JonkerHuis Groot Constantia, Cape Town

I love my wine, I love vineyards and that feeling of complete freedom and peace that you experience as you drive through the scenic routes and the nalong the eine route. The Cape is absolutely amazing and they have so many options for places to go to. Wine tasting at vineyard is always the best way to discover the different varieties and they often have food pairing along with it but as a family, it is not really possible to do a wine tasting because you do have to watch the little ones. We decided to sit in the restaurant and order a bottle of the vineyards best wine along with a meal, which turned out to be a great idea. The weather was good, no wind and it was warm which was fantastic for sitting outside in the fresh air, under the trees, watching squirrels run up and down, kids laughing, views of the ocean, mountains and vineyards...what a day! The service was very good and the waitress was well informed on the wines and the meals, she kept on returning to see if we needed a top up and she also made suggestions that were good. I ordered the special of the day which was a steak with a side of veg and chips, actually we all ordered that and we had a starter of prosciutto, fig and blue cheese. The steak was done to perfection, green beans fresh and crisp and the sauce was creamy and fresh. My only gripe was the starter; a fantastic idea with the fig, cheese and prosciutto but "SACRILEGE" because the Prosciutto, a delacacy was added on crsipy and cooked. It would have been amazing if the cold meat was left as that, rather than destroyed in a fryer. Other than that, a beautiful bottle of wine, fantastic scenery and amazing food.

Willoughby and CO. V&A Waterfront, Cape Town

I was told that the best seafood could be found at Willoughby and Co.
It really was not on my list of places to go because as a tourist, you would like to experience the outdoor side and not the interior of a shopping centre.
On my third trip to the Cape I decided to wait in the long cue and try the "best seafood" in the Cape.

The restaurant has three cooking stations and that was really impressive. I liked the design of the restaurant and people could sit at a bar in the sushi section or the other sections, alternatively you could be seated in the open outside in the mall.

Luckily we didn't have to wait too long for a table, we got a nice bench seat and our waiter was very friendly.

The drinks took long to get there, about three different people brought wet wipes, chopsticks and soya bowls and then finally we could order.

We ordered sushi
Seafood Linguine
Ramen

The sushi was alright, i have tasted better and I wouldn't rush back to try it again. Seafood linguine, well, personally I wouldn't order a pasta dish in a seafood establishment but we thought that the seafood would be good and it was mediocre. As for the Ramen, a great one is cooked with a specialised egg that is soaked and this was just an egg cooked per order, which took away the authenticity of the dish. Overall, the experience was a waste of time, waiting to get in, waiting for service and then getting food that was not good enough to be rated as the "best seafood in the Cape.;

DamHuis

There are so many hidden gems in and around the Cape, if you have the time to drive around and explore. We went to visit family in Melkbos Strand, naturally we all decided to go out for a bite to eat and this was the suggested place. I was not impressed when we first arrived as we got there just before twelve and they told us that the lunch menu was closed in the kitchen but we could have a wrap or some other item due to the brrakfast being finished and lunch not served yet. We decided to wait until lunch which was in fifteen minutes. Once we ordered, I have to say that the food was absolutely perfect and it was obvious that someone in the kitchen knew what they were doing. I ordered a mezze platter, others ordered fish and chips and everything was well presented and fresh. There is also an outside area with bench seating and beach sand as well as a playground for the little children, which is fantastic because you can relax and watch them play close by. My overall experience is that someone in the kitchen is actually a chef and the food that came out was well presented, fresh and perfectly done. The restaurant itself has a great view and the service is good. It is nice to find places that are peaceful, tranquil and give you a relaxed feeling so that it seems worthwhile when you go out. It is also good to find a reasonably affordavle place that is worth spending money in.

Bilboa - Camps Bay Kove Collection

The vibe in Camp's Bay is fantastic and everyone rushes off to get to the beach or one of the busy restaurants in order to watch the sunset.
It is the most amazing experience and you simply have to go there to see it for yourself.
I decided to make a booking for the extremely busy time of 7pm, just before sunset.
We arrived and there was an enormous cue of people waiting to get in and we were able to walk right in.
The table I got was not what I requested but it was nice anyway, we could see the view but not the sunset.
Our waiter was very friendly and he got our drinks right away, we asked questions about the menu and he was helpful.

I ordered a lamb shank and after about a half hour, the waiter told me that it was not ready and it would not be ready anytime soon.
My next choice was a sirloin steak with a Truffle sauce that I ordered under pressure but ordered it because of my curiosity in the Truffles.

Whilst looking around I noticed that the front cue was gone and the restaurant was not full, which was odd because there were so many people requesting tables.
The music was the trance type which is usually okay if it is played as background music, which it was not and my ear was right below the speaker.

As we had a baby with us at the table, I asked them to turn the music down and the waiter returned from asking the manager who said that she cannot do it.
We also had to wait for the baby seat, which we requested before making the reservation.

My steak arrived; Sirloin with a hint of butter and what was to be Truffle sauce but all that I could taste was an old leather shoe!
Now I know that Sirloin is not the best cut of meat but I also know when it has been frozen and then suddenly deep fried defrosted! No, no, no!!
I sent it back naturally as it was absolutely awful.
The manager came to the table and told me that the chef had tasted my steak and it wasn't as tough as they thought I had said it was.
I then got upset because it was tough, and you don't tell a customer that they are wrong...unless you are 100% sure.
She then proceeded to tell me that I probably assumed it was a Fillet steak which is usually tender and I stopped her right there.  I am well aware of the difference between a Sirloin and a Fillet and I also well aware of the cooking cheats that make a steak taste like shoe!
She said that she had been in a steakhouse previously and she knew her steaks and how to cook them.
I eventually just told her that the steak was not done right and I didn't want anything else.
Thankfully she left our table.

Langoustines were ordered and we received five small and tough langoustines with vegetables.
The vegetables were fantastic, absolutely full of taste and not really cooked to crisp but it was nice.
I would not recommend the over priced langoustines which also seemed as though it was frozen and not a fresh item and they were tiny.

Calamari was ordered and that could not be faulted, they were tasty, the portion was a good size and they were soft and perhaps this should be the recommendation at that restaurant.

The view is incredible and the décor is nice, neat and comfortable.
Service was good, the waiter was knowledgeable and he arrived with the pre snacks immediately, he also got the baby chair asap.
Management can ruin your business and this woman, should not be a manager especially in the front of house.
You have to ask yourself this; a cue down the stairs and then suddenly an empty restaurant...?
Taking bookings that don't arrive or underestimating the waiting time, which would make anyone move on.
The appearance of the manager and her clothing didn't even fit with the restaurant and that sounds like a stupid thing to say but let's put it this way; if you walked into a Burger King and the manager was wearing an elegant dress, you might think it weird and she probably would seem out of place, almost as if she would know nothing about grilling a burger!
This is the same thing, a five star décor, the appearance of an expensive menu and a manager dressed as if she should be working in a burger joint.  Once she arrived at our table I assumed she was a tourist.
It is also imperative that as a manger you inform your staff of the 'out of stock" items and perhaps circulate and listen to the music. Are people enjoying it or is it the staff that are enjoying?
The hostess, dressed very elegantly, very welcoming and almost seemed as though she could barely hear with that music.

The food was so underwhelming and I really wanted it to get a 5 star rating but I would go there for the view. It just seems as though they have the idea but the kitchen is underprepared and everything is frozen to cooked...it seems.

Bad management, bad cooking and overpriced!
If you must go there order a drink because I would not think that the food would be consistent.
https://bilboa.co.za/

Punchinello's Restaurant located in Southern Sun Hotel, Monte Casino Resort

We stayed at the Southern Sun Hotel in Monte Casino Resort and Punchinello's was our breakfast venue each morning.  I heard that they have a Sunday Roast, Mediterranean style and had to try it.
On arrival you are given a glass of sparkling wine.
The venue is unusual and it doesn't really give you the idea that it is a Mediterranean concept when you explore the décor.
The Sunday roast consists of chicken and lamb, there is pizza, an array of cold starters and the desserts have a very nice selection too, in fact I would call the dessert variety a "classy" one because usually hotel desserts are generic and most of the time they taste like air with no flavour but this restaurant had fantastic desserts that were created professionally.  Carrot cake was actually made with cream cheese and the crème brulee was also very nice.  I enjoyed the desserts.
In the starter section I had an Asparagus awakening because I usually am not a fan but these were fresh cut and soft but not soggy.
There was a Bagna Cauda which is an Anchovy and garlic dip that complimented the Asparagus spears and it almost tasted like one we would have in an Italian home!
Artichoke salad was fantastic and the calamari starter was so lightly battered that it was enjoyable.
Roast Lamb and Chicken were nice but being European I thoroughly enjoyed the starters and the desserts more than the hot options and if you are expecting something fantastic here on a Sunday, it is nice, they have live entertainment and the starters and desserts were better than the mains to me.

Yume Sushi Bar Monte Casino Resort

Located in the Monte Casino Complex in Gauteng, is the Yume Sushi Bar.
It was late when we arrived and it looked like they were about to close but the manager said that we could get a table and she even organised our party a baby seat, which they did not have in their restaurant.  This was impressive because it shows that they care about their customers and I wasn't expecting too much late at night.
We ordered an array of foods and it arrived very quickly and very fresh!
The sushi in some places falls to pieces because it is done too quickly but this was done to perfection and if I could, I would definitely catch a flight just for that sushi.
We had chicken noodles in a sweet and sour sauce that was very tasty and the chicken was soft and tender too.
We also chose the fillet steak and I found that a little strange to order in a sushi bar but it was extremely tender and the taste was superb.
The sashimi was phenomenally fresh and the portion was generous.
The sushi was incredible, delectable and buzzed in my mouth and I would highly recommend this place to anyone.
They have bar with the sushi belt, giving you visual options but I would recommend that you ask your waiter about the food because there is so much more to try from the menu.
I cannot fault any of the meals that arrived at the table and everything was fresh and full of flavour.

Walnut Grove Sandton City

 On my road trip to Gauteng, we stopped at the Sandton City Shopping Centre and found this intimate and cosy restaurant.
The service was good, the selection of cakes is what caught my eye because they have an amazingly talented baker with so many eye - catching cakes on display.
All the popular treats can be found here and the food is rather tasty too.
I ordered a tramezzini and it had all of my favourite things inside; olives, artichokes, feta and spinach.  The tramezzini bread was perfectly crisp and fresh and the menu has a variety for everyone.
I liked the décor and it is definitely the place to go if you want to escape the madness of a busy shopping mall.

 

Verdicchio Restaurant Monte Casino

This restaurant has won tenant of the year ten years in a row.  That is a big deal and we decided to find out why it was awarded this.
The host is welcoming and on a busy night bookings are essential.  If you do put your name down for a table the host calls you when your seats are available, which is great because you don't have to stand and wait.
The waiters dress up in mafia style outfits and they look neat and elegant.
The décor upstairs wasn't too impressive but we got seated downstairs and from where I sat it looked amazing with the medieval/ vintage feel to it.  The warmth of the romantic Tuscan style villa setting was soothing and relaxing.

I was impressed by the décor and the door host but then it came down to business.  We got seated at a dirty table that had wet seats and broken glass.  The waiter immediately took it away and replaced the chairs.
He was very well informed about the menu and quickly took our drink order.
My brother ordered a starter and it never arrived.
We all decided to order pasta as this appeared to be an Italian restaurant and what was also very unique was the menu itself.  Tablets that display prices and pictures of all the food.  A modern touch and a good idea.
I ordered the Trinchada pasta penne which consisted of strips of old beef in a creamy but tasteless sauce with a hint of prego.  The portion was upsetting and I could have done with the starter before the main.  I wasn't impressed with my meal at all.

Penne Trinchada

 

My brother ordered the seafood pasta or pasta a la med and it arrived with almost no seafood in it. We called the manager to complain and he apologised for the non arrival of the starter and said that he would return about the seafood.  He never returned.

Our waiter was apologetic about the starter and we were offered a coffee on the house. Nothing was done about the seafood pasta.
I have to say that the food is not great and the service, especially from management was really off putting.  The toilets were disgusting and that put me off completely but it is a nice idea to go there to experience what my sister ordered which was a highlight and her food was tasty.

The waiter came with a wheel of Parmesan and he added some brandy into the wedge and we watched the flames as he mixed the cheese and alcohol together.  He then poured a dish of pasta into it and stirred in the cheese.  Her pasta consisted of mushrooms and a creamy sauce with a hint of Parmesan. It was something to see and her meal tasted the best.

After asking for the bill our waiter came and said that he has a big surprise for us and he apologised for forgetting the starters.  He brought three slices of orange with a cherry on each.  I thought there was a hidden camera and my brother was rather confused but I guess that cocktail garnish can make you laugh and if the management cannot deal with customer complaints, at least the waiter will let you leave smiling and confused.
The interior is beautiful and for the experience with the Parmesan wheel I would recommend giving it a try but don't expect much from the food because you will be disappointed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Butcher Block Umhlanga

A steakhouse should cook a steak the way that you have ordered it and a good steakhouse has chefs and grillers that send out perfectly cooked steaks just the way that you have ordered them and the maturity of the meat should be tasted subtly.

This to me is what a good steakhouse represents and you cannot call yourself a steakhouse if the meat is not cooked properly or matured correctly, if you do mature the meats that is.

Butcher Block is an interesting restaurant because the view is fantastic during the day and the décor is interesting.  I personally don't want to stare at an ornamental statue of a cow whilst eating a cow but that might just be me.

The lighting has been changed in this venue and it has been made a little warmer to sit there but I have been here three times now, the third time was not my choice and I have not been satisfied on all three occasions. Consistency!!!! That is something that lacks in many restaurants and this one is no exception.

A steakhouse should not get the steak order wrong and this has happened each time that I have been there. I also ordered a blue cheese sauce and found it very dry.
The rest of my table had the same complaint - their steaks were not cooked properly and one of them ordered a burger which would be the only thing on the menu that I would recommend.

Service is slow, management seem to run around a lot but are not present when it comes to observing unsatisfied customers and the restaurant floor is always dirty.
I would have to say that for the prices that you pay and the quality of food and service this would not be my first stop and I would not go there for a steak.

Magical Ingredients

Everyone has a signature dish and taste is important because there is nothing worse than taking up all of your time to cook a meal that has a tasteless result with a silent review.
Spice is the essence of all foods and the magic to make a good meal fantastic!
Italians use wine, herbs and garlic because that is just the way it is.  Often people do not enjoy a meal that is spicy or has too many herbs in it but it just tastes so much better and a herb can uplift or enhance the flavour of any meal to make it a wow experience.

One thing that we need to remember is that too much of something might not be a good thing and you could spoil your entire meal by adding too much, therefore you have got to be careful when selecting to use herbs and spices as well as wine because again you can alter the taste completely.
Herbs and spices are used to enhance food and a good chef always plans ahead and thinking carefully might be an option for those who are afraid to use the magical ingredients.
Here are a few ideas on herbs and spices that will enhance the flavour of your food and leave your guests wanting more.

Wine is a great ingredient and it can enhance the flavour of meat, pasta, fish and sauces if you use the correct amount.

Garlic is great to use in any meal but you need to avoid using the crushed type as it is very strong and can change the flavour of your food so much so that the garlic overpowers the dish.  By using the clove and slicing it into fine slithers, you will get more flavour then with it crushed.

Parsley is great for many dishes and it is usually best with potato, tomato and steak but it should always be chopped finely to give a hint of flavour to the food.

Black Pepper can be added to many dishes and it is always a good idea to add just a little unless you are making a pepper sauce, you don't want to have the taste of pepper altering the food.

White Pepper tastes delicious in butternut and certain vegetables and if you do use this pepper it is also a good idea to add a drop because again too much can change the desired effect on your food.

Chicken Stock is a good idea to add into meat dishes and fish dishes.  People assume that you should use a fish stock for fish and chicken for chicken but chicken stock is great to enhance the flavour of meat, poultry and fish dishes.

Italian Mixed Herbs are used often and is one of the most popular ones because it works with every meal but you do need to avoid using it on certain vegetable dishes and meat because it can often be a little challenging when a dish is too herby.

Rosemary should only be used for roast dishes because it is a powerful herb that has a strong flavour and when using it, you need to add it to a dish that is a little plain just to boost the boring vegetable like a potato.

There are so many herbs to choose from and some herbs complete a meal like for instance pasta sauce, without Basil does not taste the same.
Herbs are always best fresh and use it sparingly to enhance the flavour and not destroy the taste.

14 on Chartwell

The Umhlanga Village has become one of the busiest places to be seen during the holidays.
Unfortunately when all of the visitors leave, so does the vibe...up until recently.
Most of the restaurants in the village have had a serious revamp along with offering lunch time specials.
14 on Chartwell looks really welcoming and gives you that holiday feel.
The music playing is relaxing, the staff are friendly and efficient and the lunch specials are not skimpy like many of the other competitors in the area.
You can order a cocktail or a drink from the bar and I tried the steak roll which comes with chips. It is not a very big steak but it is a fair portion with a great taste.
One of the other people at my table ordered the beef schwarma and that I wouldn't recommend because it is a wrap, not a schwarma.
Obviously I frequent many of the places to see if consistency can win us over but again there is no consistency with the food as it is different each time you order.
For a relax and a quick lunch special, it is worth a try because you will leave there feeling satisfied.

Lasagne Recipe

Lasagne is a meal worth serving when you have a big family or a few guests because it looks so great and it is always satisfying, if you use the right ingredients and do it properly. Here is a recipe for Italian Lasagne.
You will need Lasagne sheets

Ingredients for the Bolognaise Sauce
1 x onion
1x carrot
1x celery stick
1x garlic clove
tomato puree
a dash of red wine
a pack of mince
Basil
Italian Herbs

Instructions
Finely chop your onions, carrot and celery
Cook the onions on a medium heat until golden brown
Add in the carrot and celery along with the garlic clove that has been sliced thinly
Add in the pack of mince and mash it with a fork for a bit
Add in 1/2 cup of wine and stir then leave it until the wine has drained a little
Add in your bottle of puree and add half a bottle of water
Place a few pieces of Basil into the sauce along with salt, pepper and a tiny bit of sugar (removes acidity of the puree) don't forget the Italian herbs - just a dash
Leave that to cook for about one hour on low heat

Ingredients for the Béchamel Sauce
5 tablespoons butter
4 tablespoons flour
4 cups milk
2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 cup of parmesan cheese finely grated

Instructions
Heat the butter on a medium heat until it is melted
Add in the flour and stir until it is smooth and then golden
Add in your Parmesan and stir
Heat the milk in a saucepan until it is almost about to boil
Add the milk into your flour one cup at a time and whisk it gently
Bring the mixture to the boil and cook it for about ten minutes
Add your seasoning and leave it until you need it

When buying the Lasagne sheets make it easier on yourself and get the ones that you can use without cooking first.
Place a layer of sheets on a buttered dish
Add bolognaise and spread it across the sheets
Add another layer of sheets
Add béchamel and spread across the layer of sheets
Add another layer of sheets
Add the bolognaise and spread it across
Another layer of sheets
Add bolognaise
Add béchamel
Grate mozzarella and parmesan over the top and place it into the oven for about half and hour on medium heat
Once the cheese looks like it has turned golden brown remove from the oven
Leave it to set for about 15 minutes because this gives the lasagne time to settle and it tastes better than just serving it out of the oven

Lingela Elangeni Hotel Durban

If you enjoy buffet food then this is one of the best ones that I have been to in a long time.  The setting is not that great as it is a little canteen looking and I think for a hotel it could do with a décor revamp but the food is amazing and well worth it.
There is a choice of hot and cold starters that include prawn kebabs, smoked Marlin, salads and they also have a cheese selection that includes Parmesan and the usual types but the food selection is fantastic and there is something for everyone.
Tuna and a seafood selection, stir fry which I would highly recommend as this is one of the best ones I have ever had as the staff give you options on what sauces to use to flavour  the food and they cook it well enough.  The roast beef, lamb and chicken selection is also nice and tasty but this is always something that you can find at any buffet except here the meats seem to be monitored and you will not find a dry piece of meat.
The curry selection is also great and if you enjoy curry then this is a close second for curry's in Durban.
The dessert section is alright, I found that they have what everyone else has with the generic cakes that have the artificial flavours but I would suggest you try the crème brulee as this is delicious.
The staff are friendly and willing to help you in anyway possible.
Prices are a little expensive for a buffet but it is worth it and I would recommend that you give it a try because you will return again and again.  You do have to book in advance because they do get full rather quickly.

Hussar Grill Gateway

The name has put many people off and it is because it does not seem like a steakhouse but I would have to say that this is one of the best steakhouses that I have been to in a long time!
The décor is dark and comfortable but for me the table settings are a little awkward if you are going on a date because you might get seated at a booth seat that has two other tables in your conversation.
The old school feel to this place gives me great joy because it is clean, the glasses on the table have been polished and there is not one little speck of dirt on them.  The restaurant music is a great selection and it is played at a decent volume.
The host is not the friendliest but once you get a waiter to seat you the service is excellent and the managers are present at all times.
Now for the food:
I ordered a lamb shank and there is not much that can go wrong with this kind of meal but it does happen.  Luckily for me it did not happen and the lamb shank was huge, tender and very tasty. I found that there was way too much mash on my plate but it was real mash and the sauce was tasty with just enough herbs and wine to enhance the flavour of the tender and very filling lamb.
My partner ordered a T. bone steak Medium rare and it came perfectly cooked medium rare!
For me this shows that the steakhouse chefs know there stuff and they have a right to call themselves a steakhouse or grill.
The only thing I was not too sure about was the plating and this sounds crazy to some but for me hygiene is important and wooden boards with very thick bladed steak knives tend to leave a little sour taste in my mouth because it can cause bacteria.
My food was in a round plate which made it a little difficult for me to cut the lamb off of the bone but it worked well with the sauce.
Would I recommend this restaurant- Absolutely Yes!
Yes to the service
Yes to the cleanliness
Yes to the management
Yes to the waiting period for the food
Yes to the food
They can work on the after sales part because the bill took long but great venue!
I would say that the cut of meat was also excellent and this is a good steakhouse and one of the best in Durban so far.

Old Town Umhlanga

I have to say that the concept is great and from the moment you walk in you feel as though you are in another place.  This store has a bakery, deli, florist, ice - cream parlour and butcher to name a few and if you have a big salary then it is a great place to shop for some luxury food items.
The restaurant itself is always clean and it is a great place to go for a breakfast or a pastry. 
Old Town is based in Umhlanga New Town and I enjoy sitting near the deli section as it is not as loud as the front of the store.
As like many other places to eat, consistency is lacking and if you enjoy a meal here then the chances of having the exact same thing next time, is a little slim.  Management seems to have changed here and there are some friendly faces and one or two managers that show interest.
Breakfast is not the only thing that I recommend because my mother asked me to join her for lunch one afternoon and she ordered a deli plate.  Usually I would not order from a counter with food that has been sitting there all day but it is fresh and it is a good option for a variety.  You can order a meat dish and two veggies which is tasty and fresh too!
I ordered a pasta which I had no expectations about but the sauce was very nice and it does have that taste that lacks in many restaurants....authentic Italian sauce, almost.
I will recommend it because it is an experience and you have to try it at least once.
My suggestion would be to either have a pastry or a breakfast and if you can take some of the deli meats and some bread home then it is worth it as it is always fresh.
I would give the butcher 10 points for cleanliness and knowledge on the products, the bakery 10 points for presentation but the deli foods need a little bit of a refresher as they often look a little tired.
For a concept store the attention to detail is phenomenal and the food is tasty and comes out quickly. The overall experience gets a thumbs up and it has become one of the places that I frequent for a breakfast or a pastry away from the noises of the city.

http://oldtown.co.za/

Deli Plate includes 1 protein, 1 starch and 1 salad

 

The Galley Ballito

If you are looking for great seafood then this is not the place to eat.  The restaurant is always dirty and the service is not good at all.  The menu has changed and the prices have gone up but the quality of food is poor and I would not recommend eating there. 
They do give you a pate when you are seated but it seems a little old and what put me off is that it is stored behind the bar, hopefully in a fridge!
For a good meal experience this is not the place but for a good sea view and a holiday vibe then perhaps a drink only.
Fish is something that really has to be done well and people who own seafood restaurants have got to know their products as consumers can get violently ill.
It sometimes takes more than just the concept to run a business, you do need to have the know how or someone with knowledge on your products.

Guy Fieri's Kitchen - Bar Times Square South Africa

Located in Times Square Pretoria

 Times Square is situated in Pretoria and it is a Sun International venture with a casino, restaurants and a hotel coming soon.
Guy Fieri the star of Diner's, Drive Inns and Dives and the owner of the restaurant that has been voted the best burger in Las Vegas has a restaurant in Times Square Pretoria.
I went to investigate his concept and also to see if his Vegas winning burger is a winner in South Africa.

The décor was a little boring and what greets you is a mechanical bull that can be used for parties and corporate functions. 
The menu's are hard and heavy and the restaurant itself seems a little cold.

As for the food, the kitchen seemed to be very organised and it looked clean from where I was sitting which is a very important factor for me.
The toilets and the entire restaurant was almost clinical which means that hygiene practices are being followed!
There are many options on the menu; burgers, ribs, steak and very American Mac n Cheese.
Prices are a little high and I ordered a cheese burger to test the "best burger" vote.
I liked the presentation of the food it comes on a wooden board with a selection of fries which was a unique touch.
The burger is loaded with shredded lettuce and this gives you the illusion that it is a big portion you are getting but when you remove all the shredded lettuce the burger is a regular size.
I think the best part of my burger was the brioche roll that they use, it was crisp and fresh and delightful.  The beef patty is a home- made one but it was very salty and to be honest I have tasted better burgers.  The cheese was a little burnt but in general I was not overwhelmed by the burger and fail to see how a R130 burger was voted the best in Las Vegas.

Regular Cheese Burger

My sister ordered the ribs which was 300 grams of meat with no bone, she enjoyed it but I found the smoky, sticky barbeque flavour a little too overbearing for my taste buds.

Ribs

The mac n cheese on the side of her plate was delicious and if I could recommend anything there I would suggest the Macaroni cheese.  That sounds strange considering the burger would be what you should recommend but that is not the best burger and the only thing I found tasty was the mac n cheese.

Roast Beef Sandwich

 

I like his show, love his character but his food, not so much!

                                                  Located in Times Square Casino, Pretoria

 

Calabash Sun City Soho

Sun City hotel has a change and that is the Soho village, which has a few more options for entertainment but they have kept the Calabash restaurant which is a dinner buffet at night and their breakfast area by day.
I have never really rated this buffet as one of the best but it has in the past been a quality meal.
My recent visit was sadly not great and I probably won't go back there again.
The options in the entire complex are very few so paying R135 per person for a buffet is not too bad because you might find one thing that you will enjoy.
The restaurant is clean but if you are looking for replacement cutlery then you will have to get it from another table and the waiters are there but only one or two are helpful.
I find that the staff have attitude and there are also only one or two that are friendly, efficient and love what they do, especially the stir fry chef as he interacts with customers as they wait for their food to cook.
I do recommend the stir fry because the food is fresh and tasty but the rest of the food was very poor.
Vegetables were yesterday's news and the roast was extremely dry which led me to believe that it was also reheated and served for a second day.
The desserts were not too bad and colourful with one or two tasty ones, especially the Malva pudding on the first evening.
I find that re - using food might be a good idea when it comes to saving costs but if you are trying to enjoy food for taste then this is not the option for you, except for the stir fry and a dessert or two.