I’m sitting here thinking, and finding it a little hard to review this restaurant. I’m not really sure why, but for some reason it doesn’t inspire me. I love the concept in theory, the place looks great, the food was tasty, service reasonable and cocktails adequate.
I think my problem arises from the fact that it feels just a little too much like Madam Zingara and Cara Lazuli from back in the day. The interiors are similar, with only the theme changing, packed to the brim with “collected items” and the food style is almost identical with a few new dishes thrown in. It’s almost like the owner found a formula that worked creatively and is just recreating it over and over again. Then again, we all know how well that worked out for him, so for both reasons, perhaps he should try something new.
Never the less, I did enjoy my meal there. The place was packed, so there was a wonderful vibe and energy both inside and out. You’re sure to find a wide variety of people visiting the Bombay Bicycle Club and everybody seems to feel at home, which also lends a nice atmosphere. Cocktails and drinks arrived pretty quickly and the waitress was attentive, friendly and knowledgeable about their offerings. Our meals, as I mentioned, were tasty and well proportioned. I really felt like I was getting my money’s worth and was so stuffed after a starter and main that there was no way I was going to fit in dessert, even though I wanted to.
Don’t let my earlier paragraphs fool you, I had a good time, and will definitely be back.
The Bombay Bicycle Club / 158 Kloof Street / Gardens / Tel: 021 423 6805 / www.bombaybicycleclub.co.za
Posted on: November 17th, 2009 BHVanilla
With the new Cape Quarter Extension up and running, we thought we’d have a look at what’s on offer for us foodies. As it turns out, there are a number of options here, mostly surrounding the courtyard in the centre of the building.
Having chosen to visit the CQE (my acronym, not theirs) on the same day they were hosting the “Brandy & Food Festival”, the place was buzzing. A good buzz in the courtyard translates into chaos in the parking however. There’s only one entrance and you’ll find yourself snaking to level K along narrow one-way ramps behind someone who is convinced there is a parking on the higher levels… there isn’t, not even if you creep up on it.
But I digress… Standing in the courtyard facing the prospect of wading through a multitude of people, we voted and chose Vanilla restaurant for two reasons;
1. It was right next to the entrance we emerged from
2. It had pretty pink outside menus
The interiors are quite novel, they clearly had help from professionals. The restaurant itself is quite deceptive in size as it’s broken up into a number of smaller spaces with multiple entrances, hiding the fact that it is actually quite a large double storey venue. Although our section was quite quiet, upstairs overlooking the courtyard seemed to have a nice buzz. This may however have contributed to us waiting 20 minutes for our cappuccinos.
The menu has a good selection, ranging from light meals to full dinners. Don’t expect cafe prices as Vanilla is more of a restaurant, with restaurant prices. Being lunch, we chose a couple lighter options, RL had Lemon Fettuccine and I had the Lamb Burger. While RL’s pasta was interesting, the lemony flavour was a bit much after a few bites. My burger was quite good, presented well and tasty.
All in all, I’d go back and give it another go, perhaps for supper, I think it will make a great spot of those warm summer evenings.
Vanilla / Cape Quarter Extension / De Waterkant / Green Point / Tel: 021 421 1391 / Email: tuscanyb@mweb.co.za
Well this is new. Societi Bistro in the city bowl is offering a drop and go service to their guests. Apparently they’re willing to shuttle you and your guests to and from their restaurant for a fee from R40 a trip within the CBD. The service is only available for lunch service, and will be added to your final bill.
If anybody gives this a try, let us know. We’re dying to know if this works!
Societi Bistro / 50 Orange Street / Gardens / Cape Town / Tel: 021 424 2100 / Email: info@societi.co.za / www.societi.co.za
Looks like Sinn’s near the Virgin Active Gym in Wembley Square is offering some pre-season specials. Starting on the 10th September and ending on the 31st December, Sinn’s is offering lunch and dinner specials
Lunch, served between 11:00 and 16:00, offers you a Gourmet Sandwich for R35 or a Daily Main Special for R45. For Dinner, you can sink your teeth into your choice of meat or fish main course, pairing with a glass of wine, for R85.
Sinn’s Restaurant / Wembley Square / Gardens / Cape Town / Tel: 021 465 0967 / Email: indulge@sinns.co.za / www.sinns.co.za
