We love discovering new spots and J. Rabbit’s has just opened its doors where the old Griffin used to be located. In case you were wondering it is named after that famed cartoon character, Jessica Rabbit and the vibe and décor lend itself perfectly to that notion, too. Following the speakeasies of yesteryear, access to the bar is through the laundromat in the front of the building before arriving in the plush Mexican styled bar at the back. Offering one of the biggest selections of tequila we have ever seen, J. Rabbit’s cocktail menu uses predominantly tequila and mezcal and even features some tequila brand’s that are not yet available to the public in SA yet. The food menu is South American inspired, yet offers some great classics as well, and this will certainly be an experience like no other for discerning foodies and cocktail lovers alike. A: 5, Illovo…
We recently spent a night at the beautiful four star Southern Sun Montecasino hotel, and were blown away by the beauty of this Tsogo Sun Property. Echoing the Italian theme that Montecasino is well known for, the hotel is inspired in it’s design by the 15th century Palazzo Corsini villa in Italy’s picturesque mountain region of Gianicolo, and you would be forgiven for thinking you had slipped back in time to an old-world Venetian era. Of course the hotels services and amenities are anything but old world and bullet speed Wi-Fi is always a huge plus in our world, and they delivered it. From a speedy check in, to pre-dinner drinks on the pool deck to efficient and attentive service in the onsite Punchinello’s restaurant our stay was a pleasure from start to finish. Punchinello’s offer a buffet breakfast and lunch (which are healthy and plentiful too) as well as…
Who doesn’t love a yummy burger or rack of ribs – we certainly do, and are firm believers that a great burger can cure a number of ills – and seeing as it is the festive season, we feel that we may be visiting the newly opened Ribs & Burgers restaurant, located in the bustling new The Marc precinct in Sandton quite a bit! Ribs & Burgers is a global Brand, with outlets in Australia and England, and is fast becoming South Africa’s favourite boutique fast casual restaurant. The first store that opened is located in the popular Menlyn Maine shopping area in Pretoria and the Sandton store is the second – with a few more stores planning to open around Johannesburg in 2019. Specialising in slow cooked wholesome ribs, premium burgers, wings, salads, free range chicken and more, within a welcoming and authentic environment – these guys keep it…
We love discovering beautiful gems in our local Sandton and surrounds, and Clico Boutique Hotel is just that. Located on a rather busy road in the bustling suburb of Rosebank, you would be surprised to find that behind the walls of this beautifully appointed hotel, lies an unexpected peace and quiet that is set to restore the soul. Many choose to make Clico their base when in Johannesburg, whether from overseas or visiting from other cities for work, purely for the fact that not only is it really convenient and centrally located, but also really close to the Gautrain station, making getting in and out of the city that much easier. Clico also offers function facilities are unique and varied and suit intimate events and meetings perfectly. Recently revamped, the conference room now boasts in own separate entrance, as well as big sliding doors that open onto the shady garden,…
Named after his two late grandfathers, Douglas + Hale is Chef James Diack’s fourth venture and we love it! If funky, cool and creative cocktails are your thing – then you will love it as much as we do, too. From the décor which carries a rather ritzy, burlesque feel, to an extensive wine selection which will leave every taste and palate satisfied this is an experience from start to finish. Cocktails are created with passion and the names are delightful – The Black Pearl, a rum based cocktail, was a huge hit at our table. The Electric Coolaid also had us intrigued and cocktail guru and master drink creator Jesse Chinn (who bares an uncanny resemblance to Captain Jack Sparrow), kept us well entertained as he explained his creation process and showed us step by step how a few of the cocktails are made, much to our delight! The…
If you love to collect beautiful bits and bobs from around the world for your home, or you are an interior decorator looking for some epic pieces for your clients – then you will love to shop at The Storer, which is located in the 44 Stanley Precinct in Milpark. Dynamic and passionate owner, Lisa Storer, travels the globe to bring back some stunning and authentic artisanal crafts from around the globe… and the shop itself is a uniquely inspiring space brimming with artisanal collectors’ items from around the world. Each piece is personally sourced for discerning individuals who embrace the concept of ‘luxury lifestyle with a meaning and soul’. A seasoned retailer with years of experience and an inimitable taste for all things beautiful, Lisa and her team mindfully source rare finds from sustainable crafters around the globe, each with a story attached to the origin, crafting and history…
We just love the beautiful rooftop deck at the iconic Sandton Sun, and are delighted that the San Deck has re-launched just in time for summer cocktail sippers to enjoy the vibes and views of Sandton’s beautiful skyline as the sun sets. San Deck is vibrant, stylish, and comfy and offers a number of pretty unique spaces, from the pool area, to the restaurant, to the comfy couches and lounge areas, and a new rooftop garden area which was created through the intricate use of metal lattice screens, foliage and trees, different levels, atmospheric lighting, eye-catching design elements and comfortable, relaxed seating. Ravi Nadasen, COO of Tsogo Sun hotels, says, “The full refurbishment of the Sandton Sun’s San Deck, coupled with the introduction of menus designed for sharing and enjoying throughout the day and into the night, along with San Deck’s exceptional local artisanal beverage options will ensure memorable experiences…
One of our fave Rosebank hotels, 54 on Bath have taken their fine-dining experience at Level Four restaurant (aptly named as it is on the 4th level of the hotel) to new heights with a fresh new summer inspired menu, thanks to Executive Chef, Matthew Foxon. We love that the team at Level Four give credit where credit is due, and share the names of the individual young chefs who have created the dishes as well. Delish starters on offer include a tasty Seared ‘Yellow Fin’ tuna, fresh raw peas, avocado mousse, wasabi powder, and pickles, which GM Jacques Heath says features “very cool plating”; the ‘Black Angus’ carpaccio, quail egg, pomegranate, truffle mayonnaise, and parmesan, which has a lovely combination of flavours with tartness of the pomegranate, the rich quail egg, and the umami of the truffle, which work extremely well together and was created by Maria Letsoalo, whose…
We recently caught up with well-known local chef James Diack, who is the owner of The Brightside Group of restaurants, to find out what to expect from out dining experiences in the new year – what’s new, and what’s old news! James shared with us that source and cost will be the two largest driving forces for purchasing in 2019. This will shape what you see on your plate and also what you pay too. Chef James is all about sustainable food and farming and was recently awarded the SASSI Trailblazer Award for 2018. So, how we can be smarter about our food – knowing where it comes from and how it was farmed, and smarter with our money? Trend 1: Katsu Pork Katsu, which means “cutlet” in Japanese, refers to various cuts (often the cheaper cuts) of meat that’s been pounded to be really thin before cooking. The meat,…
We had never considered spending a night at an airport hotel in our own city, but after an amazing evening in the beautifully appointed InterContinental Johannesburg O.R. Tambo Airport Hotel we have to say that this is certainly something that we will be doing again. The hotel is situated in one of the prime spots at the airport – a mere minute or so’s walk away from the arrivals terminal, and boasts the title of South Africa’s only luxury airport hotel. And luxury it certainly is. The hotel serves perfect base for travellers that may be flying out early in the morning or evening, or even for honeymooners to relax and unwind after the wedding before jetting off to their Honeymoon destination. Some guests are international travellers in transit to their next destination that just need a spot to rest and unwind, and others are families travelling along for work…