JAMIE'S ITALIAN - COVENT GARDEN {REVIEW 2105}

I have always been a fan of the "Naked Chef" and can you believe its 20 years since this cheeky young Essex boys face first appeared on our tv screens.

He has launched too many books to mention, appeared more times on tv than I have had hot dinners and has numerous restaurant ventures in every corner of the world, except SouthAfrica!

Jamie’s Italian was founded in Oxford in 2008 and it has grown to more than 30 restaurants worldwide, and on my recent trip to London I popped into the Covent Garden eatery for a late lunch with my eldest "Kiddiewink". 

Don't expect all Jamie's Italians to look the same, as each restaurant is tastefully and sympathetically 

decorated to suit the area they are located in, so the Covent Garden branch was vibey, full of energy and very busy.

Jamie’s Italian 

is inspired by Jamie’s passion for the Italian way of life and he says it best:

“Since I was a teenager I’ve been totally besotted by the love, passion and verve for food, family and life itself that just about all Italian people have, no matter where they’re from or how rich or poor they might be. And that’s what I’m passionate about – good food for everyone, no matter what… But the thing I love most about the Italians is that somehow, although they have some of the best fashion designers and cars in the world, they’ve managed to retain a unique sense of tradition and village spirit Our menu is rooted in authenticity. We’re all about fantastic, rustic dishes created using tried and tested recipes. Jamie’s friend and mentor, Gennaro Contaldo, has added substance to what is now the essence of Jamie’s Italian – tradition combined with current, innovative ideas and a Jamie twist.

The selection of food on offer (They only use fresh, carefully sourced and seasonal ingredients to make beautiful, rustic dishes) posed a real problem for me, quite spoiled for choice it took me some time due to many re reads of the menu and chopping and changing my mind, which I may say is totally out of character pour "Moi".

Eventually I decided on:

Our Famous Prawn Linguine 

£13.50

Fried garlicky prawns, fennel, tomatoes, chilli, saffron, fish broth & lemony rocket.

I was thrilled with my choice, as the chilli gave the al dente pasta and tender prawns the perfect amount of warmth with no overkill...delicious and I would re order.

Our Famous Prawn Linguine

The "Kiddiewink" went for one of Jamie's signature dishes:

Squid and Mussel Spaghetti Nero 

£11.95

Squid-ink pasta, flash-fried squid & mussels with slow-cooked, tender octopus, capers, anchovies, tomatoes & white wine.

He raved about it, but I'm not a lover of all things fishy and I have to admit the appearance of the black pasta unfortunately didn't do it for me.

Squid & Mussel Spaghetti Nero

Now onto the desert options, which all vied for my attention but this got both our votes.

Epic Brownie

£5.95

Warm fudgy brownie with vanilla ice cream & caramelised popcorn.

We decided to share, as we thought epic would mean large, however I could have eaten it all quite easily on my own. 

Whilst it was enjoyable I wouldn't opt for it again, but rather work through the other tempting puds on offer.

Epic Brownie

There is no doubt that both the service is slick and professional and the food is well cooked and presented, but I did come away feeling slightly short changed on the portion sizes and I know for sure that they wouldn't have satisfied my hubby.

I won't even mention the final price of my bill in Rands, but hey 

"when in London..do what all "Jamie Fans" do and visit Jamie's Italian"...

Jamie's Italian, Covent Garden
11 Upper St Martin's Lane
London
WC2H 9FB

02033266390 

Monday-Saturday

12 noon-11pm

Sunday 

12 noon-10:30pm

www.jamiesitalian.co.uk

TASTE OF DURBAN 2014

Even though the Pick n Pay Taste of Durban happened several weeks ago (Friday 25 to Sunday 27 July) at Suncoast Casino & Entertainment World (Suncoast), I for one still remember it well... Chefs from nine of Durban’s top restaurants created special menus of starter-sized dishes, including their signature dishes, designed to reflect their individual philosophies, whilst showcasing seasonal and premium ingredients. Into its third year now the build up in the media prior to this event promised to be the most exciting ‘foodie’ event of the year...
and I have to be honest this media promise did instill some negativity in me, 
as more often than not these claims don't deliver! 
How wrong I was, as this really was a great event and one to mark on your calender for next year.

Held over three days, this unique international restaurant festival brought together Durban’s most dedicated and sophisticated foodies in an al fresco, dining celebration. Visitors had the opportunity to sip, sample and shop their way around the festival and there was something for everybody to enjoy.

Just a couple of things to bear in mind to really gain the best out of the Taste of Durban experience:

• Pre book your tickets and arrive early to take full advantage of the 4hr session, as it is a case of "time flies when you are having fun" and we certainly had fun...
• Expect some queues.
• Arrive with an empty tummy, as temptation does take over.
• Wear loose clothes and comfy shoes
• Try and secure somewhere to sit....both seated and standing dining areas were available, but more were needed and this would be my only complaint and hopefully next year this will be addressed.
• Take plenty of money and buy your Scoin vouchers ( the currency used to purchase everything) on entry (1 voucher = R5) dishes vary from 4-8 scoins.

It's impossible for me to mention all the wonderful restaurants and exhibitors that were involved, I will let the photos do the talking. My personal favourites were Greedy Buddha and Little Havana and of course Lindt Chocolate! 

If you are a "foodie" then The Taste of Durban 2015 is a "must do", as it promises to be even bigger and better and I for one will be there!

Rekorderlig Swedish Pear Cider

VIT-HIT Tuk Tuk

Be sure to buy your Tasting Glass

Vigour & Verve - Seared Beef Wrap

Havana Grill - Asian "Wagu Angus" Burger

Havana Grill - Braised Lamb Arancini

Market - Calamari,Quinoa and nut salad

Freedom Cafe - Sticky Short Ribs

Havana Grill - Grilled Calamari & Chorizo

Wine & Canape paring

This is a must do next year 

Martini causing a stir

Taste of Durban

PLAT DU JOUR

To those that read my blog regularly you will be fully aware of how much I love my food and there is no mistaking that to eat out in France is expensive,

 but affordable dining can be found. 

As with any country in the world the best places to eat are where the locals frequent and whilst they may not be fancy restaurants, they do have the authenticity and character that is often more charming and often cheaper. 

French eateries are renowned for their Plat du Jour, which literally 

translated means a "plate of the day". 

This special "menu" for the day usually consists of a two or three course meal and often uses the freshest, local, seasonal produce available. 

In France the main meal of the day is taken at lunchtime and most rural towns and villages will close between 12-2pm and the restaurants take centre stage and are often a hive of activity, whilst the rest of the town hibernates for those two hours.

On previous visits to France I have tried several Plat du Jours and generally have never been dissapointed and today was no exception. The Como Bistrot in St Junien had been recommended to us by a local and as we approached, the car park was full and we knew we were onto a winner.

The large Bistrot was already busy with locals and we were seated quickly. 

The starter or entree, was a help yourself salad and cold meat buffet, which had a great selection of saucissons and salamis and was a meal on its own,

 but much more was to come.

The main course was sautéed Veal with carrots and even though it didn't look appetising it was delicious, the veal was so tender and the garlic tossed carrots were a great accompaniment.The lack of a starch really wasn't missed and made for lighter eating.

The dessert was Choux Chantilly, which was a huge Choux pastry bun filled with a perfectly sweetened Chantilly cream and again was delicious.

By this time we were way beyond full, but we had take nearly two hours to eat our meal and yet more was to come. A platter of local cheeses were placed on our table to round off our humongous lunch and of course we had to try the varieties of soft, hard and goats cheeses as we didn't want to offend. 

Prices do vary, but this Plat du Jour was €13 (Approx. R188) and the coffee was an extra €1 (approx.R14.50) and was excellent value!

FYI...

I did feel very sleepy after, even without wine...and yes I did have an afternoon siesta.....and I didn't eat dinner!

Here are some tips:

Normally the menu is displayed on a chalk board outside the restaurant along with the all inclusive price. I advise that you read or ask for a translation before deciding on whether to eat there or not, as you don't have a choice, as what is on the menu is what you get and if you don't enjoy Duck or veal for example, then move on.

If the restaurant is not busy, then also move on.

The portions are generally "Man" size, as these Plat du Jours are generally eaten by business men and workers alike.

Remember this is not fast food, so take the two hours to enjoy your meal and soak in the vibey local atmosphere.

Free carafes of water and baskets of French bread are always on the table and filled up frequently, but beware that the carafes of the local wine on the table may be charged for.

Be warned, that even though it's far healthier to eat a large meal at midday, it can leave you feeling sleepy, especially if you have had a couple of glasses of the local vino.

Expect the unexpected, as some combinations of food are not maybe what we are used to, but go with the flow...after all you are in France!

Typical chalk board menu

Entree 

Sauteed veal with carrots

Choux Chantilly

Cheese Platter

Strong French coffee

Carafes of water and wine 

EMOYENI GUEST LODGE

Emoyeni Guest Lodge and Conference Centre situated between Cato Ridge and Camperdown in KZN was but a dream of Brenda and Bryan Eaton 13 years ago. Today after much hard work, plus a few forced reinventions over the years, Brenda and Bryan are living their dream. Emoyeni is off the beaten track and the only reason I got to know about this hidden "foodie" gem is thanks to the BMW motorbike club. Emoyeni has some accommodation, a small conference centre,a grass airstrip and housing for about 15 microlights and light aircraft and a flying school, but it's the rustic pub & restaurant, The Holding Point, that I am keen to tell you about.

Every Sunday they lay on a "weigh n pay" Buffet between 12-2pm, however I do advise that you phone before hand and book. We got the chance to eat there on Easter Sunday and it was a glorious Day. Even though we requested to sit outside, the tables are all shaded by umbrellas, but there is plenty of seating under the cover of a veranda if it rains. The buffet options are chalked up on a blackboard and change weekly according to availability, as most of the veggies are organically home grown. The menu accommodates vegetarians as well as the carnivores,so I will get right to dishes that were on offer, by just saying, that every single item I tried was absolutely flavour some and delicious!
Out of our party of 6 people there was not one complaint about any of the food, 
only high praise....

We all agreed, that the meat dishes of Roulade of Chicken and the Stuffed Pork were both cooked to tender perfection and we are all big meat lovers! The Line fish is not a usual choice for me,but again it was tender, flakey and the rosa tomato and black olives was a great accompaniment. The veggie mix of roasted butternut, peppers and asparagus and the 3 potato dishes were all full of taste.

The "weigh and pay" system works for me, as I like to chose my own mix and quantity of food. the charge is R15 per 100grms and my plate as shown below worked out to be R65. They also operate the same system for the desserts, which sadly I missed out on as they had all finished by the time I got back there.

To add to the delightful setting and the casual laid back kinda atmosphere there is generally some type of live music playing.

We all left feeling very relaxed, content and headed home for a little afternoon zizz

The Tinkerers

View across the grass airstrip

Our Table awaits

Live Entertainment

Yummy Veg Spring Rolls with Sweet Chilli Sauce and Beetroot and Feta Salad

Hasselback Potatoes

Home grown Veggies

Linefish with Rosa Tomato and Black Olives 

Delish!

The menu changes according to seasonal availability

Visit their website for more details

MAMMA G'S RESTAURANT BALLITO (REVIEW)

I have heard lots of good feedback over the past three or four years about this Italian restaurant up the North coast in Ballito and I finally got to try it out this past Sunday.

The owners pride themselves on serving real Italian food made with the freshest ingredients.

We arrived early evening and immediately you felt the holiday vibe, as we sat outside on a hot balmy summers night. The decor is very casual and typically Italian, as is the menu, with all the usual pizzas,pastas,fish and meat dishes.

To view menu and prices click her

Be warned their menu is vast and choices are somewhat difficult o make...

Grilled Cajun Calamari R50 starter

I ordered a starter of Cajun Calamari served with Foccacia bread (R50). It was grilled to perfection and I thoroughly enjoyed the fact it was served with a creamy sauce for a change. 

I would highly recommend this dish if you like something tasty and spicy, well worth another visit just for this!

Lucci - Ham & Pineapple R72

The "Kiddiewinks" and my hubby all ordered traditional Italian style pizzas cooked in a 

wood - fired oven and were all a huge hit. 

The only disappointment for me was the salad dressing on my Gorgonzola salad (R72) 

The salad itself was good size with plenty of cheese, avo and bacon plus all the other usual greenery, however it was served already dressed and unfortunately the dressing tasted like a ready made catering dressing rather than homemade, so I am not sure which it was.

 Next time  though I will ask for no dressing and rather do a balsamic vinegar and olive oil mix myself.

Mamma G's is a busy,vibey and friendly family Italian eatery and obviously very popular with both the locals and the holiday makers, so booking is advisable. 

I also noticed that they have many larger tables with bench seating, that are really great

 for larger family gatherings.

The service was good and under the watchful eye of the manager and

an enjoyable evening on all counts was had by all and we will be returning.

 It's just a pity it's not nearer to my home!

Mamma G's Restaurant Shop H5, Ballito Junction Shopping Centre Ballito Drive Ballito  Telephone Booking  Send Email  www.mammags.co.za

GREEDY BUDDHA

Asian Fusion Tapas style is what Greedy Buddha describe their food as being. Since opening in Durban North I have been hearing lots of great things and last week I got to try for myself.We were greeted and seated by enthusiastic waiters who patiently explained the menu. Basically it's order any combination of the dishes that you both like and just tuck in and share the Tapas style taste moments. This suits me as I love to taste lots of dishes, so I was in my element, unfortunately hubby was not, as he doesn't enjoy Tapas. You need to know that my hubby enjoys his food and large portions, therefore Tapas doesn't "do it" for him. Even though they say that the each dish serves two for tasting, which it does, be warned that lots of dishes need to be ordered in order to satisfy any decent hunger.

(thinking about this my hubby and I are little piggies)

Everything on the menu sounded like a real taste sensation and that was certainly true for the dishes we chose. Greedy Buddha only use the freshest seasonal ingredients and all the dishes are prepared by a team of passionate chefs. Utilising various cooking methods including steaming, pan frying, deep frying, stir frying and oven roasting, this care and love comes through in the food.

7 Spiced Tempura mushroom and Pea Purée 

Malaysian Peanut Chicken

Tamarind peanut infused sauce with subtle hints of Chilli, Ginger ,Coriander and Mint

The Wok dishes can be cooked choosing protein options of beef,chicken,calamari or halloumi, but there is also a stir fried Vegetable choice.

We decided on Calamari with Black Bean and Green Pepper sauce

Black Bean infused with garlic,Ginger and soft cooked Green pepper.

I really suggest that you visit their website to just check out their menu beforehand, as they have several set "Tasting" menu options for 2

 9  Tastings R318 

10 Tastings R364 
11 Tastings R394

This casual eatery may be minimal on decor, but its certainly big on taste and a return visit is definitely on the cards "sans" hubby!

Apologies for the lack of photos, but hubby ate the one meal before I had chance to photograph and the two above had also been semi eaten, but I managed to rescue some of the remains.

59 Adelaide Tambo Drive (Kensington Drive)

Durban North

4051

(031) 5631919

Closed all day Monday

Tuesday to Saturday 12pm til 8:30pm

Sunday 12pm til 2:30pm

Selected Take Away's are available.

AFRO'S CHICKEN

What a little gem Afro's Chicken is down on Durban beachfront. The brainchild of Emil Venter, Afro's operated for 18 months from a trailer on the South Beach car park.
You will now find them operating from a yellow kiosk on the Durban beachfront path.

Alfresco Afro's Chicken

The menu is small, very small and don't expect cutlery or plates, as Afro's Chicken is delightfully simple,  expect to eat with your hands and out of a cardboard box, but this all adds to the charm.

Menu window

Afro's Chicken Burger n Tjips

 The chicken burger, which is actually a braai'd lean chicken breast comes with the option of peri peri or garlic, lemon marinade and is served on a fresh Portuguese style roll.The tjips (chips) are fresh, home made, hand cut and have the skins left on. Afros uses only the freshest,locally sourced ingredients making this a different fast food takeaway option.

 I made the mistake of venturing from what Afro's Chicken is famous for and ordered a breakfast bacon roll, which was crammed with streaky bacon, but should have been called a fat roll, as it really was a case of hunt the lean bacon bits.
My hubby did rather begrudgingly let me taste his burger and yes...I missed out this time and ordered the wrong thing, which is highly amusing, as its normally the other way around.
I can't wait to return to have my own box of chicken "yummieness"

My "fat" roll

The view has to be the best on the beachfront while eating burger and chips out of a box, but this ain't any burger...it's an Afro's Chicken burger.

A Burger with a view

For more info

afroschicken.co.za