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Paul Murray listed his top dining experiences of 2011.
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1. Belthazar at the Waterfront 021 421 3753/6 |
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The ambience at Belthazar is great!
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Belthazar at the Waterfront provides the discerning diner with the best in cured raw meet grilled to perfection in a luring ambiance – you meet people there from all over – Texas, Bali, Paris, London – people flock into the place – Ian and Doron, the owners, are always there to say hi, as are the staff, Herman and Serge. | |
2. The Planet Restaurant The Mount Nelson Hotel |
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The restaurant ceiling – stars nestle under the classical dome. |
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There has been talk about the Mount Nelson’s newly furbished restaurant, the Planet Restaurant. Trendy dining places in Cape Town are not scarce. But this one is very trendy. It’s in another league. Many will already know its “little brother”, the trendy Planet Bar. Now there is the Planet Restaurant and it certainly deserves a visit, even if just to see how the planet theme is reflected in the decor. For starters, the star-studded ceiling is a knock-out. But ultimately the hero is the dining experience, which is elegant and fine in every possible way. |
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3. Carghill’s Restaurant, Rondebosch – for the most classic dining experience 20 Station Rd, Rondebosch, Cape Town |
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Review: Cargill's Rondebosch, Cape Town This is truly a gem in the Southern suburbs. A small menu of classical dishes (I highly recommend the figs with Gorgonzola and the duck) complemented by an interesting wine list and very friendly service. |
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4. Founders Restaurant Dining Hall 8 December 2011, Founder’s Christmas dinner, prepared by the Founder’s kitchen staff – special menu for the boys and staff – a jovial occasion for the students of the house at their Christmas dinner with a schoolboys’ menu that’s special!
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Founders House Facade |
Inside the dining hall of Founders Restaurant
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5. The Decameron, for an al fresco luncheon in historic Stellenbosch – and recited lines from fellow poet Dante
021 8833331
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Al fresco meals at Decameron are a delight - Italian owner Mario is there to recite some Dante, but that cannot put Boccaccio to shame! |
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6. Nelson’s Eye Gardens 9 Hof Street 021 423 2601 |
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Brandon and Tony
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Nelson’s Eye Gardens: Every time I go there Tony and Brandon cook up a new kind of chicken meal – with mushrooms and curry, or done in red wine. This is venturesome cuisine, to say the least. Steve, the owner, checks the quality. Sit at the bar and chat away while you eat and drink good red wine! |
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7. Bukhara, Cape Town
33 Church Street |
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Bukhara in Cape Town makes the best in North Indian food and dishes; expert manager Greg in attendance, and friendly staff. Great selection of good reds to go with stunning dishes. Atmosphere that lures you in. |
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8. The Rosebank Hotel, Johannesburg Cnr Tyrwhitt and Sturdee Avenues, Rosebank, PO Box 52025, Johannesburg 2196 |
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The Dining Hall at the Rosebank |
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The Rosebank Hotel, Johannesburg. It’s just so classy, and everything about it is like that – so professional. |
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9. Primi Wharf | |
PRIMI Wharf for fresh Italian food – itza better thana the mamma makes. |
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10. Knead Wembley Square If you want to have a nice coffee and muffins. 021 462 4183 |
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No frills, just good pizza and a friendly ambience – sometimes it’s packed out, and you cannot book – but you wait! |
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