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

AURELIA'S ITALIAN RESTAURANT {REVIEW}

This year we decided to go out for a Valentines dinner on the 13th of February rather than on the actual day the 14th....long story, so don't even think or ask why!

I had read and heard some good feedback about a new Italian eatery Aurelia's 

that opened at the Square in Umhlanga at the end of 2013.

The restaurant is situated inside a small office and retail centre and many of the tables are outside on a  wooden deck and it was very pleasant sitting out on a Durban balmy summers evening.

Unfortunately this is where any compliments about Aurelia's ends.

I don't actually know how to write this review as there were so many things that,
to be blunt "p----d us off about this place".

There were only three or four tables occupied, which I understand to a point, as its the night before Valentines day, but any restaurant that is good, is busy most nights of the week. The first thing I noticed was a distinct lack of anyone to greet us and show us to a table, so we awkwardly seated ourselves outside on the deck.

The menus arrived, which were very "tatty and torn", so that didn't create a very good first impression especially as the place has only been open for a few weeks. 

The food on the menu was the normal Italian fare.

The next problem arose with our drinks order, my hubby asked what beers they served and his beer of choice was amongst the many mentioned - Windhoek Draught in a can. After a search the waiter returned to inform my hubby that they didn't have any, which didn't go down too well. Apparently they had ordered but the delivery didn't arrive that day.....which is fair enough, but why allow your stocks to run so low before re ordering?

Lets move onto the food..between us we ordered a starter of Grilled Calamari and Chorizo, which was quite tasty but not worthy of "must try again" comment.

Grilled Calamari & Chorizo Starter R49

Claiming to be authentic Italian food hubby and I ordered Wood fired Pizzas and to be completely honest my Hawaiian Pizza was very bland, as was my husbands Pollo Piccante Pizza, so much so, that he made good use of the bowls of chilli and crushed garlic that they brought to the table...not a good sign!

Hawaiian Pizza R62

Now, this next part of my review is a first and quite baffling, ....

I ordered a small Roquefort Salad at R39 as printed on the menu as opposed to the large salad at R70  ( 2 sizes available for all of their salad options) . The waiter politely informed me that they do not have the small salads...imagine a silence at this point....OK...I was lost for words for a moment or two and then I asked "why is it a problem to do a small salad?"

He promptly replied that they do not have the small bowls to serve a small salad!!!!

At this point all logic had gone out of the window as I couldn't believe what I was hearing.

I ended up ordering a large salad, but again it was an average salad and really nothing to rave about.

During our meal the manager passed by our table and asked if everything was good, I had to bring to his attention the debacle with the salad and the beer. He appeared surprised and offered to charge us the small salad price R39 rather than the large price of R70.

(I would like to know if this has happened to other people, as its a really easy way of upping the food bill)

Roquefort Salad Large R70

You may think that I am joking about the above, but this was really a comedy of errors 

from start to finish. 

As you can sense I won't be returning anytime soon, which is unfortunate as it could have been my local Italian. I wonder if those reviews that I had previously read actually ate at the same restaurant or for that matter even paid!

Maybe I just went on a "bad" night, but unfortunately I don't return to "bad" , as there are too many good eateries out there waiting to present an enjoyable dining experience all in return for my 

good hard earned money.

Aurelia's
The Square
250 Umhlanga Rocks Drive
031 566 2725

This restaurant has since closed down

REMO'S VILLAGGIO {REVIEW}

Remo’s was born in May 2007 in memory of the late Remo Giuseppe Scribante. His brothers, “Fratelli”, Franco and Renzo Scribante opened their first café in Mount Edgecombe, Durban.

Renzo had a passion for food and cafes his whole life. He spent time from an early age cooking with his mother in the kitchen and cleaning the tables at Sunday lunches. What started out as a small café with a limited menu has now turned into an established company fuelled by passion. 

The Remo’s Originale (Mount Edgecombe Store) is now a bustling restaurant and bar very well known for its quality of food. 

In 2012 Remo’s expanded and the much anticipated Villaggio store was opened in Umhlanga Village.
 This charming,upmarket and exciting venue is open 7 days a week for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

. 
I must make mention here of the Italian Panetteria (bakery) which is adjoining the restaurant and is very cute little shop, but I will blog about this on another occasion.

This is only the second time I have eaten at the Remo's in Umhlanga due to the fact, that they are always fully booked in the evenings,so I highly recommend booking a table in advance.

Be aware that the menu is extensive and it really does take some time to read through it, as always when I am confronted with a huge variety of dishes, I found myself chopping and changing my mind, many times.

I finally ordered a Pear and Gorgonzola Salad,which was absolutely delicious, but the key ingredient for me were the broken pieces of peanut brittle scattered over the salad, which elevated this dish into a new realm of  salad deliciousness. The sweetness of the brittle just complimented the cheese and the pear, so well.

Pear and Gorgonzola Salad R75

My hubby and the "Kiddiewinks" all ordered pizzas, which have recently been voted the best in Durban 2013 by the "I love Durban" Online community and again the family all enjoyed theirs. The pizza menu offers some interesting and different topping options. The thin based pizzas are rectangle in shape and are served on a wooden board and have to be the most expensive Pizzas around Durban ranging from
 R72 for a basic Funghi to R140 for the GiGi seafood pizza.

Carne Pizza R98

We all opted for "puds" and Chocolate Brownies with ice cream were the most popular choice and I ordered a Creme Brûlée. The Choc brownies were rich and a hit, whilst my Creme Brûlée on the other hand, was a disaster. It arrived with a sugar spun creation on top and looked promising....but that's where it ended! The management dealt with my complaint immediately and efficiently. 

Maybe next time I will also opt the the rich Choc "overload" pud below!

Decadantly rich Chocolate Brownie R35

Creme Brulee

Remo's is proud of its wine list and obviously includes several Italian wines, but my fave cocktail a Strawberry Daiquiri was not on the cocktail menu, so sad face....I did venture out of my "cocktail" box and I tried a long cocktail called

 Aperol Spritz R52

 (Aperol, Prosecco and Orange Juice)

 My SD still remains my first and only true cocktail love.

 Taking into account the decor, the vibe, the service and the great Italian food, the whole dinning experience at Remo's is memorable and I cannot wait to return for another Pear and Gorgonzola Salad or maybe one of the many home made pasta dishes, or a pizza or even one of their special dishes...

Oh! see I am already undecided about what to order on my next visit,which means many more visits are on the cards..

For those of you living outside of KZN, the brothers do have plans to expand into Johannesburg and possibly Cape Town.

Shop 2/3, Protea Mall
Cnr Lighthouse and Chartwell Drive(Umhlanga, Durban)

031 561 7143

Remo's Website

MO NOODLES {REVIEW}

Umhlanga is fast becoming the re location choice of several of the Berea restaurants and I for one ain't complaining.

Mo Noodles formerly of Florida Road has been around for several years and has stood the "test of time", which speaks volumes about the popularity of this Thai Fushion eatery. I have eaten at mo's a couple of times when there were over the other side, and I have always enjoyed their food, so I was really looking forward to trying again in its new home!

Thursday evening at the end of the month and the restaurant was busy and vibey. We hadn't booked, but a table was soon found inside and before we even sat down we asked if we could have a table outside...why did we want to sit outside, you may ask....just one word...Noise! The noise inside the restaurant was horrendous and we could hardly hear each other talk. The double volume space inside the minimal restaurant just exaggerated and intensified the noise levels. So if you want to have a good catch up and natter with your girlfriends or better half, be prepared to shout in order to be heard!

Cute cutlery presentation

The menu is short but includes the obligatory Thai soups,salads, noodle dishes and Thai red and green curries. They also offer half and full portions of all their dishes and I opted for the half portion of their famous Feta and Lentil salad at R40. Alas the portion was small and to be honest, I make a better version myself at home.

Small half portion of salad R40

I think you can sense that the evening was starting to head south! Hopefully the Thai red chicken curry (half portion at R40/R75 full portion) would salvage the evening. My hubby enjoys a good  flavour filled Thai curry, as I do, but guess what....this curry wasn't filled with too much Thai flavours,so much so, that he sent the dish back as unacceptable and even though the waiter offered to put through an order for another meal, my hubby refused and sat "foodless" whilst I ate my very average chicken curry, which comprised of more sauce,green beans and coriander than chicken. Now I must point out that I am always the mouth piece when it comes to any problems,complaints or queries, so this action was unusual for my hubby!

2 strips of chicken in my Thai red curry

Whilst the waiters were attentive and efficient, the food, the atmosphere and the location just didn't do it for us, needless to say we won't be returning for a second visit. My hubby is of the opinion that opening a restaurant in Umhlanga does not give the owners Carte Blanche to churn out pricey, mediocre food and I have to agree with him.... after all... there are too many good restaurants in Umhlanga to settle for average!

Physical address: Shop 8, Beacon Rock, 21 Lighthouse Road, Umhlanga Rocks, KwaZulu-Natal

Tel.no:  0315611722

Opening Hours: Mon-Fri 12.30pm - 2.30pm 
                         Mon-Sun 5.30pm - 9.30pm

MO-ZAM-BIK RESTAURANT {REVIEW}

Situated in the Gateway Theatre of Shopping is MO-ZAM-BIK restaurant, which opened late in 2012. There are several branches in the Johannesburg, Pretoria and KZN regions and Gateway is the first franchise restaurant.

Mozambik is about a dream... a dream that two guys share, Ryan Stewart and Brett Michielin. It’s a dream about building family restaurants where they are able to share their passion for food and cooking with you. A family restaurant to take you away, without a need to board a plane to experience Mozambique. A destination where no passports are required. Our family restaurant, Mozambik is based on the authentic Mozambique “Barraca” which in English means “Hut”. In Mozambique eating and drinking, in a home or on the street, is a way of life - that is what is captured in our Barraca.

After hearing many good reports I recently paid them a visit with a friend,as I felt I was possible missing out on some seriously good food!

We didn't book a table, and even though is was full, we were soon seated and our drinks order taken...I ordered the obligatory Strawberry Daiquiri which was good, but alas, as all too often..it was garnish free! 

The brown paper table cloths are an indicator that its a casual family restaurant.

The waitress came and threw a brown, triangular paper parcel onto the table,(a little too casual for me) my friend and I looked at each other, before gingerly opening the one end only to reveal some roasted nuts to nibble on!

On to the food....

The menu is extensive and comprises of many typical dishes from Mozambique. Here are just a few of the dishes on offer.

STARTERS

CHICKEN LIVERS - Grilled to perfection! Fresh garlic, lime and bay leaves. Tantalize your taste buds with optional piri-piri mild or hot. R46

CHOURICO SAUSAGE - Scrumptious Portuguese sausage sliced and grilled. Full Portion R50 Half Portion R27

GIBLETS - Cooked slowly in our delicious Mozambikan tomato and red wine sauce with just a hint of paprika and bay leaf. Piri-piri optional R 41

STARTER PLATTER - Chicken Livers, 2 Prawn Rissoles, 2 Chicken Rissoles, Chourico Sliced, Green Olives & Calamari. Served 4 people. R170

MAIN COURSES

PRAWNS - They are grilled and served with a piri-piri or garlic, lemon & herb range from R130 to R230

SEAFOOD PLATTER - Linefish, Calamari, 4 Queen Prawns and & Mussels. R 240

TRICHADO MAIN - Tender steak strips done in our own style with a dash of garlic and a creamy white wine sauce.Rump R 95 Fillet R 125

ESPETADA BEEF - 300gr Rump cubes skewered and marinated in olive oil, fresh garlic, coarse salt and bay leaf. R 94

CHICKEN AND PRAWN - 3 cubes of marinated chicken breast fillet, 3 queen prawns flame grilled and skewered with onion and green pepper. R105

QUARTER CHICKEN AND 4 PRAWNS R 115

QUARTER CHICKEN AND CALAMARI R 98

CALAMARI AND 4 PRAWNS R 128

 They also have a chalk board advertising several specials of the day.

I opted for a Steak Prego roll with fries, thinking that I can't go too wrong with this popular dish...

Oh! How wrong I was! When the dish arrived the first thing I noticed, was the thin anemic looking piece of meat, in fact I thought they had brought me a chicken Prego, by mistake. I also expected to see a lovely floury Portugese type roll and some tasty sauce smothering the meat.As you can see in my photo the dish looked far from appetizing. The meat was tough and the taste was very bland and sadly it was a huge disappointment. 

STEAK PREGO

A 150gr Prego steak pan-fried in a secret red wine, cream and bay leaf sauce in a Portuguese roll served with a starch of your choice. R 60

SEAFOOD PASTA

My friend ordered a Special off the board (R105) which she enjoyed.

Would I go back again? 

No..as I don't give bad, average or mediocre eating places a second chance!

Generally I found MO-ZAM-BIK to be average on all accounts.

MO-ZAM-BIK

NEIGHBOURGOODS MARKET BRAAMFONTEIN

The Neighbourgoods Market is an independent initiative founded in 2006 by entrepreneurs Justin Rhodes and Cameron Munro, whose aim is to revive and reinvent the Public Market as a civic institution. Specialty traders showcase their wares every Saturday,thus creating a weekly platform for local farmers, fine-food purveyors, organic merchants, bakers and distributors, grocers, mongers, butchers, artisan producers, celebrated local chefs, and micro enterprises. 

Following the success of the Cape Town market located in the Old Biscuit Mill in the industrial neighbourhood of Woodstock Cape Town, the Johannesburg edition was launched in 2011 in the vibrant neighbourhood of Braamfontein, Johannesburg. In keeping with their commitment to urban regeneration, Justin and Cameron chose a venue in the heart of the inner city. The market takes place over two floors of 73 Juta Street, a Johannesburg landmark building.

Any "food loving" visitors to either Cape Town or Johannesburg must pass a couple of hours on a Saturday morning between 9 am-3 pm at either of these vibey markets.I have now visited both and can highly recommend.If you are not a "foodie" or on a serious diet, then don't bother going, as its all about tasting, buying and enjoying good food and drink and soaking up the Neigbourgoods Market "vibe".

Here are just a few of the foods available

Rooftop

Their is parking
on the streets around the market and plenty
of highly visible security guards.

Oysters and Champagne

Cupcakes a plenty

Yummy  Rose Cupcakes

Lovely pastries and I love this chocolate brownie

Beautiful French flans and pastries

Cheeses galore!

Spanish Paella

Home baked Pasties,pies and quiches

For more info

THE VINEYARD HOTEL AND SPA

With over 200 years of history within its walls, this deluxe 4* 207 roomed hotel is situated in six acres of attractive landscaped parkland on the banks of the Liesbeek River, located in the lush leafy suburb of Newlands,Cape Town.Originally built in 1799 as a single storey home for Lady Anne Barnard. The hotel has so much to offer both the tourist and business traveller, but I was here for the food...

The famous fountain

The hotel is home to several top class restaurants and The Square is where I had lunch yesterday with a friend. We sat out on their wonderful garden terrace,which has the most stunning views over the gardens and the mountain made a breathtaking backdrop to our lazy, relaxed lunch.

My friend opted for the Braised Durbanville Pork Belly

with a crackling crust and a sauté of chickpeas, cherry tomatoes,

spinach and baby onions, apple rosemary chutney.

R98

Obviously I had to taste hers and it was delicious 

and a "must order" for any pork and crackling lovers!

I ordered their Battered Fish and Chips

with tartare sauce and fresh lemon

R92

I know this doesn't sound like a very exciting choice, but it is, one of their most popular lunchtime dishes and after tasting I can understand why!

The fish was cooked to perfection..

The service was slick and efficient, as you would expect and

this will be on my list of revisits, when I am next in Cape Town...

The beautiful indigenous gardens are home to prolific bird life
and two rather famous tortoises,Herbert and Gloria. 

For more info

FLATTEUR CAFE {REVIEW}

Just opened last week Flatteur Cafe is situated on the corner of Regent Road and Church St in Sea Point, Cape Town. Flatteur means to "flatter" and the very attentive co owners Rafal and John have succeeded in creating a little area of peace and calm, where you can enjoy good, made to order food.

This French cafe offers a small menu of breakfasts, sandwiches, salads, coffees, teas and some home baked sweet options.

I ordered the special of Roast Butternut Soup with Blue Cheese and Chilli, which is a combination that I have not heard of or tried before. I love Butternut soup and this was absolutely delicious and beautifully presented R35

The French chocolate cake was to literally "die for" as the outside was crunchy whilst the cake was lovely and moist R30. All the biscuits and cakes are baked by Rafal.

This is another little gem in Sea Point and its a pity I am leaving on Wednesday,but I will be back for sure!

You can find Flatteur Cafe on facebook and follow them on twitter.

Contact number 021 439 3174

Opening Hours:

Mon to Fri 7.30 am till 6.00 pm

Sat & Sun  8.30 am till 6.00 pm