Espresso - Bad name, good fun

If you judge a restaurant by how busy it is (and quite a few people do) then Espresso in Parkhurst must surely be one of the best in the country. Every time I have visited the place it has been absolutely heaving. The formula of: arrive for lunch, get an outside table on the pavement, drink copious amounts of wine, eat calamari and go across the road to The Attic (a funky bar with plenty of character) was revisited last night as I hooked up with The Big Dog and his missus for an early dinner. It was the first time I had been to Espresso for dinner and upon examining the menu it became obvious why. It is simple, cafe food that lends itself to daytime eating. Less obvious is the reason behind calling the place Espresso...

The pizza is thin, crispy and delicious, with the pasta playing a solid hand too, but really it is their secret Peri-Peri sauce that forms the backbone of the menu. It is splashed on the three best things to order at Espresso, which are:
1. The falklands calamari
2. Beef trinchado
3. Prego roll

I tried a caprese sandwich last night which was decent and packed with some high-quality pesto. Not as good as the three options above but something to consider if you just feel like something light.

A strange aspect of Espresso is the fact that they only accept cash. If that seems a bit shady...well...it is. If you don't like it I guess they are happy with you going somewhere else. As I mentioned, with the amount of people this place gets they seem comfortable with losing the odd customer.

Call them on (011) 447-8700

Cheers,
Jamie Who

Pomodoro - Hello Joburg

The e-mails continue to flood in from the Jozi masses. "When are you going to write about Joburg Jamie?" "Why don't you visit us more up here Jamie?" "Can we see a photo of you naked Jamie?" It's never-ending. I don't really know what to say - I love you guys just as much as the Capetonians. If you were here right now you would see I'm busy blowing you kisses. So I'm delighted to be spending a full week up in Jozi. Eating. Drinking. Trying to pretend running at altitude is no big deal.

Yesterday I visited Pomodoro for the first time since they made the move from 1st Avenue in Rivonia. Their new home is the Morningside Shopping Centre and it's a nice shift. Some of the original look and feel has been maintained but it has received a nice injection of style. So less spartan, but still true to the formula that made it a success. Look, it's in a shopping centre, but there's a nice outdoor eating area, soft natural light, good finishes and an owner who is very, very good with his customers. And the menu is good too. Plenty of pizza and pasta but creative sauces and toppings packed with authentic ingredients. Ther are also more substantial offerings like baked linefish and ostrich fillet.

I tried The Dragon's bruschetta topped with fior di latte and anchovies, which was delicious. God I love real anchovies. The Queen was similarly impressed with a simple carpaccio and a side order of wilted spinach and parmesan shavings, but in all honesty they both knew I had ordered the best meal of the day: A prawn pasta with perfectly cooked penne and the curious addition of tequila in the sauce (which was basically tomato and onion). Well, it was a triumph and brought a sharpness to the dish that was most welcome. The fresh chilli I asked for took the dish from good to excellent and in my opinion it should be a permanent fixture in that specific recipe.

I was told to look out for the owner's grandmother but couldn't see her anywhere. I was initially disappointed at not being able to meet such a legend (she's about 85 years old but pulls in for lunch on most days) but sure enough on my way out there she was...happily slurping up Pomodoro's famous Puttenesca sauce. What a legend.

It's in a mall, yes. So are most of the restaurants up here. But it's got a bit of soul and is definitely worth checking out.

Call them on 087 940 3811.

Cheers,
Jamie Who

Interview with Marthinus Ferreira - The dude behind DW Eleven-13

I was up in the smoke (Jozi) recently for work and was asked by the Eat Out team to interview the talented Marthinus Ferreira. Instead of the usual Q&A session we opened a bottle of wine and just started talking food. He's a cool guy with big plans and big goals. The interview went out with the Eat Out newsletter recently. For those of you that missed it, check it out here. 

I ate at at his spot, DW Eleven-13, the night before and loved it. Simple produce, where the main ingredient is the hero. As it should be. You should check it out. Call them on (011) 341-0663 or visit their site: 

www.dw11-13.co.za 

Cheers,

Jamie Who

The Jozi Food Market - I'm happy with their vibe

I always talk about how much I love food markets. What's not to like? Food? Gooooood. Booze? Gooooood. The outdoors? Gooooood. I'm obviously not the only one, as markets are sprouting up all over the place. One that stands out for me is the Jozi Food Market in the Parktown Quarter.

I know I'm always punting Cape Town and saying how beautiful the mountain is, the sea, the beaches, the winelands (there I go again) but one thing Joburg does have is weather. And that is what makes the JFM (see what I did there) so awesome. It has such a good vibe because everyone and everything is celebrating being outdoors. In terms of produce on offer they have killed it. Everything from gourmet boerie rolls to high-end kitchen appliances. The range of stuff available is ridiculous. There is a persian-themed stall, a halaal stall and a dude selling goat's cheese. What's so special about the goat's cheese? Well...the dude brings the goats. That's pretty cool. There is Polish food, Vietnamese food and Lebanese food. Bloody hell, the place is as cosmopolitan as it comes. What more do you want people???!!

As with all the good markets, its the people who make it and there are some real characters here. Grab a beer, take a stroll and interact with the vendors. I think you will be amazed at their willingness to talk. It's like they are itching for an excuse to tell you about what they are selling. You can't help but feed off that enthusiasm and passion. It's also worth mentioning that the owners have been supporting the African children's feeding scheme charity through the market and, while I'm not trying to make you feel guilty, let me just say this: if you don't go and buy something you're basically starving someone. I hope you're happy.

Aaanyway, the market turns 1 in October and they have a few events to celebrate. In fact, they seem to have something on the go all the time which I appreciate. With something like this it's so important to keep re-inventing yourself and the guys at JFM are well aware of this. You should check it out. If you don't....you're starving someone.

The market runs every Saturday from 08h30 to 13h30. Check out their site at http://www.jozifoodmarket.co.za/

Cheers,

Jamie Who

Tasha's (Melrose Arch) - Plans for Cape Town?

A recent trip up to Jozi allowed me to enjoy a light lunch in Melrose Arch's new piazza. Being a Saturday, the place was heaving and restaurants were filling up fast. One of them was already absolutely packed though, and even had a decent queue of customers waiting outside for tables. Now, with the golden rule of never trusting an empty restaurant in mind, I figured the opposite must be true and clearly the locals knew something I didn't. I put our names on the list. Surely this was the spot? Surely it was worth the wait? Indeed it was. 

Tasha's in Melrose Arch is the fourth restaurant in an already successful chain. (The others being in Atholl, Bedfordview and Morningside.) Each branch has its own design elements but the decor in each is noticeably better than your average coffee shop/deli experience. Melrose Arch has a breezy, neutral-coloured vibe offset by beautiful touches like vintage wood, stunning marble accents and feature chandeliers with hanging cutlery. The end result is a truly beautiful environment that is chic, but warm and inviting at the same time. 

The approach to food is also far more sophisticated than comparative restaurants. I was there for lunch but with my weakness for a killer breakfast I had to have a look. As well as the normal stuff there were things like an omelette with brie, avo and olive tapenade. There were rostis with various toppings like baby marrows, salmon and caviar. French toast with emmentaler, ham, mustard and tomato chutney. Croissants with bananas and Nutella. Get the picture? Well...I was impressed anyway. But back to the reason we were there: lunch. The girls had couscous salads with chicken breast, shaved fennel, brocolli and goats cheese (R76) while I went for the steak sandwich (R58). Superman went for a prego roll made with fillet (R68) and chips. Everything was excellent. I was blown away by the diversity of the menu and if anything that would be my only fault with the place. They are trying to do much: hot dogs, tuna tartare, grilled sole with prawn and lemon butter, seared salmon, quesidillas, prawn pasta, tramezzinis, shnitzels and more! That said, if everything they produce is as good as the lunch we had then good luck to them. I just think with their classy look they could finesse the menu a bit. There is a small but satisfactory winelist, and even some good "by the glass" options. 

Tasha's is a funky, well designed venue with good food. Absolutely perfect for sitting outside and doing some people-watching. I would welcome one to Cape Town with open arms and I'm pretty sure I wouldn't be the only one. 

You can find Tasha's in Melrose Arch, shop 14, the piazza. Or call them on (011) 684-1781.

Cheers,

Jamie Who

Taste Of Joburg - Thanks Justine

There have been some - how do we say this nicely - prickly e-mails arriving in my inbox saying I don't pay enough attention to Joburg and that I should get them involved more. Bloody hell guys, take a chillaxitive. I love Joburg. To show you how much I care I have organised a little food party for you. It is called the Taste of Joburg Festival. (I didn't really organise this guys. Come now.) Luckily for you though, Justine Drake did.

My early readers...fans? Why not...my early fans will remember one of my very first entries which was about the amazing food festival here in Cape Town. http://jamiewhatshisname.blogspot.com/2009/04/so-this-weekend-sees-taste-of-cape-town.html. Well, it is now Jozi's turn. The vibe is exactly the same except they have cleverly changed the name. Instead of Taste of Cape Town it is to be known as Taste of Joburg. Aha! So there's the difference. What will be the same is the high quality of restaurants, chefs and booze on offer.

It is to be held at the Montecasino Outdoor events area from September 30th to October 4th and some of the participating restaurants include:

• Restaurant Mosaic
• The Attic
• The Westcliff
• Roots
• Karma
  

If I was you and I lived in Jozi I would stop the hating. I would say, hey Jamie, you know what you DO love me. If I was you I would be STOKED. I would hug myself, I would hug the person next to me and I would mail Jamie Who and say THANK YOU JAMIE.

You know what? It's a pleasure.

Oh, If I were you I would also check out their website on http://www.tasteofjoburg.com/ to get some tickets.

Cheers,
Jamie Who

Red Mango - Welcome

It was good to be back in Jozi this weekend. I got to see some old faces, I got to eat at some cool restaurants, I got to drink Coffee-Patrone and spank the planks a bit. Most of all though, I got to eat Red Mango frozen yoghurt. I don't care how gay this sounds but holy monkey I love frozen yoghurt. Seriously, what's not to love? It's like yoghurt but COLD.

Aaaaanyway...after taking in some shopping and a nice lunch in the new wing of Melrose Arch with Superman and The Goob we came across Red Mango. Those not in the know probably haven't heard of it but let me tell you a little something. Red Mango is massive in the States and is made so much cooler to me by the fact that you can't get it here. I want you to imagine something. Imagine some girls strolling through Melrose Arch and coming across a Zara. Imagine them screaming, clapping and jumping up and down. Imagine the excitement. Now imagine those girls were me and that Zara was Red Mango. That's pretty much what we're dealing with here.

I walked in and took my seat in the white plastic bubble-booths (I made that up. It explains them perfectly and next time you're there use it. Use it like "Hey guys, let's sit in the bubble-booths." Act cool.) Basically, what you do is order some frozen yoghurt and choose from healthy toppings like watermelon, granola, almonds, strawberries etc. If you want them to blend it up into a smoothie they can do that too. They have some salads and wraps too I think, but to be honest I was too focused on the frozen yoghurt. The anticipation was too much.

To cut a long story short it was worth it. Now, I know what you're saying. You're saying it's just the novelty that made it cool. Like when we first had McDonalds, Pepsi or Pringles all those years back. Well, you might be right. But for now, I'm going to eat them like an eskimo until the novelty wears off. At least it's healthy. (Well, sort of. Yes, it is non-fat and natural but there still about 200 calories in a small cup so be careful.)

Red Mango, welcome to SA. Now hurry up and get to Cape Town. CAN YOU IMAGINE ONE ON THE CAMPS BAY STRIP??!!!

If you want to see what I'm talking about check them out on http://www.redmangousa.com/. You could also go to Melrose Arch.

Cheers,
Jamie Who

Roots - A tough one for me...

This is the most difficult review I have had to write so far in my fledgling career. Having been given the chance to tick off another of Eat Out's top 10 restaurants (Jozi's only one strangely), I found moments of pure class mixed in with moments of amateurism. Brilliant touches with really average ones. If I was asked to mark the experience on a scale of 1 - 10 I really don't know how I would do it. Let me explain why...

On Sunday The Rentals, The Princess and I took a drive to Roots restaurant, which is at The Forum Homini Boutique Hotel. If ever there was a destination restaurant this is it. Arhcitecture combining glass, stone and cement, a sort of African-minimalism decor and a beautiful deck overlooking a small dam. A really good setting. I was happy with the vibe.

We were shown to our seats where we sat down and waited for something to happen. And waited. And waited. Eventually I got up to call someone and ask him to please explain the menu. He was apologetic and took us through the six-course tasting menu that the chef had put together (the menu changes daily). The food is R270 per head and for a further R85 each you can enjoy a wine pairing with each course. After checking out the menu, I was in heaven. Here's a little breakdown of the six courses and how I rated them:

Saffron and potato broth with a fishcake (Glorious start. Subtle saffron)

Cured Scottish Salmon with a pickled fennel salad (Simple. Clean. Delicious) 

Gremolata Kingklip with an oxtail wonton (The winner.)

Braised Pork belly with cider, pak choi and quinoa (Tender. Nice twist by adding quinoa.)

Confit Duck on a mushroom risotto (Duck sensational. Smoked mushrooms a bit overpowering)

Lemon meringue with raspberry, lavender and almonds (My least favourite. Good but not great)

We were feeling good and all went for the wine pairing. This is where things got a bit weird. Firstly, the wine was poured at a table which was in front of the entrance to both bathrooms. Like, right in front of it. There were empty glasses, half-empty glasses, full glasses and dirty glasses. Nobody really seemed to know what they were doing. The wine throughout the meal was brought to us way before the food, so we were left either with warm wine or very little wine by the time the food arrived. There seemed to be two sommeliers, one very good and one hopeless. There was nowhere near enough emphasis placed on the wines which was disappointing.

The food itself, it must be said, was out of this world and was definitley worth the hype. Something else that has to be mentioned is what happened after one of our courses failed to arrive. Philippe Wagenfuhrer, the chef, came to our table to explain the mix-up and apologise. We were then given a top-up of our wine at no charge and a complimentary glass of bubbly each. After the meal, when we were having coffee on the deck outside, he then came to our table again and refused to charge two of us. I have never seen a chef this concerned over a customer and was floored by the generosity and pride in his own abilities. He said it was his mistake, he had high standards and as a result our money was not welcome. There a few chefs with less talent who could learn something from his humility.

So, as I said, how was the experience? Amazing and disappointing at the same time. Yes, they fu*ked up but they dealt with it like true professionals. So, all things considered, I left happy. Take what you can from that.

Cheers,

Jamie Who