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

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

STOEP CAFE - Komatiepoort

(Ok here goes.... am entering the "blog-on-the-go" world :-))

Set neatly in the corner to the borders of both Mozambique as well as the #KrugerNationalPark Komatiepoort remains a sensible place to spend an overnighter before heading in whichever wild destination you choose.

After spending the night at one of the many B&Bs in and around the Town we would recommend not stopping at one of the commercial joints, but rather stop in at the very South African, very local,  Stoep Cafe.

This quaint little place's menu sports everything from light health breakfasts to a fully fledged Portuguese steak or prego roll.

I chose the Onderberg Breakfast with an extra cheese sausage and was pleasantly surprised by the size and quality....

All in all a pleasant stop over and worth the visit :-)

You can contact them on 013 793 7850 or 083 457 3909
or email Elmarie
elmarie.stoep
@
gmail.com

Dixies Restaurant - Simon's Town

 

Argaubly one of the Deep South's stalwarts in the restaurant arena, Dixies Restaurant, just outside of Simaon's Town in the suburb of Glencairn is definately worth the visit when in the area.
I don't think I've ever been there on a quiet night. What I'm saying is, it's popular... Why?
Simple.
They make great food. ;-)

While my kids, Heidi and I go there for their very well known (and well made) Pizzas, the rest of their menu is just as great. All the way from their breakfasts to their seafood selection I have yet to hear of someone leaving there dissapointed.

Although not the cheapest in the area, they do offer a view of the bay to die for and their waitrons are especially friendly and efficient.

Did we enjoy the experience?
Yes!
Did we get what we came for?
Yes!
Would I recommend it to my friends?
Yes!

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For bookings, please call them on: (021) 786-2105 or (021) 786-3309

or you can find them here:

134 Main Road, Glencairn, 7975

http://www.dixiesrestaurant.co.za

Remember to mention that you read about them here @sareviews ;-) 

4 Friends Country Estate

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Exhausted, and I might add a little stressed, Heidi and I climbed into the car with a huge sigh of relief. We were heading off to another beautiful part of the country... The area around Dullstroom.
Our Destination? A luxury self-catering estate called 4 Friends Country Estate.

The Area is known for it's idyllic scenery and world renowned trout fishing destinations and may I add right up front, 4 Friends Country Estate does not disappoint.

We arrived 3 hours later, in the early evening to a stunning sunset while being greeted by the resident Zebra, Eland, Springbok, Gemsbok, Black Wildebeest and a couple of fine looking Simmentaler bulls.
The farm is spectacular with views of the valley and dams that take your breath away.

The lodges themselves are pure luxury. No expense has been spared to make sure you have all the creature comforts you need as you break away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Fully furnished and stocked with everything from percale linen, wine glasses to teaspoons, the only thing you need to bring with you is your food. Although amply stocked with wood for both the indoor and patio fire places, you can order more if you so need.

This place is ideally suited for the avid fly fisherman, or great for a family break away.
If you love birding or wildlife you too will be spoiled here. (Although it was never mentioned, this farm would be idea for mountain bike trips as well - in fact next time we go we're definitely taking our bikes with)

The kids had a ball as there's plenty of space to run around and explore and when they've had enough of the "great outdoors" there's always DSTV to keep them out of your hair while you curl up on a couch overlooking the majestic valley and read your favorite novel. (Hell, this place is perfect for even writing your own novel)

As a photographer I had a field day, evidenced by the pictures in this review. They also cater for hunting parties and tailor make packages to suit you. (Although don't think that you can just pop in for a few days and expect trophies.. no if you want perfection, you need patience in Africa)

After an amazingly relaxing weekend of fresh air and "vegging", we headed back to the Jacaranda City refueled to take on the world again.

Would I recommend this to families? Absolutely!
Where can you find them? S25 35' 12.1" E30 08' 28.1"

For more information head on to http://www.4friendscottages.co.za
(I have it under good authority that they'll be upgrading the site soon.)

Have a look at their video. Nicely done.



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