Arts on Main and The Attic

by Tara-Zee

So, this one time, my Sunday morning started with a 10 km race (remember, Tilly and I are still training for that little half marathon in April). My running partner for the day (let’s call him Mr Snookychooks) was great – he stuck with me when I was struggling, encouraged me when I managed to breathe instead of wheeze, and didn’t even mock my playlist, well not too much. And he was happy to share some yoghurt, muesli and mango juice with me and Mr T-Z after the race. (Unfortunately there was no coffee or greasy fry-up, as our electricity was down.)

Then Mr T-Z and I decided to head out and the day turned into a perfect date. We started at the Market on Main at Arts on Main (check it out: http://marketonmain.co.za/). My passion for The Drum Decade was reignited as we looked at old Drum covers; memories of the World Cup came floating back as went through some commemorative posters; and the pottery made me wish I had a bigger home and a bookshelf to fill with beautiful bowls. Aaah – and then the food. Such elegant cupcakes, chocolate brownies made by Miss Poppysocks (you can buy your own mixes to take home and impress your friends with your great baking … or, better yet, give them as presents so your friends can bake for you!), fresh veggies, a variety of cheeses and great breads (including my favourite – the summer rye … samurai). We tasted, took in our surrounds and then popped through to Parkhurst for lunch.

Now, you see, Mr T-Z and I love eating out (obviously). But, one of our resolutions for the year was to eat more home-cooked meals. And our success rate has been really good (and when I say “our”, I mean Mr T-Z’s – he has become a pro at planning and preparing dinner and lunches – but that’s for another story). So it was fun for us to go through to one of our favourite restaurants, The Attic. We were seated at a table out of the way enough to give you some privacy, but also good for people spotting. We shared a bottle of the Kleine Zalze Chenin Blanc (perfect for a sunny summer’s afternoon) and started with the chilli-salt squid and the duck dim sum – yum! Mr T-Z went for the Sunday roast (lamb, crispy potatoes and summer veggies), which was rich and tasty. I went for the mussels, which filled my craving for a taste of the sea. And although I have a weak spot for pudding, I was perfectly full, and we chose instead to do more window shopping.

A lazy afternoon on the couch was followed by a platter of delicious things from the morning’s market and the chance to relive a lovely day in the city. 

Byzance and the lone hill

I know what they were thinking. They were thinking “what could possibly be so nice all the way out there in Lonehill?”

Well, let’s just say that I told them so.

You see, I actually live in Lonehill. Which, if you’re not from Johannesburg, will most likely mean nothing to you. It’s a little far from the CBD is all. TZ and Mr. TZ happen to live pretty much in the CBD. It can make dinner arrangements awkward.

I always end up driving to their side (granted, I usually also crash in their guest room). So when I once suggested that they join me for dinner at Byzance, a classy Greek restaurant in Lonehill, I was immediately met with cries of “All the way out there!? No way!” and a hint of “Can’t be that great if it’s in Lonehill.” Snobs.

So, fine. I went with another friend. We’ll call her Barbie, shall we?

Barbie and I love Byzance. She lives even further out than I do, so it’s a great halfway meeting point (okay, it’s close for me).

To get to Byzance, you need to descend stone steps that are flanked by a trinkling waterfall (well, “watertrickle” made no sense). You feel as though you’re walking into the wine cellar of a castle in Europe.

In winter, there are cosy fires (in fireplaces obviously). The interior section of the restaurant is arranged in circular booths that fit up to 8 people at a bit of a squish. Each booth has its own chandelier and they are separated by discreet screens for privacy.

You could also choose to sit at a table in the bar, which is a bit noisier and warm in Winter.

In summer, they throw open the doors to the lake view. (Yip, there’s even a small lake. Take that, non-believers!)

Barbie and I love to meet just before sunset and sit outside on the stone patio overlooking the lake and the lone hill (the suburb had to be named after something). We sip Buitenverwachting Buiten Blanc and munch on deliciously hot triangles of pita bread and Aegean Tapenade (olives, capers and garlic – yum).

We then either get very hungry and order the Souvlaki, or we just order from their extensive Meze menu. My personal favourite is the beef ravioli thingys that we had last time. OMG. It was so good, I try not to think about it too much (too much drool).

As for TZ and Mr TZ: TZ saw a couple of photos and their menu online recently and is keen to do lunch there… Well, it’s a step toward dinner.

PS. The only thing I didn’t enjoy was my crème brulee. But that’s because there wasn’t enough of it!

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!