So yesterday B takes me out. We decide to try something new. We visit 3 different restaurants that we have not been to, but they all appear to have either closed down or are currently under renovation. As a last resort B says “Jimmy’s Killer Prawns it is!”
Now I’m a little sceptical coz’ I am not a seafood fan but hey, don’t most seafood restaurants do steak too? And I’m sure I can remember eating Calamari once that was not too bad, maybe I could give that a try….
The restaurant is situated upstairs, in a busy shopping centre. We climb the stairs and find a waiter, Nathan, waiting for us at the top. “Smoking or not?” I dread this particular question… I no longer smoke but B does. If he decides on the smoking section we will once again be shunned to the little outside area where we will either freeze or boil depending on the temperature and most likely have to sit on uncomfortable garden furniture with plastic tablecloths being treated like the lepers from bygone days. The reply…Smoking….aagh!
The question was immediately followed by “Inside or out?” My turn now – inside please and voila we get seated in an enclosed smoking section decked out like the main restaurant area in style! Great place smokers feasting area!
Nathan handed us our menu’s and we took a peek. It has got to be the most interesting menu I’ve yet to come across. They have a “make your own meal” set up called “Choose your table” where you choose from a bunch of individual dishes and they get laid out as a platter serving for the table to share. We ummed and aahed and eventually came up a selection including:
Garlic snails
Queen prawns
Calamari strips
Line fish “Being butter fish on the day”
Rice
Tartar Sauce
The food was quick and tasty. What I loved was that you order what you want so you do not pay for garnishing or items on your plate you do not want.
Nathan watched us like a hawk, we never noticed of course, but the second we needed him he appeared from nowhere. He also had heaps of information regarding both the specials and the franchise as a whole, which apparently has restaurants in as far a field as France and Dubai.
I ordered a chocolate mousse for desert, my ultimate temptation, while B just had a filter coffee. My mousse was made from both dark and white chocolate and I took my sweet time about eating it.
For a seafood place it was not overpriced, the whole meal including soda’s and dessert came to a cool R200. Killer deal for Killer prawns!
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Barbados Dining – Waterfront Café is a Bridgetown Favourite
Next time you're in Barbados, stop by Waterfront Café for lunch or dinner. Like many restaurants on the island, Waterfront offers a water setting - but the water at this eatery is not the seaside but rather the peaceful careenage in the capital city of Bridgetown.
Next to the outdoor tables are deep-sea fishing boats and across the waterway are buildings painted lively colors. Such a pleasant setting for a very good, reasonably priced, and beautifully prepared mostly-Bajan food.
Waterfront Café: Live Jazz, Great Food
Live jazz entertains at dinner as you dine on fabulous local and regional food in a relaxed atmosphere. Last time we had dinner at Waterfront Cafe, we took friends and each of us ordered different entrees and then shared. We all agreed the pepper pot was out of this world (it always is at Waterfront) and the gazpacho had a perfect amount of garlic.
We sampled each other's veggie samosas, crab cakes, flying fish, and coconut shrimp, which were all excellent. We had to try a Bajan dessert, of course, and found the guava with ice cream did not disappoint. We also ordered carrot cake, which was moist and frosted in classic cream cheese frosting. Oh my!
I mustn't neglect to mention our rum drinks, made with Old Gold Mount Gay rum. If you've ever had Barbados' Old Gold, then you know the smooth taste it gives rum libations.
Sitting under the stars along the peaceful boat-lined waterway, eating wonderful food, soft jazz drifting through our lively conversation, I dare say it was a perfect Barbados evening.
Barbados: The Most Repeat Visitors
Temperature-wise, of course, most nights in Barbados are "perfect Barbados evenings:" not too hot with a very slight breeze. In winter months I take a very light wrap when I dine by the water; in the summer, bare arms are perfectly comfortable.
Experiencing such an evening while lingering over scrumptious food, drink, and music at Waterfront Café ... well, this is one reason visitors to Barbados return time and time again. Indeed, Barbados is the Caribbean island with the most repeat visitors.
About the Author
Get the real scoop on Barbados by visiting Jane Shattuck's blog at http://OneLoveBarbados.com For casually elegant beachfront Barbados vacation rentals, please check her site, http://BarbadosBeachVacationRentals.com Ms. Shattuck is an American living in Barbados, married to a Barbadian, and building a vacation rental business and a life in her new home.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jane_Shattuck
Next to the outdoor tables are deep-sea fishing boats and across the waterway are buildings painted lively colors. Such a pleasant setting for a very good, reasonably priced, and beautifully prepared mostly-Bajan food.
Waterfront Café: Live Jazz, Great Food
Live jazz entertains at dinner as you dine on fabulous local and regional food in a relaxed atmosphere. Last time we had dinner at Waterfront Cafe, we took friends and each of us ordered different entrees and then shared. We all agreed the pepper pot was out of this world (it always is at Waterfront) and the gazpacho had a perfect amount of garlic.
We sampled each other's veggie samosas, crab cakes, flying fish, and coconut shrimp, which were all excellent. We had to try a Bajan dessert, of course, and found the guava with ice cream did not disappoint. We also ordered carrot cake, which was moist and frosted in classic cream cheese frosting. Oh my!
I mustn't neglect to mention our rum drinks, made with Old Gold Mount Gay rum. If you've ever had Barbados' Old Gold, then you know the smooth taste it gives rum libations.
Sitting under the stars along the peaceful boat-lined waterway, eating wonderful food, soft jazz drifting through our lively conversation, I dare say it was a perfect Barbados evening.
Barbados: The Most Repeat Visitors
Temperature-wise, of course, most nights in Barbados are "perfect Barbados evenings:" not too hot with a very slight breeze. In winter months I take a very light wrap when I dine by the water; in the summer, bare arms are perfectly comfortable.
Experiencing such an evening while lingering over scrumptious food, drink, and music at Waterfront Café ... well, this is one reason visitors to Barbados return time and time again. Indeed, Barbados is the Caribbean island with the most repeat visitors.
About the Author
Get the real scoop on Barbados by visiting Jane Shattuck's blog at http://OneLoveBarbados.com For casually elegant beachfront Barbados vacation rentals, please check her site, http://BarbadosBeachVacationRentals.com Ms. Shattuck is an American living in Barbados, married to a Barbadian, and building a vacation rental business and a life in her new home.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jane_Shattuck
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Flying Solo
So B is going away this weekend and we got speaking about being alone. Last time we were single was more than 9 years ago and he had eaten (and watch some exotic dancers) at a little pub called Silver Wings at the Springs Airfield, I had to see this so off we went.
It was a small place with about 10 wooden bench style tables around the pub. Two of the tables were already taken so we opted for one on the other side of the room located near the door. I sat looking towards the windows, which gave me a bird's eye view of the airfield, watching Gyrocopters and light aircraft taking off and landing. B, as always, sat so he could watch the entrance (a curse of serious military training).
The service astounded me! We got the most efficient service I have had in years. The waiter was over within a minute and took our drinks orders. A Coke each and gave us a menu. We pondered over the menu, umming and ahhing, as we tried to decide what to choose. We giggled as we noticed each item on the menu was cleverly named after a type of aeroplane, Leer jet breakfasts and chopper burgers. We had both settled on a burger but when I turned over the menu in finality we discovered they served baskets. After a quick glance we both decided we would rather share a basket called a Spitfire. Fussy me had to ask for items to be swopped but the waiter was on the ball and nothing was too much trouble.
It was brilliant, a large tray with a barbeque dip in the centre. The tray was heavily ladden with goodies to eat from onion rings and chips to Russians, cocktail sausages and chicken wings, not to mention the chicken nuggets and fish bites, everything a great platter should comprise.
The waiter still quick on his feet, got a second round of Cokes whilst we sat chatting about the last time B visited the Silver Wing pub. B headed off to the toilets, his regular haunt, and upon his return commented on the clean but rudimentary toilets. He told me I just have to take a look before we leave so I agreed to go on our way out.
After a while we were both to full to finish the tray so we left some of that devine food and asked for the bill. When the bill arrived B nearly fell off his chair, how cheap was that, for a mere
R 92.00 we had had a feast. I wished I could take my kids to enjoy this feast but it really is a pub and no under 18's allowed.
We headed for the door and I slipped into the bathrooms to examine B's rudimentary comment and to my surprise I could not have thought of a better description. The place was clean but the doors we non existent, the basin was moulded from concrete with a plain silver drain in the middle, definitely no plugs used here and in the mens the urinal was a concrete tiled drain. So simple so functional, so much work to clean.
As we headed for the car I commented that we would once again be flying solo this weekend but the Silver wing was no longer B's solo spot.
It was a small place with about 10 wooden bench style tables around the pub. Two of the tables were already taken so we opted for one on the other side of the room located near the door. I sat looking towards the windows, which gave me a bird's eye view of the airfield, watching Gyrocopters and light aircraft taking off and landing. B, as always, sat so he could watch the entrance (a curse of serious military training).
The service astounded me! We got the most efficient service I have had in years. The waiter was over within a minute and took our drinks orders. A Coke each and gave us a menu. We pondered over the menu, umming and ahhing, as we tried to decide what to choose. We giggled as we noticed each item on the menu was cleverly named after a type of aeroplane, Leer jet breakfasts and chopper burgers. We had both settled on a burger but when I turned over the menu in finality we discovered they served baskets. After a quick glance we both decided we would rather share a basket called a Spitfire. Fussy me had to ask for items to be swopped but the waiter was on the ball and nothing was too much trouble.
It was brilliant, a large tray with a barbeque dip in the centre. The tray was heavily ladden with goodies to eat from onion rings and chips to Russians, cocktail sausages and chicken wings, not to mention the chicken nuggets and fish bites, everything a great platter should comprise.
The waiter still quick on his feet, got a second round of Cokes whilst we sat chatting about the last time B visited the Silver Wing pub. B headed off to the toilets, his regular haunt, and upon his return commented on the clean but rudimentary toilets. He told me I just have to take a look before we leave so I agreed to go on our way out.
After a while we were both to full to finish the tray so we left some of that devine food and asked for the bill. When the bill arrived B nearly fell off his chair, how cheap was that, for a mere
R 92.00 we had had a feast. I wished I could take my kids to enjoy this feast but it really is a pub and no under 18's allowed.
We headed for the door and I slipped into the bathrooms to examine B's rudimentary comment and to my surprise I could not have thought of a better description. The place was clean but the doors we non existent, the basin was moulded from concrete with a plain silver drain in the middle, definitely no plugs used here and in the mens the urinal was a concrete tiled drain. So simple so functional, so much work to clean.
As we headed for the car I commented that we would once again be flying solo this weekend but the Silver wing was no longer B's solo spot.
Monday, July 7, 2008
Chinese or American?
B got his way this time round… Chinese food from a little known Chinese take away at the Palms shopping centre, Kingfisher Road, Sunward Park. Personally Chinese is the last thing I would eat but hey, you don’t always get what you want.
We arrive at the sparsely furnished restaurant at about 12:20 and I noticed that it was definitely laid out for Take-away, no toilet facilities available but a few chairs and tables were around so we opted to “EAT IN”.
The menu was on the window outside (take away style), I read it before entering, and both B and I chose Sweet and sour pork, Diet coke to share (I hate dieting but someone has to do it) The food was fantastic, for someone who doesn’t do Chinese I really enjoyed it and B “ate his fingers off”.
Before we received our meal we were offered either chop stix or forks, I took the fork (no idea how to operate chop stix) and B took the chop stix (expert), really nice touch for those western people wanting to try eastern cuisine.
There was loads of food, a bowl of fried rice to share and two separate plates with the pork and sweet and sour sauce. This was a fantastic idea as we got to add as much or as little pork to any amount of rice with our own amount of sweet and sour sauce…..
Choose your own style, really nice touch.
The rice was sticky with a small amount of veg, namely peas, incorporated, pork was fried to perfection and the sauce was thick and rich. I could only eat one bowl full but B successfully ate seven bowls, four of his own, three of mine and still there was half a bowl of rice left over.
The owner/waitress checked up on us often offering more rice and more sauce at regular intervals, “ Can I fetch this on for you” cute little words made with a very Chinese accent. Friendly service from a genuine Chinese person.
Whilst eating lunch we heard the sounds of the owners having a heated conversation in Chinese coming from the kitchen, this definitely added to the authenticity of the meal.
I asked B about a strange looking table, sushi style with a glass turnable top, we wondered if they sold sushi but we hadn’t seen it on the menu so we assumed not.
Once finished we went to the counter to pay the bill, R78.00 and only then did
I notice they did in fact sell Sushi, more advertising in this department would go a long way.
Great take away restaurant for evening food, quiet little sit down restaurant for the middle of the day. Authentic Chinese atmosphere in the heart of the western world. If you ever wanted to try eastern food this is definitely the place to do it.
Here’s to good eating.
We arrive at the sparsely furnished restaurant at about 12:20 and I noticed that it was definitely laid out for Take-away, no toilet facilities available but a few chairs and tables were around so we opted to “EAT IN”.
The menu was on the window outside (take away style), I read it before entering, and both B and I chose Sweet and sour pork, Diet coke to share (I hate dieting but someone has to do it) The food was fantastic, for someone who doesn’t do Chinese I really enjoyed it and B “ate his fingers off”.
Before we received our meal we were offered either chop stix or forks, I took the fork (no idea how to operate chop stix) and B took the chop stix (expert), really nice touch for those western people wanting to try eastern cuisine.
There was loads of food, a bowl of fried rice to share and two separate plates with the pork and sweet and sour sauce. This was a fantastic idea as we got to add as much or as little pork to any amount of rice with our own amount of sweet and sour sauce…..
Choose your own style, really nice touch.
The rice was sticky with a small amount of veg, namely peas, incorporated, pork was fried to perfection and the sauce was thick and rich. I could only eat one bowl full but B successfully ate seven bowls, four of his own, three of mine and still there was half a bowl of rice left over.
The owner/waitress checked up on us often offering more rice and more sauce at regular intervals, “ Can I fetch this on for you” cute little words made with a very Chinese accent. Friendly service from a genuine Chinese person.
Whilst eating lunch we heard the sounds of the owners having a heated conversation in Chinese coming from the kitchen, this definitely added to the authenticity of the meal.
I asked B about a strange looking table, sushi style with a glass turnable top, we wondered if they sold sushi but we hadn’t seen it on the menu so we assumed not.
Once finished we went to the counter to pay the bill, R78.00 and only then did
I notice they did in fact sell Sushi, more advertising in this department would go a long way.
Great take away restaurant for evening food, quiet little sit down restaurant for the middle of the day. Authentic Chinese atmosphere in the heart of the western world. If you ever wanted to try eastern food this is definitely the place to do it.
Here’s to good eating.
Sunday, July 6, 2008
Live the Gypsy life
We had been wanting to stop there for ages, we had seen the signs and thought it would be good for a change, don’t always wanna go to the same old places, gets kinda boring. So Gypsies Diner in Henrick Potgieter Road, Dalview it was.
We walked in the Café style diner and asked if they were open, it was only 11am and a lot of places only operate from 12 onwards. We took a seat in the middle of the room at a wonky table and were supplied a menu.
The variety on the menu was mind blowing, from Starters of shrimp cocktail to steaks, curries, seafood platters to burgers toasted sandwiches and slap chips. Fully licenced or Tea and coffee, at this place anything goes.
B and I each ordered a Coke whilst looking over the menu and struggling to decide, eventually I chose Beef Cordon Bleu and B had a chicken Curry. The prices were reasonable, ok I would say cheap by comparison, I did not feel ripped off which I often do.
We only had to wait half an hour, even though the kitchen was obviously not yet ready as we were the first customers for the day….
….. The Chicken curry, not too hot, except a slight catch at the back of your throat every now and then, was good, potatoes slightly underdone but not raw and B’s biggest complaint was that he had to carve the chicken himself (chicken curry was served on the bone) he ordered a medium and anywhere else it would have been classified as a large.
The Beef cordon bleu was huge, I could not finish it even after giving B testers, I found the Ham slices placed inside rather thick (I would have preferred chopped pieces) and the chips very crispy but it was delicious, upon beginning our meal a large bowl of creamed spinach was placed in front of me, I could not even consider eating it as there was way too much food. Seems large portions are the norm at Gypsies.
The waiters/bar lady checked up on us twice whilst we ate and was quick to take the plates, B ducked off to the bathroom twice, typical B, and upon completion of my meal I headed that way to.
There were no signs indicating the direction of the bathroom so B had guessed and I headed in that direction, luckily easy to find but not too pleasant once found. The bathrooms need a lot of work but are clean for the bad state they are in – bad state like doors not closing properly and cigarette burn marks all over the basin, badly stained porcelain is everywhere, a little upgrade would go a long way.
Upon return to the table B ordered a coffee, tea for me. The cups were enormous, great for coffee but terrible for tea, I felt like was drinking tea from a soup bowl.
We asked for a bill, which came quickly with delicious smoothie sweets (orange flavoured, hard on the outside, soft on the inside) and only amounted to R110.00.
All in all a pleasant experience, delicious food, quick service and a simple atmosphere. Only the bathrooms need attention. Try it – you might just like it.
Here’s to good eating.
We walked in the Café style diner and asked if they were open, it was only 11am and a lot of places only operate from 12 onwards. We took a seat in the middle of the room at a wonky table and were supplied a menu.
The variety on the menu was mind blowing, from Starters of shrimp cocktail to steaks, curries, seafood platters to burgers toasted sandwiches and slap chips. Fully licenced or Tea and coffee, at this place anything goes.
B and I each ordered a Coke whilst looking over the menu and struggling to decide, eventually I chose Beef Cordon Bleu and B had a chicken Curry. The prices were reasonable, ok I would say cheap by comparison, I did not feel ripped off which I often do.
We only had to wait half an hour, even though the kitchen was obviously not yet ready as we were the first customers for the day….
….. The Chicken curry, not too hot, except a slight catch at the back of your throat every now and then, was good, potatoes slightly underdone but not raw and B’s biggest complaint was that he had to carve the chicken himself (chicken curry was served on the bone) he ordered a medium and anywhere else it would have been classified as a large.
The Beef cordon bleu was huge, I could not finish it even after giving B testers, I found the Ham slices placed inside rather thick (I would have preferred chopped pieces) and the chips very crispy but it was delicious, upon beginning our meal a large bowl of creamed spinach was placed in front of me, I could not even consider eating it as there was way too much food. Seems large portions are the norm at Gypsies.
The waiters/bar lady checked up on us twice whilst we ate and was quick to take the plates, B ducked off to the bathroom twice, typical B, and upon completion of my meal I headed that way to.
There were no signs indicating the direction of the bathroom so B had guessed and I headed in that direction, luckily easy to find but not too pleasant once found. The bathrooms need a lot of work but are clean for the bad state they are in – bad state like doors not closing properly and cigarette burn marks all over the basin, badly stained porcelain is everywhere, a little upgrade would go a long way.
Upon return to the table B ordered a coffee, tea for me. The cups were enormous, great for coffee but terrible for tea, I felt like was drinking tea from a soup bowl.
We asked for a bill, which came quickly with delicious smoothie sweets (orange flavoured, hard on the outside, soft on the inside) and only amounted to R110.00.
All in all a pleasant experience, delicious food, quick service and a simple atmosphere. Only the bathrooms need attention. Try it – you might just like it.
Here’s to good eating.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)