I attended the launch of Twankey bar and have been back for a drink several times since. I can say confidently that it’s one of my top bar options. I like a place that is stylish, slightly unusual and offers a quality experience. The Twankey bar ticks those boxes, the only thing I don’t like about it is the name. The Twankey is named after a nearby statue of the widow Twankey. I’m glad there is some reason behind why they called it the Twankey bar and I appreciate them trying to create a connection to local culture/history, but that doesn’t stop it from sounding silly.

Initially I was concerned that the tapas were a bit over priced, then I saw and tasted them. The portion sizes are pretty decent and the food is extremely tasty. Make no mistake, the food is not cheap and I would not plan to have dinner there but if you’re hungry and need a snack, you’ll be very happy with their offering. Here’s a sample of the tapas menu to give you an idea of their offering and the prices: Quail spring rolls (R75), prawn tempura (R85), Karoo lamb samoosa (R60), chicken tikka wrap (R55) and chilli poppers (R55). Oyster fans can feed their need with 6 of them at R90.

It’s good to see them selling &Union beers and people are going crazy about their fresh, imported Guiness on tap. I’m not into Guiness myself, although I do read the book of world records occasionaly. It’s a well stocked bar with a good wine selection, many of which are available by the glass at prices ranging from R35 to R90.

The Twankey is a good option, whether you are looking for a quiet drink before dinner or a place for a function (I’ve been to one there already). They can bring in a DJ for you and I think some nights (like Fridays) are becoming quite busy with a good vibe.

Twankey Bar
Taj Hotel, Wale Street. CBD
Tel: 021 819 2000
http://www.tajcapetown.co.za/blog/dining/

]]> http://www.relax-with-dax.co.za/twankey-bar-launch/feed 3 http://www.relax-with-dax.co.za/la-mouette-launch http://www.relax-with-dax.co.za/la-mouette-launch#comments Mon, 31 May 2010 19:45:54 +0000 Dax http://www.relax-with-dax.co.za/?p=2078

There is a space around the corner from where I live in Seapoint. This space has consumed several restaurants before it. In my time, three restaurants opened there and closed again without me seeing one single person enter the establishment. It would take a brave person to open a restaurant there, or someone from out of town. The latter is the case with La Mouette which opened its doors at the beginning of May.

I was invited to the launch and a week later to enjoy a chefs table for media and the like. So I’ve had some exposure to the food, but only under invitation. On both occasions I took my food advisor with me and we were in agreement about the food, so I felt confident in my opinion. I actually went to three launches in that particular week, La Moutte being the first one.

I think it may have been unfortunate for the other two establishments, because La Mouette set the bar very high. The launch was a cocktail function with snacks that were samples of various dishes from the menu. Each and every dish that we tasted we were impressed with. It’s obvious the chef knows what he is doing. The dinner was a similar experience, an array of highly accomplished dishes.

The menu is described as modern French with a Mediterranean influence. Some of the dishes we tried between the launch and dinner were: Truffle and cheese croquettes (these are so good I ate about 17 too many, I should have stopped at 40), Butternut squash soup (so good we both burnt our mouths because we couldn’t wait for it to cool down), chicken liver parfait, bouillabaisse, and sweet corn risotto. Let’s not forget the desserts which were the highlight for some people. The signature dessert is called a gin and tonic, it consists of tonic jelly, gin syrup and lime ice cream. It was really quite something.

The prices are per course, R110 for one, R160 for two and R210 for three. The wine list is quite broad with options in red from R100 (Villiera Down to Earth blend, which I really liked, might get some for home) up to R550 for some more fancy stuff. The point being, you can add wine to your meal without the price jumping through the roof.

They have really done the place up nicely too. This was my first visit to the venue despite it being around the corner from me. It is an excellent venue with a great al fresco courtyard with a fountain. It’s surrounded by a wall so you don’t have the noise of the road intruding. Inside it’s a lovely old building with three fireplaces and several rooms, all nicely decorated in a way that it looks elegant but retains its character.

You’re probably finding this review overly positive, not my usual style. I must think of something bad to say… oh, yes, if I remember correctly I wasn’t very happy with the coffee. But in all seriousness, I was very impressed with La Mouette, I know I will be spending some time there.

La Mouette

78 Regent Road, Seapoint

Tel: 021 433 0856

http://lamouette-restaurant.co.za/

I’ve never really been that impressed with South African TV, but lately that seems to be changing. I wrote about the TV series MAN which has been airing on Friday nights recently. I thought it was pretty good and I’ve also been impressed with another recent series called Way of the Warrior. The other day I was invited to the launch of another new series called Change. This is how the producers describe the show:

This new 8 part series follows Capetonians who controversially explore the vital elements that ensure our survival. Four main characters take the viewer on a thought provoking journey, exploring what forges their communities and the world.

The world we live in is changing, the habits we are addicted to are shaping the environments we depend on, our current way of life is not sustainable. We have to change. The Change Series embarks on an investigation into the root cause of environmental issues and the possible solutions that can revolutionise our future.

The launch was a well executed event, at the New Space theatre in Long Street. We heard a short presentation by the producers of the show (African Renaissance Productions) as well as the partners, Cape Nature and Cape Town TV. We then enjoyed the first two episodes of the series, after which we were able to address questions to the people who had featured in the episodes as they were in attendance.

The episodes we saw were of a very high standard and the content was thought provoking and applicable because it is filmed in Cape Town and features local residents. The discussion afterwards was very interesting and is a good indicator of the impact this series will have in terms of getting people to think about issues which are relevenant to us as not only residents of Cape Town, but a part of the population of this planet.

Change will be on CTV Wednesday 5 May 2010 at 19:30 and repeated on Sunday 20:00.

Find more information at these sites:

http://www.youtube.com/user/MYChangeTV

http://www.facebook.com/pages/CHANGE/351318846696?filter=1

http://www.changetv.co.za

Finally an answer to the question that is on everyone’s lips: What’s the difference between a cappuccino and a flat white? You will hear all sorts of answers to that question but few people are as qualified to answer it as David Donde. Cape Town coffee aficionados will be familiar with Origin coffee and those in the know will be aware that David Donde was the man responsible for establishing that brand.

He has since moved on and started his own coffee distribution enterprise with a coffee shop where people can drink his carefully selected blends and purchase coffee for home use. Truth. Coffee Cult, on the corner of Buitengracht and Somerset Road (in the Prestwich Memorial building), has only been open a few days and the news of a fresh (pardon the pun) coffee option is spreading.

I popped in the other day to check it out and have a chat with David about his concept. He felt that Origin over complicated coffee, with a multitude of blends from a plethora of countries, roasted in various ways. People were getting confused and overwhelmed by the options. At Truth he has simplified everything, offering the customer the result if his years of experience and skill in a small selection of coffee. With five freshly roasted blends to choose from, a patron can select a blend to take home with minimal fuss. One is organic and one decaf, the rest suited to various palates.

Being situated in the monument, makes Truth very different from your average coffee shop. It creates an unusual atmosphere inside but the highlight is the outside area. Shaded by a combination of trees and umbrellas, this al fresco area is surprising quiet and the grassy sections give it the feel of an inner city oasis. An early morning coffee, in the shade of a tree is the most calming way to imbibe your daily caffeine fix.

Because the place is so new, the food offering is still taking shape. They offer small snacks at reasonable prices for those needing to quieten hunger pangs. Parking should be a nightmare but they have secured two bays in the public parking over the road as well as another four in the church next door.

Truth. Coffee Cult is not your average coffee shop, it’s a Cape Town coffee shop.

To answer the question, a flat white is like a cuppuccino but without piles of foam on top. How to make one properly, now that is another question. Pop into Truth and ask David to demonstrate.

Truth. Coffee Cult
Prestwich Memorial, Cnr Buitengracht & Somerset
Tel: 021  419 2945
www.truthcoffee.com

I attend launches for two reasons: You and me. I know that Relax with Dax readers want to be kept up to date with developments in the restaurant/social scene, so I make an effort to attend launches and report back. In order to do this, a launch has to incorporate certain elements and if those elements are there, it will be one of the better launches. The first element is the press release, which I would call the media release as online is not press. Which raises another important point for the PR people who are reading this, bloggers don’t need very high resolution pics and we don’t need to receive releases three months in advance, those are important for print, not online. So send different releases at different times with different size photos. Ok, I’m getting distracted. So the media release is the first important element because it tells me about the place and helps me decide if it is worthwhile reporting on/attending. The second element is the food, if it’s a restaurant I want to taste some of the food otherwise how do I know if we (that’s you and me) want to eat there? Not serving food is only slightly worse than serving snacks that aren’t on the menu. Then the third element is the tour or presentation. Just going to a new place doesn’t really help me to write about it, I need someone to show me around and tell me about the place and what makes it special. It does help if that person is excited and passionate (maybe hot too) like Michelle who gave me a tour of Cafe Chic, but more on that later.

Those three elements of a launch help me to obtain the information so I can write about it. So that’s for the readers, the second reason I attend launches is for me, because I like to check out new places and I like to enjoy myself. Attending many launches can become a bit of a chore, so if it’s a boring launch with no food and a cash bar, I will be out of there in five minutes because I have better things to do. If I can stay and socialise and enjoy myself, I will leave with a positive impression. Lastly, I am quite shy, so I appreciate being able to take a partner to these events in case I don’t know anybody there and have to talk to strangers.

Thanks for putting up with my little aside, here are my thoughts on the all new Cafe Chic, which is directly opposite Limoncello (which is a great little place and has a private dining/function room upstairs. Click here for a list of places which offer that) in Gardens.

Cafe Chic is a multi function venue, which can work but it can also prevent the place from standing out due to a lack of focus. They tout themselves as restaurant, lounge, boutique and patisserie. It is definitely a restaurant, but the other elements cannot be so easily defined. The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and supper and comprises two rooms: the main dining room for more formal eating and the ‘sun room’ which is more suited for breakfast and tapas, etc. They have tried to be creative and distinct with their menu, for instance the breakfast options are distinctly non standard with items like French toast (R42) described as pan-fried brioche with preserved ginger, grilled peaches and mascarpone. The breakfast sandwich (R52) is a ciabatta filled with Kassler chop, scrambled eggs and mushrooms. They have a pastry chef who ensures there is a selection of delectable pastries available all day, either for consumption there or to take away.

Some of the breakfast options are available for lunch along with, amongst others, their burger (R55), steak (R70) and Ceasar salad (R65). They have a tapas menu ranging from R35 to R45 as well. Dinner starters range from R32 (caprese salad) to R130 (foie gras – lets try not to start the foie gras debate in the comments below). They have two vegetarian options and some seafood options (linefish is R105), and meat options (R145 for sirloin, R115 for Rib eye). I was surprised at how reasonable the prices are as the place looks like it should be really expensive.

Cafe Chic consists of two old houses which have been combined and renovated. Which means there is plenty of space and so there are several areas and each has a function. Leaving the dining rooms, one encounters the whisky bar which offers an impressive selection of whiskies in a quieter, lounge space. Off this bar is the boutique where you can purchase some one of a kind clothing items. I’ve never understood the boutique attached to a restaurant thing, but anyway. In the to other direction is the main bar, off that is a lounge which becomes a dancefloor later in the evening. Then past the dancefloor is the Moroccan chill out tent, a quieter lounge where you can escape the loud music and have a conversation and relax.

I mentioned earlier that a multi function venue can lose focus, but I think they have a good offering. I can see myself having some dinner, going through to the bar for a few drinks, ending up on the dance floor and then winding down in the chill out room. Nice to not have to go to different venues to do that in one evening.

The decor is quite over the top, but I like it. It has that slightly opulent feel to it which makes you feel like you are spoiling yourself. Initially it can seem a bit smart or formal, but I think it doesn’t take itself that seriously and this will become evident with familiarity. I recommend you check it out, I know I’m looking forward to my first dinner there.

Cafe Chic
7  Breda Street, Gardens
021 465 7218

The launch was a most enjoyable event as is often the case when there are free cocktails all night. However, it wasn’t just the cocktails that made the event as enjoyable as it was, they also had Nick Matthews playing some very funky tunes.

The layout of the place is basically the same as Baraza was, but they have made some changes to the decor. The wood has been painted white (or maybe silver if you look closely) which makes the place much lighter and summery. In addition they have some new modern looking furniture and some very cool light fittings and other pieces hanging from the ceiling. The press release describes it as ‘contemporary chic’.

They have a large cocktails list with some signature cocktails for those who like to try something new. They ranged from R30 to R50 each. Food is also available and is prepared by the Blues kitchen next door (same owners).

I enjoyed the launch and ended up leaving quite late and a large number of cocktails happier. But I ended up back at Sapphire the next Sunday, after lunch at The Roundhouse Rumbullion. Which means I can tell you about more than just the opening. The place was quite full, which is a good sign although it meant that my group of ten had to stand at the bar as there were no seats available. However, I mentioned to the hostess that we would like a table if one became available and they kindly organised a large table for us within about twenty minutes.

The music was initially quite harsh, especially for a pleasant summer afternoon. Fortunately the DJ finished his set and the replacement DJ played more funky tunes (or maybe the tequila blacks were making the music sound better, I’m not sure). We had a fun time and were quite impressed at how reasonably priced the drinks were. Feedback from my group was that they liked the place and would definitely return.

Sapphire Cocktail Bar
Camps Bay

This week I went to the launch of the new restaurant on Steenberg estate, Bistro 1682. Those of you familiar with Steenberg will know that it is a top notch estate where every aspect is stylish and classy. I have reviewed the excellent and reputable Catharina’s restaurant before.

Bistro 1682 continues in these high standards, not only through the venue, but through the menu too. The venue consists of a tasting lounge, and restaurant which each boast a large al fresco area with lovely pools and gardens.

Here are some pictures of the restaurant, tasting room and tasting lounge, but bear in mind the pictures do not do the place justice. It is a huge space and decorated in a summery, light style.

We ordered off the menu for lunch which is a great way of finding out what the restaurant food is all about. I find it strange when restaurants have launches and you don’t get to taste the dishes on the menu. I ordered the duck salad starter (we didn’t see the prices). The other diners at the table ordered the crayfish souffle, the asparagus spears and the beetroot salad. We weren’t unhappy with our starters, but the mains stole the show. Well, my main in particular.

I had the beef tataki (pictured below with the charcuterie platter) and it was amazing, everyone who tasted it loved it. The salmon sandwich was a little disappointing, the rib-eye steak with bernaise sauce was pretty good and the charcuterie platter was excellent, showcasing local cured meats.

I did get a look at the breakfast menu, because I will definitely be coming here for breakfast. Apparently they make their own bacon, which already interests me. Bacon and eggs is R52, eggs benedict, R55 and scrambled eggs and salmon R58. I’m told (by the chef) the scrambled eggs are the best in the world.

They are not open in the evening but serve a tapas menu from 5pm to about 7:30pm. It looks very enticing, with hints of authentic Spain. Options like chorizo, baby octopus, gambas, sardines and whitebait are on offer along with the beef tataki, anti pasti plate and several more. Prices range around R40 to R45.

One thing which I was really impressed with was that the wines are available at cellar prices. More estates should do this, it would make them much more appealing. To be able to order a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc for R50, makes dining at Bistro Sixteen82 (which is apparently how it is written) a very reasonably priced experience. More money to spend on the awesome food.

Go and check it out, if you time it right, you’ll see me there!

Bistro Sixteen82
Steenberg Estate, Tokai
Tel: 021 713 2211
www.steenberg-vineyards.co.za