Myoga is one of two restaurants at the Vineyard Hotel, the other being The Square, know for its fining dining experience and world class fusion cuisine. Chef Mike Bassett is also responsible for other well know venues like Ginja & Shoga.
We decided to make a meal of it, excuse the pun, and reserved the Private Dining table, a “romantic space for up to 18 people”… in truth, it’s the wine cellar that could have been the set for numerous gangster movies, all it was missing was the low hanging cloud of cigar smoke. Add some candles, some appropriate music and maybe lose the velvet tablecloth and it could be very romantic. For our table of 12, romance wasn’t really the goal so it wasn’t really surprising when conversation turned to wondering if they’d notice if we swiped a few bottles of the shelves.
We, your devoted EA reviewers, had all come with a purpose however, to try the 6 course tasting menu. We’d heard rave reviews about it so felt it only appropriate to give it the EA stamp of approval.
Firstly, this meal can be paired with wines but our waiter commented that “it’s only really two or three sips” and that we were better of ordering a bottle of wine, either a cunning sales ploy or a waitron faux pas. At R150 for the unpaired option, we decided to splash out and get a bottle.
The choices in the menu are somewhat limited but you do get a choice of main, in case you don’t eat red meat. All the selections are noticeably Asian fusion dishes, like the Pumpkin Miso soup. I was the only one to try the Linefish with Risotto and candied chillies. Personally I thought mine choice was better than the Fillet everyone else chose but I may have been swayed by the candied chillies… they were really tastey, and especially when combined with a lemon risotto and fresh grilled fish. The dessert was a “floating chocolate cake”… sounds dramatic, doesn’t it? Well, sorry to say that while it is a airy sponge cake it doesn’t get served like a helium balloon. It is actually floating in a bowl of chocolate sauce, well was supposed to be. By the time I looked, the cake has sucked up all the sauce and while unimpressive as the name suggested, tasted very good, especially when drowned further in pouring cream, clearly not Weigh-less endorsed or Heart Foundation approved but life is short so you might as well enjoy it.
The reason I’ve only mentioned 3 of the 6 courses is because those are the only ones I could remember. Sadly nothing really stood out for me and while the menu was “diverse” I wasn’t sold on the overall experience.
I wouldn’t not recommend it, it just wouldn’t be the first place I thought of if someone asked if I knew anywhere good to eat. I suggest maybe opting to eat in the main restaurant where the atmosphere is a bit more lively and where you don’t have to wait for your waiter to come back down stairs for you order another drink.
Myoga / The Vineyard Hotel / 60 Colinton Road / Newlands / Cape Town / Tel: 021 657 4545 / Email: eat@myoga.co.za / www.myoga.co.za
Last night BH and I thought we’d give the Sevruga Degustation Menu a try. We’d heard a lot about it, were in the Waterfront, and felt tempted.
Luckily, we were not disappointed. There is a variety of dishes to choose from and they all sounded delicious. The Wild Mushroom and Truffle Tortellini was subtle and fresh, while the Seafood Tempura is always popular. Be careful though, this dish can be hot!
The Seared Tuna and Beef Bourgeon were up to Sevruga’s usual high standard, but some of the real stars of the night were the desserts, and amazingly enough, the palate cleanser. Rarely will something so small stand out, but I simply could not get enough of the Muscadel and verjuice jelly. Wonderful! The Van der Hum Crème Brûlée was perfectly complemented with orange madeleine and the Apple Tarte Tatin by creamy ice cream. Hmmm…
The wines which are paired with the dishes are a good selection, and healthy servings. None of this two sips and you’re done rubbish. Be warned though, that means a fair amount of wine.
In fact, all the servings are generous for what is essentially a tasting menu, and we both walked out pleasantly stuffed.
http://www.sevruga.co.za/degustationmenu.html
Sevruga Restaurant / Shop 4 / Quay 5 / V&A Waterfront / Tel: 021 421 5134 / Email: info@servuga.co.za / www.sevruga.co.za
Posted on: June 18th, 2009 BHLa Playa
Okay, before I start I should mention that it had been a tough day in the office and this review may be unjustly harsh…
So, La Playa (pronounced la ply-a apparently) is another V&A restaurant trying to get through the economic slowdown restaurants are currently facing.
It seems like La Playa put in some effort to create a vibey spot but I’ve never seen it full… or even half full. Sadly the slick image stops at the door… the menu is limited and a little “coffee shop” but with V&A prices. We sampled the Spaghetti Bolognaise (R60) and the La Playa Burger (R62) with extra Cheese (+R12). Presentation was non-existant and I think I got R12 worth of cheddar on my burger… well, enough to be chewy once it congealed. Also, it may be time for an oil change in the chip frier. The Spaghetti was a fair plateful but quite ordinary.
On the plus side, the Cappucinos are very nice and so is their tap water…
With many restaurants closing around Cape Town since the recession started, those left behind either pull out all the stops to keep the crowds coming or just grin and bear it, cutting costs (and their reputation) where they can… I can only hope those left standing strive for the first approach, not the later.
La playa Cafe / Shop 6105 / V&A Waterfront / Tel: 021 418 2800 / www.la-playa.co.za
As most know, winter in Cape Town is a time for dining at a discount, or tempting your taste buds with special menus, usually paired with wines. Here are a few we’ve been told about. (Prepare yourself, this is a long one.)
Cape Town:
Alba Lounge
Two pastas and two glasses of wine for R100
Every day
021 425 3385
Andiamo
Two pastas and two glasses of wine for R100
Every day, lunch and dinner
021 421 3687
Aubergine
Two courses R185 / three courses R245
Every day
021 465 4909
Balducci’s
All pizzas at R49 (except the Flaming Prawns)
Everyday, Noon - 5.00pm until the end of July
021 421 6002/3
Belthazar
Rib-eye steak with sauce, side salad and as many fries as you want R99
Everyday
021 421 3753
Bravo
1kg of prawns R69
Monday to Friday lunch and Tuesday evenings until the end of June.
021 439 5260
Bungalow
Crayfish R100 / Lamb Shank R100 / half price cocktails & tapas between 5pm and 7pm
Every day
021 438 0007
Caprice
Two of their legendary burgers for the price of one.
Lunch and dinner, Monday to Thursday.
3 Course meal with Heineken R80
Friday nights
021 438 8315
Catharina’s
Two course set lunch menu with glass of wine R125 / three course set lunch menu with glass of wine R165 / Three course set dinner menu with glass of wine R195.
Every day
021 713 3222
Five Flies
Two course menu and glass of wine for R125
Monday, Wednesday and Friday
021 424 4442
Harbour House
Three course R150 / Two course R130
Every day except Sunday lunches.
021 788 4133
Myoga
Six course menu R150, paired with wines R225
Dinner only, every day until end August.
021 657 4545
Pepenero
Rump with fries and sauce R80 / half price sushi / seafood platter for one R110 / 1kg of prawns with chips or rice R100 / oysters R9 each / sushi platter R90 / Osso Bucco with mash R90 / pasta of the day R55
Every day
021 439 9027
Salushi (Claremont)
Half price sushi until 5pm / standard starter and noodle dish R70
Every day
021 671 4271
Sevruga
Four course Degustation Menu R190 / Four course Degustation Menu with wines R250
Every day
021 421 5134
Sinns
Two courses with a glass of wine R100 / three courses with a glass of wine R125
Every day
021 465 0967
Tank
Half price sushi
Every day
021 419 0007
The Foodbarn
Three course meal R175
Every day
021 789 1390
The Kove
Parties of 4 get one of the meals free / half price on entire menu between 5pm & 6:45pm / 2 courses with glass of wine R100, 3 courses with glass of wine R130
Every day
021 438 0004
Tobago’s at the Radisson
25% off tables of 4 or more
Until end of June.
021 441 3000
Tuscany Beach
Order two main courses, get one free / 20% of all sushi and oysters
Every night and lunches Monday to Friday.
021 438 1213
Winelands:
Buitenverwachting
Three courses and a carafe of wine R230
Every day until end September.
021 794 3522
Constantia Uitsig
Three lunch courses R200, with carafe of wine R230 / 3 dinner courses R240, with carafe of wine R280
Every day until end September.
021 794 6500
Cuvee at Simonsig
Two courses with a glass of wine R125 / three course with a glass of wine R165
Until end June.
021 888 4932
Jonkershuis at Groot Constantia
Starter and main from the Cape Malay themed buffet R100 / add dessert R110
6pm to 9pm weekdays until end August.
021 794 6255
La Colombe
Three lunch courses R210, with carafe of wine R240 / 3 dinner courses R250, with carafe of wine R290
Every day until end September.
021 794 6500
Terroir
Two courses R150 / three courses R195
Every day until end September.
021 880 8167
Event Specials:
Cape Colony restaurant at the Mount Nelson
Four course pairing R350
Last Thurs of each month until end October.
021 483 1948
Salt at the Ambassador hotel
Four course pairing R350
Last Thursday of each month until end October.
021 439 7258
Continuous Specials:
Balducci’s
180g Gourmet burgers from R55
Every day
021 421 6002/3
Cafe Sofia
Cooked breakfast for R20
Every day
Sevruga
Twenty six piece sushi platter R110 / seafood tasting platter R110 / sushi half price between 2pm and 5pm and all day Sunday.
021 421 5134
Societi Bistro and The Labia
Two pizzas and two Labia movie tickets R70
Monday and Tuesdays.
021 418 9483
TH: **
GS: **
RL: **
BH: **
Average Rating: **
We get it, we do. It’s tough to want to start a restaurant, to bring something new to the table, and cause a stir in the dining industry.
HQ’s solution is quite a novel one, they serve Sirloin, and only Sirloin. You don’t get a choice of sauce, or starter, or side. You get Sirloin, chips and salad. Finished, klaar. There is no negotiating, no additional options. I drill this into you, because it’s an important feature in the restaurant, and you think you’ll be able to handle it. You think you’ll be ok going out to dinner and taking what comes your way. But you won’t. You really won’t
Maybe it’s just me, maybe I’m a control freak. But once I sat down and they reiterated the point of the restaurant I started to feel anxious. I want more freedom, I want to be a little different, I want to satisfy my needs. I find myself saying to the waitress, “but what about…?” No. The answer is no.
The said waitress is however very friendly, and clearly used to dealing with questions. Not so used to actually taking the orders and bringing them to you however. In fact, all the staff seemed to be running around a little like chickens with their heads chopped off, and we had so many people coming to our table over and over to ask the same questions, we weren’t sure who to turn to by the end of it. Additionally, even though we placed our drinks order with 3 people, and reminded them every now and again, we still didn’t get said beverages in a reasonable amount of time, nor did our requested breadsticks ever arrive.
The Sirloins however, did make an appearance (as one would expect) and although they were tasty with their herb and butter sauce, they weren’t very exciting and a little tough. Nice meat, but nothing to write home about. I was however surprised that they didn’t seem to get the preparation right. The medium rare dishes were so rare they were practically making noises. If you’re only serving one option, you really want to make sure you get it right. Perfect even. I might go back if I was in the mood for a bit of novelty, but that will only be once in a blue moon, or if I want to entertain an out-of-towner.
Desserts too were a bit of a disappointment. We couldn’t decide if the Cheesecake was a Baked Cheesecake or a Fridge Cheesecake, which worried us a little. On top of this it didn’t have much flavour, while the Creme Caramel, which I’ve been testing everywhere I go, had that same burnt caramel taste that I keep coming across. Is it really that difficult to make a Creme Caramel? I’m pretty sure you can buy them from Woolies and just stick them in the microwave to heat up.
Excuse me, I’m being rude. The restaurant really wasn’t that bad. I had fun with friends, I walked away well fed, thirst quenched, and had a good laugh at my own neurosis, so I guess we did ok. The decor is well put together, with beautiful lighting, even if it does attack the staff on occasion. The bookcase on the back corner wall was a little out of place, but hey, lets call it homey. The atmosphere was lively, and I did have a good time despite the little things.
Ambiance: ***
Service: **
Food: **
Wine: *
Bathrooms: **
HQ Restaurant and Bar / Heritage Square / 100 Shortmarket Street / Cape Town / Tel: 021 424 6373 / www.hqrestaurant.co.za
Posted on: June 4th, 2009 RLTank
After a recommendation from one of our readers, BH and I decided to test out Tank in the Cape Quarter last night and on the whole, we were not disappointed.
To begin with, we were pleasantly surprised to find out that there’s an entire inside section, hidden around the corner from the lounge and courtyard seating. Who knew? I’d always wondered what they do in bad weather…
This hidden interior proved to be a beautiful space; contemporary and trendy with atmospheric lighting and energetic music. The fish tanks themselves are, of course, fantastic and pristine. This too impressed me, as I find that so many restaurants with fish tanks never keep them clean. Well done to Tank!
We also realised that Tank is so much more than just sushi. The steamed mussels and fish cakes were greatly enjoyed as starters and the kudu venision looked delicious. All were beautifully presented. Ironically, the only disappointing dishes were the sushi items. They looked a little clumsy, as though they had been cut with a blunt knife, and I also found the tuna to be a little mushy.
This however did not put me off the restaurant, and I will gladly go back. Service was friendly and efficient, and prices were pretty reasonable as you should be able to find something to suit any budget.
Tank / Cape Quarter / 72 Waterkant Street / De Waterkant / Cape Town / Tel: 021 419 0007 / www.the-tank.co.za
