: 012 346 4588
Mobile no: 083 268 6862
Email: info@huckleberrys.co.za
Website: www.huckleberrys.co.za

The Wild Fig Tree - Sabie

16 years!

That's how long The Wild Fig Tree has been around....
And for anyone in the industry, that says a LOT!

Specializing in "wild" cuisine, they serve the likes of Crocodile curry, which, according to Mikko, a friend from Finland, "was done very well", Springbok poitjie, Warthog carpaccio, ostrich fillet as well as the usual dishes for the not so adventurous :-)

There's also a little shop to brows around as well as an internet cafe for those wanting to catch up on their correspondence.

A very pleasant outing all around.

(Oh! And for those with little ones... we were even given a baby high chair)

You can contact them here:

Address: Corner of Main Road and Louis Trichardt Street, Sabie, Mpumalanga.
Telephone: +27 (0)13 764-2239

The Pilgrims Pantry (The house of Mama van Wyk) - Pilgrims Rest

Established in 1873 with the discovery of gold in the then known Peachtree river (now Pilgrims spruit) Pilgrims Rest has been a prime destination for all those interested in all things historical.

Buried in this rich town's downtown area is a quaint little coffee shop known as The Pilgrims Pantry.
Run by "mama van Wyk" it's the perfect stopover to fill that little gap in your tummy, and of course as most PR shops its filled with all sorts of interesting goodies to take home with you.

I haven't been to Pilgrims Rest for some time now, and the last time i was there i was extremely disappointed. The vendors on the street had taken to selling "traffic light trash" (all you need is a drive through Johannesburg to know what I mean). But it would appear that someone has decided to take thisnhistorical little town seriously and it would appear that they are on the road to restoring its former charm and street appeal.

For more info on this little town head on over to: http://www.pilgrimsrest.org.za/

Pilgrim's Rest
013 768 1060
Mpumalanga
http://goo.gl/maps/EcSyE

Harry's Pancakes - Graskop

They make great pancakes.... what else needs to be said?

:-)

contact them on +27 013 767 1273

S24*55.914' 
E30*50.496'

...and yes, theyre in Pretoria too 
012 342 3613