Tag: food

Day 8 – I went out

Posted on

I did. We needed shopping, so I went to the shop.

Obviously, everywhere was much quieter than usual, but not empty. Several (or more) cars on the roads, as well. My chosen supermarket had a one-in, one-out policy running to limit the number of shoppers in the place, but I was there early enough to not have to queue, although there was quite a wait by the time I left.

There was plenty of hand sanitiser available and it was being liberally squirted everywhere while I was in there. There were lots of people in face masks and lots of people not using face masks very well, although the best effort at pseudo-PPE was a guy in DIY safety specs, who had tissue paper wrapped around his lower face. When I saw him, I spluttered with laughter, eliciting immediate glances of concern from the paranoid shoppers around me.

As far as stock went, it was mostly ok. Frozen veg was gone, canned veg was a little short, and the range of fresh veg wasn’t great. So yes, veg was a bit of an issue. There were weird holes in the shelves: jam, chicken, rusks and rooibos tea all AWOL. But generally it was a reasonable experience – nowhere near as weird as I thought it would be – and now we’re stocked up for the next couple of weeks. I might not have to go out again. Ever.

Now that I – and through me, the family – have been exposed to the outside world again, we’re going to be doing even more handwashing and not touching of faces for the next few days. I’ve already disinfected the car and left the shopping bags on the washing line to bake any viruses off in the sun.

Dine your heart out with the most expensive meals around the world 

Posted on

Whether you’re a self-proclaimed foodie or someone who enjoys satisfying your palette, we’re sure you’ve once dreamed of travelling the world to try out some new, glorious cuisine. 

Over time the world has evolved, and chefs have become better at making food that is so delicious that anyone would want to splurge when travelling. So, if you ever score on your lucky lotto numbers and you enjoy the food scene, you will find many restaurants to visit when you’re travelling overboard that will give you everything you need. 

So, without further ado, let’s take a look where you can dine out when travelling abroad. 

Lobster Frittata, New York

Now, of course, New York would be on the list because it is one of the best places to travel to, not only for the food. New York is one of the world’s leading metropolises for art, fashion, theatre, and obviously, food. And, if you’re obsessed with lobster and omelettes, then you’ve come to the right place. Norma sells “The Zillion Dollar Lobster Frittata”. And you may be wondering why it is so expensive, well, the omelette includes Sevruga caviar, which is the main factor that contributes to the price. This meal’s sold for $2000 (R30 261,36), but if you’re not willing to pay that amount, there is a smaller frittata with less caviar that’s $200 (R3 026,14). 

Kyoto Kitcho Arashiyama, Kyoto

Japan is known for its colourful and vibrant culture, but their food is also out of this world. This is a restaurant that thrives on history and family legacy. The Chef, Kunio Tukuoka, took over from his father who took over from his grandfather, so you can clearly see the pattern here. But, enough about the family history; Kyoto Kitcho Arashiyama in Kyoto has a 10-course meal that won’t only blow your mind…but your money too. 

The meal is at least $599.49 (R9 069,68) per person, but it is worth it, well for those who can afford it. As mentioned, it is a 10-course meal that has rounds of sashimi, grilled and steamed food, rice, pickled veggies and desserts. And that’s only the half of it. So, if you happen to ever go to Japan and have money to splurge, this should definitely be one of the places you go to. And, as big as this meal is, at least you won’t be hungry anytime soon. 

Paris Chef Guy Savoy’s restaurant 

France, especially Paris, is known for being a passionate city with one of the best cuisines And Guy Savoy Monnaie does not disappoint when it comes to making an exquisite dish that speaks to your soul, and makes your heart skip a beat. 

This restaurant was open in 2015. It overlooks the Louvre and the Pont Neuf, and the restaurant offers a menu with 13 courses. Just like the Japan dish, you’re guaranteed to leave with a happy and full stomach. The meal is described best as a feast of “textures, colours and mouth watering flavours.” The cost of the meal is $536.63 (R8 111,86), which includes duck, lobster, artichoke soup with black truffles and more. 

Unfortunately, this overpriced meal does not come with any beverages, so you will need to set money aside for that too. But, the delightful dishes are sure to make your experience in The City of Lights worthwhile. For those who have been dying to go to Paris, the best time to travel is from April to June or October to early November when the weather is enjoyable, so make sure your travel package is inline so you can have the whole experience. 

Burger Brasserie, Las Vegas

Sin City never disappoints. Whether you’re going to see the Bellagio Fountains, the breathtaking shopping mall, Caesar’s Palace, the slot machines, the people or the food, Las Vegas is known for having some of the many award-winning restaurants and just about anything. Now, if you’re someone who loves a good ol’ burger, you need to try the Burger Brasserie in Las Vegas. It’s a Paris resort restaurant that serves a Kobe beef and Maine lobster burger for $777 (R11 746,92). Now, you may be wondering why it’s so expensive, well, apart from it being a French cuisine, the burger comes with pancetta, goat cheese, seared foie gras, arugula, main lobster and 100 years aged balsamic paired with a BTL salad. Now, if that isn’t enough to make your mouth water, maybe the fact that the dish is accompanied by a bottle of Rose Dom Perignon Champagne, just might. 

Ibiza, Spain 

Two years ago, Michelin 2-star chef, Paco Roncero, opened a dinning operation in Ibiza called the Sublimotion. Now, this may be one of the most expensive meals in the world, but it is worth it. Not only is the food amazing, but the setting and ambience tops it off too. 

The room has a screen that rotates different vibes making sure your meal goes well with the scene. It goes from food to tech and art, making an all-together phenomenal experience. 

This is a three-hour experience, with seating arrangements enough for 12 guests at a table and 25 professionals serving you. The 15-20-course tasting meal costs over $1 700 (R25 701,11) per person. 

Malta

Malta, which is an island state located in the Mediterranean Sea, south of Sicily, gives people a taste of a decadent white truffle and gold pizza which costs $2 420 (R36 615,69). However, prices may change depending on the truffle market. And, to answer your question as to why pizza would be so expensive. Well, according to the menu, “This is not just a pizza, this is a sign from God telling you how great She is.” So, there you have it folks, God’s favourite dish. The pizza is only available when white truffles are in season, which is from October to May. The pizza contains white truffles, fresh organic water buffalo mozzarella, and a 24-carat gold leaf. So, for individuals who enjoy a slice of pizza, make sure you give this pizza a try. 

Italy, Salerno 

They say you’ve never had pizza until you’ve tried an Italian one. And Renato Viola has pizza that’s fit for royalty. They say this is not because it’s huge, but because it is one by far the most expensive pizza sold at $9315,71 (R141 026,81). The pizza is made by Renato Viola, who is one of the best master pizza chefs in Italy. He’ll also make this for you in the comfort of your own home. As expensive as it is, it is anything but mediocre. 

This pizza has mouthwatering additions on top, such as mozzarella di bufala, lobster and caviar that’s travelled from various places around the world. Now, if that doesn’t tickle your fancy, we don’t know what will. This restaurant stays true to going all out, serving a pizza suitable for a leader: served with a fine beverage such as cognac and champagne. 

Sydney, The Lord Dudley Hotel 

Chef Paul Medcalf changed the ball game when it comes to pie. The Posh Pie bursts with flavour. Inside, it has two cuts of two different types of premium beef,  two whole west Australian rock lobsters and two bottles of Penfold Grange Reserve. The Posh Pie also comes with winter black truffles and dried Italian porcini mushrooms inside. And, lastly, to finish the look of the pie, it comes with a German gold leaf. Now you know why it’s called a Posh Pie.

Are you ready to dine your heart out?

If your mouth is watering, no worries because you aren’t alone. Although this isn’t all the food in the world, these are the ones that we’re sure will give you and your stomach a memorable experience. So, start saving, bet online and do what you need to to ensure you get to taste all the marvels of the world. 

Out for dinner last night

Posted on

(…and every night.)

Busy day today, so let me slip this in quickly before anyone notices (careful now).

We were out or a quick dinner last night at a restaurant that I have visited before, on several occasions. I glanced at the menu, but that really was all I needed to do.

It’s the age-old quandary, isn’t it? Be dull and go with what you know (but equally, what you know will be good), or live a little and try something a bit different (but which will still cost you R200 and might be crap).

I almost always err on the side of caution when making these decisions, because yes, it might be rather boring, but I’m not prepared to waste money and ruin my evening by choosing something that actually turns out to be rubbish.

Bentley Oyster Bar and Bistro

Posted on

UPDATE: 26th November 2013

While this meal continues to live long in the memory for all the right reasons, I would strongly advise that you do not give this institution your cellphone number when booking a table. I have been spammed several times each week since our visit inviting me to sample their bottomless ribs, steak and oyster special or a “classic comedian” (amongst others).
All of these messages clearly contravene the Electronic Communications and Transactions Act of 2002 by having no opt-out link within them and by not having my express permission to contact me in this way in the first place.
It’s putting me right off the place. A lot. 

Not to be confused with Bentley’S Oyster Bar & Grill – that’s in London. But this one is tucked just off Dreyer Street in Claremont, Cape Town and we went there last night.

And before we even got there, the free, secure underground parking was a big plus, especially given the miserable weather.
But then, first impressions of the actual restaurant were mixed: the place looks great – big bling, mirrors, phat couches, heavy silk curtains and chandeliers. But it also looked very empty. In fact, aside from a couple of guys at the bar, it was just us. And that’s never a great ad for a place.

Still, there’s a good choice of local (mainly Bosun’s) beers on tap, an interesting selection of cocktails and the menu does look fairly awesome, with Tapas, Oysters (durr!) and Mains all very tempting. I began with a Johnny Gold Weissbier and Mrs 6000 had their (generously measured) eponymous Bentley cocktail and we chilled to the 80s mixtape (Paul Young, The Cure, Evoid, Duran Duran).
All was good as we headed starterward [menu].

I had to try the spicy Bloody Mary Oyster shot and I was not disappointed. It was super tasty and did everything it said it would and left me ready to hit the mains. Mrs 6k played safe with the deep fried Camembert, coated in black and white sesame seeds and cranberry sauce – amazing value at just R20. I should probably slip in a quick word about the service here, which was prompt and attentive (as it should have been with no-one else around), but not too much “in yer face” at all.

Then it was fish time. A really decent sized portion of Norwegian Salmon for the missus, cooked to perfection and served with roast potatoes and spring veg. And I went large with their Seafood Platter.

One word (unnecessarily punctuated): Su. Perb.

Because let’s just run through what exactly that entails, shall we?

4 really, really good fresh oysters, 2 deep fried oysters, 6 prawns, a big chunk of linefish (Kingklip, last night), tentacles and 6 mussels, served with rice, chips and veg. I didn’t know where to start. It seemed to go on forever. But was I paying for quantity and no quality?
Well, no. Every last mouthful was wonderful. Best value ever at R180.

After all that, there was no room for dessert, but next time, their Deep Fried Strawberry Fritters (served with cream, butterscotch sauce & sparkling wine) are getting a beating.

I can only guess that this place caters mainly for the Claremont Business District and is busier for lunch and for post-work drinks (they have specials between 4 and 6 each day), and also on Fridays when they have a resident DJ in. Hopefully, that allows them to keep going through quieter nights like yesterday, because already, I can’t wait to go back.

Bentley Oyster Bar and Bistro, Toffee Lane, off Dreyer Street, Claremont, Cape Town.
+27216713948.

This is not a sponsored post:
“I’ll always tell you if I am endorsing a product in exchange for cold, hard cash”.

Recipe for Success

Posted on

First, eat the leftovers of last night’s chicken jalfrezi for lunch.
Then head to the local Greek club and add a tzatziki-laden souvalakia.
Rinse energetically with liberal quantities of beer.

Mix thoroughly by playing an impromptu game of football in the sun at 2pm, while it’s 29°C in the shade.

Add two virally-infected children and leave mixture to simmer at an evening pub quiz for several hours, adding further beer as required.

The following day: avoid contact with all humankind for at least 24 hours, for the benefit of all involved.