Cafe Milano... the best treats, eggs benedict and french toast

Cafe Milano - trendy little Cape Town restaurant cafe - go there with style. 

Word on the street is Cafe Milano is the place to be. Take a drive up Kloof street in Gardens and that trendy cafe that you can't miss and looks like it belongs in Milan or Paris - you've got it. Its a place that has a buzz and invites you in. Its so popular that they don't take bookings and you will probably have to queue for your breakfast. When we saw all the people outside we started thinking of a backup plan but the queue moved very quickly and before we knew it we had a cozy corner table for 2. 

If you weren't hungry before, the decor and front display will make sure you are; very (I even took some photos to spread the drooling). It all looks so good that it makes choosing rather difficult! You really feel like you could be in a European cafe and the atmosphere is energised to get you going for your day. First round obviously had to be cappuccino and I had heard that the eggs Benedict are famous amoung Cape Town's trendy breakfast goers. Being rather German and having a sweet tooth, I'm not a fan of English breakfasts nor the whole eggs, bacon, toast thing. The first thing I eyed was the French toast, creme cornettis and little tea time treats... Where to start? 

One French toast with caramelized banana, maple syrup and ice cream- yes please! Definitely an excellent choice although it gets a bit sweet so make sure your partner chooses something savory so you can steal their bacon and balance the flavours. Now the eggs benedict gets a 9 out of 10 from me, and I don't do eggs for breakfast. The buttery hollandaise sauce was excellent and Cafe Milano's signature dish has me converted. The only crit I have is that we did order the eggs hard and they came soft, very soft. People are particular about their eggs! Maybe communication with the kitchen could be better, but then again telling Italians how you want your food wont get you far anyway. The food was so good we didn't stop at breakfast, but took home a selection of treats for tea time, and maybe a few after dinner desserts... The pasteis de nata are almost like the real Portuguese ones, maybe even better. This little hot spot is definitely becoming one of my favourite breakfast haunts and I will be back for those eggs Benedict. Conversion successful. Cafe Milano is the latest in Kloof Street fashion and I think a classic has been created. 

Meloncino - Going Italian style

It is so refreshing to find yourself in an authentic trendy Italian Restaurant in Cape Town.  All too often locals try replicate Italian cuisine and style and never quite succeed, not even close. There are many authentic pizzarias run by Italians who make fabulous Italian food, but I am talking about a trendy and contemporary restaurant - somewhere you would want to be taken out on a date.

Meloncino is in an ideal location and has one of the best views the V&A Waterfront has to offer. Set apart from the commercial tourist restaurants on the plaza, this Italian hot spot is ideally situated upstairs on the deck with gorgeous views across the harbour and of Table Mountain. Night time is particularly special with the glittering lights across the water, especially if you have someone special to share it with.

We had actually planned on going for Mexican but decided to talk a walk across the plaza and see what fabulous winter specials I could suss out for you. I had often been to Meloncino after work for their half price cocktail special  (4 - 6pm) and their comfy white couches but never for dinner as yet. We met one of the owners, Paolo, who was so welcoming and friendly that we decided chilli poppers could wait. They have the most fabulous VIP card system for their Local is Lekker campaign which really is worth it. Most locals, including ourselves, avoid the V&A Waterfront restaurants as the prices are generally targeted at the tourist market and the quality doesn't always match up. This card gives you local VIP treatment including a free meal with each main meal ordered. They also have a points system where a percentage of your total bill gets put on your card in the form of benefit points. This sounds like an excellent deal and we intend on making the most of it while it lasts!

Along with our VIP treatment we were offered a delicious welcome drink, home made by our hosts. You've obviously realised by now that I am a total pizza fan and as expected we both ordered pizza. This is one of the first restaurants I have been to in a while that gives the option of thick or thin base. Their pizzas are delicious and there is a great range of toppings and combinations to choose from. Their meat and fish dishes also looked amazing - we eyed the plates as waiters passed our table... They have a great wine list as well as offering suggestions for food and wine pairing for the true connoisseur. The decor is very trendy and fresh with their comfy white couches that just invite you to relax after a long week at work. For a refreshing after work cocktail try their signature - Meloncino - fresh and fruity, it can almost convince you any day is Friday.

Meloncino is one of those restaurants you will keep coming back to. The service is great, although cocktails can take a while, and the owners really make an effort to make you feel welcome.

SPECIALS:

·         50% off all cocktail everyday between 4-6pm.

·         10% discount for senior citizens.

·         VIP card - 15% gets accumulated onto the card and can be redeemed (discounted) on your next visit

·         Local is Lekker campaign (VIP card holders only): For every 2 main courses the cheapest one will be complimentary

·         Look out for their Groupon specail in September: R99 for any two pizzas/pastas

Tel: +27 (0)21 419 5558

http://www.meloncino.co.za

Italian Restaurants Cape Town - Il Leone... A true taste of Italy

Il Leone must be one of Cape Town's best Italian restaurants. Hidden away in Green Point and within walking distance to the V&A Waterfront, this quaint Italian Restaurant is a must if you are passionate about real pasta.

When it comes to Cape Town Italian restaurants, specifically pizzas and pastas I'm a snob. Yes I admit it, I'm a total pasta snob. Pasta needs to be cooked to perfection... al dente. Si! Not soft not raw but al dente... Throw it on the ceiling if you need to but make sure its right.

 

Il Leone must be one of the best Italian restaurants in Cape Town and one its best kept secrets. I first discovered this delightful little place on a business lunch – I.e. an excuse to escape the office, pretend to talk about important things and drink real Italian wine. Our waiter had an authentic Italian accent, a good sign until I spoke Italian with him and he stared blankly back at me - born and bred South African – our falso-italiano. He did however have an amazing talent at choosing our dishes for us; and choosing exactly what we wanted to order. For me he selected the Tagliatelle ai Porcini (yes- fresh porcini mushrooms in Africa!) in an olive oil and garlic sauce. The world around me ceased to exist - wow. All I can say is that it was perfetto. The perfect combination of flavour and texture and I even had some takeaways! He also chose the Penne Gamberetti and Scallopine di Vitello con Porcini (veal escalopes) for the others. Being the addict that I am I obviously sampled these too and have to admit that they also were fabulous. Il Leone definitely falls under my top restaurants in Cape Town for atmosphere and great food, and the Tagliatelle ai Porcini as one of my favourite dishes.

 

This quaint Italian restaurant is located in Green Point, not far from the V&A Waterfront and Beluga. The ambience is lovely - It’s cosy and quite smart, and always seems to be busy. They could also add a few cheaper wine options to the menu but otherwise its fabulous! Service is also great. I recently took my ladies there for our monthly girls night and by the end of the evening they all walked out converts. Our tradition is to explore a new restaurant or bar once a month and they’ve been begging to go back for seconds. Two dishes that also took my breath away in pure deliciousness were the butternut ravioli in a 4 cheese sauce and the giant artichoke and ricotta panzotti in a butter and sage sauce. Wine: we recommend the Italian Frascati. Absolute perfection and you don’t even need to go to Italy. This is definitely one of Cape Town's best Italian restaurants!

 

El Burro - nice... like a cup of tea.

Ponchos must be one of Cape Town's favourite Mexican restaurants so I decided to take a big step out of my Mexican box and suss out the competition. The two restaurants I had heard quite a bit about were El Burro and San Julian. Each promises a unique Mexican experience so it only seems fair to try out both.  We opted for El Burro as it has replaced the venue of our old favourite, Beuna Vista in Green Point. Walking up the creaky old stairs, which add a great authenticity to the place, we hoped inside would be warm as it was storming outside and we were soaked from our dash in the rain. The restaurant is cozy and welcoming, largely due to the bold pink walls and bustling atmosphere. The decor is funky, unique and very Mexican and the deep fuchsia walls catch your attention with scatterings of unique mirrors, lanterns and Mexican collectibles. Bonus points for the coziness as it was  freezing outside and El Burro is a welcoming place. We all shuffled into our booth and added a few chairs to make everyone fit as I had decided to bring the entire group along.

 

 

El Burro has a huge variety of tequilas on the menu and most of the group opted for a classic margarita. There are is an entire tequila tasting menu for the true tequila fanatics. One of my more daring friends chose the chilli margarita... we were all a bit slow to try it! I have to say that the cocktails were not very well presented - a straight tumbler glass with ice blocks. Nothing that will knock your socks off. A simple martini glass with a lemon would've done the trick. Girls like a bit of flair! The chilli margarita is quite interesting if you can handle the bite, and I would definitely recommend this if you like it hot! I find that many margaritas can taste a lot like flowers so congrats to El Burro for making a fabulous margarita! Just a little work on the presentation...

 

 

The menu has a variety of interesting combinations and unexpected dishes but nachos were definitely missing for us! Probably not truly Mexican and more of a tex Mex dish but hey, we love them. The chilli poppers were unfortunately disappointing.. more like jalapenos with melted cheese and the smokey flavour almost had us convinced they were actually chourizo sausage. Ponchosand Fat Cactus still get our vote for best chilli poppers and unfortunately for El Burro this is our make or break in choosing which Mexican restaurant to visit. I probably should admit we are a bit obsessed with chilli poppers and most normal people wouldn't have noticed. For mains I had the prawn taco, which I really enjoyed and the portion size was massive! The sauce selection is impressive and they were all absolutely delicious. You could mix and match and experiment with different flavour combinations, which really makes a big difference to a meal and adds variety. The chicken mole ("Molay") was also a very unique and delicious dish with its chocolate and chilli spiced sauce on red rice.

 

Overall the atmosphere was lovely and our waitress very helpful and patient with our millions of questions. The food was nice, but not much more than that. They have a great 50% winter special which definitely makes it worthwhile to stop by for lunch. We all enjoyed the meal but it didn't have us craving more or desperate to come back.  It was nice... like a cup of tea is nice and that's about it.

 

 

El Burro winter specials

- 50% between 12 - 5pm.

www.elburro.com.

 

Kitima - hidden secrets, Thai manor and dim sum

Kitima - a magical and sensory adventure set in the historic Krondenal Manor House in Hout Bay. One of Cape Town's Top Restaurants - dim sum, sushi and the most sleutish cocktails.

From the outside at night, Kitima looks misleading. You see a large Cape Dutch house with dark double bolted doors and a bouncer, is this an elitest club like in Harvard or Oxford?

The moment you walk through those doors everything is transformed. The energy, warmth and delicious scents blast you from the instant you walk in and Kitima creates a synergy of the senses. From the entrance hall you can glimpse  different rooms and passages, like an old mysterious house of secrets. This old Cape Dutch mansion was built back in the 1700s and its wooden floors, giant windows and ancient fireplace combined with the Thai theme create a unique and very interesting atmosphere. The ambiance is perfect for almost any occasion from a romantic dinner tucked away at a little hidden table, to cocktails at the bar or a wild 30th birthday party. There is a perfect balance of energy and life but with that feeling of being cozy and comfortable. Dress code is cocktail and is sleutish without being pretentious.

Their cocktail menu is impressive and as I was late to our gathering it took me quite a while to decide between catching up with everyone and trying to get through their extensive selection. In a place like this, you can't go for the usual - you're almost challenged to try some new and colourful concoction. I opted for the "Sexy and Seductive"... sounds promising! Presentation definitely scores points here as it came in a huge round glass, quite like a giant whiskey glass with a red sugared decoration balancing on the top. The other cocktails around the table were just as delicious and the wine flowed freely. Kitima is a place you simply melt into and absorb the experience.

Choices choices choices... Kitima is a Thai Restaurant that offers so many different options from snacks and dim sum to sushi, tapas and a million other dishes and combinations that you simply have to go back a few times to try all your favourites. I chose a selection of dim sum for starters and sushi for mains. We all ended up mixing and matching around the table so I managed to try quite a few different dishes. I can definitely recommend the Har Gau - fresh prawns delicately wrapped in clear rice paper and steamed. Delicious! The spring rolls are also the best I have ever tasted and they literally come on a 2 tier silver platter. One of their best and worst dishes, however is the aromatic crispy duck. Best because the duck is cooked to absolute perfection, however worst because it comes with little pancakes and slivers of spring onion and carrot. You basically create miniature wraps with the crispy duck. Its just not satisfying. The duck and their secret sauce is delicious but you want to eat it with something, it feels like something is missing from the meal, which I find rather frustrating. So aside from my personal little rant about this particular dish the food is unique and delicious. The options are endless and it is a restaurant I could never get bored of!

Kitima must be one of Cape Town's Top Restaurants, not only because of the amazing atmosphere and vibe but the menu also offers something for everyone without straying from its theme of Asian fushion. I think technically you would call it a Thai restaurant but they offer so much that fushion has to be thrown in there somewhere!

www.kitima.co.za

021 790 8004

 

Kitima - hidden secrets, Thai manor and dim sum

Kitima - a magical and sensory adventure set in the historic Krondenal Manor House in Hout Bay. One of Cape Town's Top Restaurants - dim sum, sushi and the most sleutish cocktails.

From the outside at night, Kitima looks misleading. You see a large Cape Dutch house with dark double bolted doors and a bouncer, is this an elitest club like in Harvard or Oxford?

The moment you walk through those doors everything is transformed. The energy, warmth and delicious scents blast you from the instant you walk in and Kitima creates a synergy of the senses. From the entrance hall you can glimpse  different rooms and passages, like an old mysterious house of secrets. This old Cape Dutch mansion was built back in the 1700s and its wooden floors, giant windows and ancient fireplace combined with the Thai theme create a unique and very interesting atmosphere. The ambiance is perfect for almost any occasion from a romantic dinner tucked away at a little hidden table, to cocktails at the bar or a wild 30th birthday party. There is a perfect balance of energy and life but with that feeling of being cozy and comfortable. Dress code is cocktail and is sleutish without being pretentious.

Their cocktail menu is impressive and as I was late to our gathering it took me quite a while to decide between catching up with everyone and trying to get through their extensive selection. In a place like this, you can't go for the usual - you're almost challenged to try some new and colourful concoction. I opted for the "Sexy and Seductive"... sounds promising! Presentation definitely scores points here as it came in a huge round glass, quite like a giant whiskey glass with a red sugared decoration balancing on the top. The other cocktails around the table were just as delicious and the wine flowed freely. Kitima is a place you simply melt into and absorb the experience.

Choices choices choices... Kitima is a Thai Restaurant that offers so many different options from snacks and dim sum to sushi, tapas and a million other dishes and combinations that you simply have to go back a few times to try all your favourites. I chose a selection of dim sum for starters and sushi for mains. We all ended up mixing and matching around the table so I managed to try quite a few different dishes. I can definitely recommend the Har Gau - fresh prawns delicately wrapped in clear rice paper and steamed. Delicious! The spring rolls are also the best I have ever tasted and they literally come on a 2 tier silver platter. One of their best and worst dishes, however is the aromatic crispy duck. Best because the duck is cooked to absolute perfection, however worst because it comes with little pancakes and slivers of spring onion and carrot. You basically create miniature wraps with the crispy duck. Its just not satisfying. The duck and their secret sauce is delicious but you want to eat it with something, it feels like something is missing from the meal, which I find rather frustrating. So aside from my personal little rant about this particular dish the food is unique and delicious. The options are endless and it is a restaurant I could never get bored of!

Kitima must be one of Cape Town's Top Restaurants, not only because of the amazing atmosphere and vibe but the menu also offers something for everyone without straying from its theme of Asian fushion. I think technically you would call it a Thai restaurant but they offer so much that fushion has to be thrown in there somewhere!

www.kitima.co.za

021 790 8004

Table 13 – deli and delicious

Finding a good cup of coffee is quite a challenge. A friend of mine who is the ultimate coffee fundi went through 6 cappuccinos in Gardens Center to find the perfect cup. Im not sure what the outcome of his mission was but I know I have found my coffee spot.

Table 13 is hidden on a side street just opposite the Green Point traffic department, near Beluga. It is one of thosequaint and almost eccentric places that makes me think of the hidden away cafe’s in Germany or France- cobblestone streets, warm coats, blistering cold wind and snow and hot chocolate.  Its cosy and the food is absolutely delicious. I have to admit that I order the same thing every time I go – its just too good to eat anything else. I’m not usually a creature of habit when it comes to restaurants and exploring new dishes on the menu but this ciabbata couldn’t be better. Toasted Italian ciabbata, truffle mayo, bacon and emmentaler cheese topped with fresh avo. When we go as a group- we all order the same, without thinking. I don’t think it is still on the menu but ask – I’m sure they will make it for you. Table 13 also have a variety of options for breakfast or lunch and what makes this place so special is the freshness of the food, the unique options and combinations and the staff atmosphere. The guys who make your coffee are almost as energetic as the Vida staff, without the team cheering. The decor is a variety of miss matched tables and chairs but of the stylish and elegant kind, not the old and falling apart kind where you think they surely ran out of money. It is unique and in the next door room is a quaint boutique store. Take a walk through and maybe you will find a piece of something that brings back memories of an old Parisian adventure…

Now as this started on coffee and I sidetracked a little I should also mention the amazing cakes and pain au chocolat.. Some of the bakes and biscuits are a little over priced for size but they never lack in taste or quality. Cappuccinos… well I love them but we will see what my coffee connoisseur has to say… watch this space.

If you have found any coffee shops or delis that take your breath away – you simply have to share.

 

Balduccis – Italian Restaurant with pizza that will rock your socks off

Pizza… what would life be without it? Sad

There’s nothing as traumatic as a pizza base that’s the Italian equivalent of 4 pizzas piled with every topping that can be chopped or sliced from the local supermarket. Go to Italy and experience the true delicious simplicity with which pizza should be made. In South Africa (and probably everywhere that’s not Italian) it has become common culture to have a minimum of 3 or 4 toppings on your pizza and to mix and match them in a strange and not always-so wonderful combination. In Italy your options range in 2s, basic and very simple. You want to add pineapple? Cosa??? Don’t even think about it, you’ll probably go hungry best case- worst case- the mamma del casa will hunt you down. They make the pizza, you eat it.

We came across Balduccis by complete accident. Walking around the V&A Waterfront and craving pizza as one does, we wandered past the restaurant. It looked friendly enough and the delicious aromas enticed us closer. Now I know I had a little rant about pizza toppings and I have to admit that more than 3 combinations can still be amazing, and personally I think an extra portion of rocket on almost every pizza is a necessity. 

 

This Italian Restaurant offers some of the most unique pizza toppings I have found in Cape Town. For those who like to explore Italian Restaurants for new and interesting pizzas this is definitely the place to be. I was debating between the pizza Perla- Gorgonzola, walnuts, rocket and truffle oil (need I say more??) and the Milanese – Bacon, blue cheese, brie, walnuts, rocket and avo. I have to say I opted for the Milanese and replaced the walnuts (just not a fan on pizza) with truffel oil. So far I think one of the best pizzas I have had in Cape Town. The base was perfectly thin, crispy and light and the flavours complimented each other perfectly. I will definitely be coming back for more – I noticed porcini mushrooms and white truffle oil on the menu… They also serve a variety of other options on the menu ranging from seafood, meat, creative pastas and a royal sushi bar. I’m not sure where they rank as a Sushi Restaurant in Cape Town but I would definitely return to try their pasta or seafood dishes. This quaint Italian Restaurant is just tucked away at the end of the docs and is set apart from the bustle of the main plaza. Service was a little slow and it is probably more of a summer restaurant than a place to get cozy in winter. As for more than 3 toppings… rules are made to be broken!

 

http://www.balduccis.co.za/

T +27 21 421 6002

 

Italian Restaurants Cape Town - Il Leone... A true taste of Italy

Il Leone must be one of Cape Town's best Italian restaurants. Hidden away in Green Point and within walking distance to the V&A Waterfront, this quaint Italian Restaurant is a must if you are passionate about real pasta.

When it comes to Cape Town Italian restaurants, specifically pizzas and pastas I'm a snob. Yes I admit it, I'm a total pasta snob. Pasta needs to be cooked to perfection... al dente. Si! Not soft not raw but al dente... Throw it on the ceiling if you need to but make sure its right.

Il Leone must be one of the best Italian restaurants in Cape Town and one its best kept secrets. I first discovered this delightful little place on a business lunch – I.e. an excuse to escape the office, pretend to talk about important things and drink real Italian wine. Our waiter had an authentic Italian accent, a good sign until I spoke Italian with him and he stared blankly back at me - born and bred South African – our falso-italiano. He did however have an amazing talent at choosing our dishes for us; and choosing exactly what we wanted to order. For me he selected the Tagliatelle ai Porcini (yes- fresh porcini mushrooms in Africa!) in an olive oil and garlic sauce. The world around me ceased to exist - wow. All I can say is that it was perfetto. The perfect combination of flavour and texture and I even had some takeaways! He also chose the Penne Gamberetti and Scallopine di Vitello con Porcini (veal escalopes) for the others. Being the addict that I am I obviously sampled these too and have to admit that they also were fabulous. Il Leone definitely falls under my top restaurants in Cape Town for atmosphere and great food, and the Tagliatelle ai Porcini as one of my favourite dishes.

This quaint Italian restaurant is located in Green Point, not far from the V&A Waterfront and Beluga. The ambience is lovely - It’s cosy and quite smart, and always seems to be busy. They could also add a few cheaper wine options to the menu but otherwise its fabulous! Service is also great. I recently took my ladies there for our monthly girls night and by the end of the evening they all walked out converts. Our tradition is to explore a new restaurant or bar once a month and they’ve been begging to go back for seconds. Two dishes that also took my breath away in pure deliciousness were the butternut ravioli in a 4 cheese sauce and the giant artichoke and ricotta panzotti in a butter and sage sauce. Wine: we recommend the Italian Frascati. Absolute perfection and you don’t even need to go to Italy. This is definitely one of Cape Town's best Italian restaurants!