A Day of Eating

by Tara-Zee

So, this one time, Tilly and I had to work on a Saturday. (Well, not just that one time, really, but that’s the nature of the job.) Inevitably, it turned into a day of shared meals. We met at the gym to try to squeeze in a workout before facing the day ahead, only to have the lights go off as we turned into our parkings alongside each other. Some might abandon the gym immediately in such circumstances, but hey, we needed to shower! And once we’d done so, the lights returned – and with them, the inspiration to stop in at Kauai: two skinny cappuccinos, a muffin and muesli and yoghurt – to share. Aah – that muffin with the little cappuccino-flavoured chocolate chips and the nice crunchy outer – yum; and when halved and eaten between mouthfuls of muesli and yoghurt, what could be healthier?

Work lunch was finger foods, including mini sandwiches on the deck. Way over catered, but a good array of veggie options (mmm, cheese and gherkin), chicken mayo, beef with way too much mustard, and some different combinations like cream cheese and pineapple (on white bread – clearly sticking to a colour palette).

Then we were done. And there was nothing to do, but head to a drinking establishment. But first, we needed something fabulous and new to wear. We felt glam; we were welcomed by the concierge at the Melrose Arch Hotel like we belonged there, and the receptionist showed us to the first floor and their famous drinks deck – yip, that’s the one with the tables in the pool. I should have worn a skirt (Tilly’s dress was perfect), but I rolled up my slacks, we ditched our sandals on the side of the pool, and we took our place with our feet dangling in the water.

Waitron 1: “Can I get you ladies a drink?”

Tilly: “The menu would be great, thanks.”

Menu in hand, we decided it was definitely a cocktail moment.

Me: “We’ll have one cosmo and one strawberry daiquiri please?”

Waitron 2: “Are you guests here?”

Seriously – we’ve been here for 10 minutes, have been welcomed by 5 people, and you are the first to ask?!

Tilly (picture the look on her face): “No.”

Waitron 2 (timid smile): “Sorry, we only serve hotel guests. But can I interest you in a dessert?”

(Tilly’s facial expression turns to WTF. I’m a bit slower – I think, “Ooh, pudding!” – and then realise we’ve pretty much just been kicked out of the Melrose Arch Hotel Bar.) We left – having dried our feet on the hotel towel.

Never stumped, we headed to Moyo for a bottle of Haute Cabriere Chardonnay/Pinot noir. “And can we get the potato and pea samoosas, the cheese samoosas and the snoek pate – to share?” Who’d have thought they could make potato and pea taste so good together? 

The texture is just right, although the cheese samoosas were definitely a winner. (FYI the snoek pate was a little too runny and tasted better on the complimentary bread than the toast served alongside it.) A few hours (and way too many secrets) later, we were ready for dinner, elsewhere.

Making a grand entrance to Grand Central (well, I didn’t bump into anyone or trip over anything, which at that point was grand enough), we headed to a corner table.

Me: “Mmm – I feel like pudding.” (That woman at the Melrose Arch Hotel really got into my head.)

Tilly: “Pizza it is then – you know you need some proper food.” (She really knows best.)

Me: “You order the food and I’ll pick the wine.” (Pizza sans vino is just not the same.)

Tilly’s choice was perfect: cheese, salami and avo – and what was even better was that they plated it (stylishly) for two. My choice in the rosé wasn’t as great, but overall, it was a lovely end to a full Saturday. And their takeaway packaging, is just lovely – which is just as well, as I was ready for bed!