I keep hearing mention of Mark’s Restaurant on Geoge Rex Drive and being thoroughly curious stopped off there for coffee the other day. Its not really the place for coffee. This despite the kiddies play area. They don’t do breakfast either. But there was a lot of hammering and banging going on as they put the finishing touches to the outdoor pub and what I think is going to be a small stage to host live music. There is no question about the fact that they are doing something about the place and that it looks good. They have also cleared the bush back to the fence line overlooking the wet lands. But after looking at the menu I somehow doubt we are going to see a bird hide with tea and scones on order.
Its a very ordinary steak house type menu, with lots of promises and nothing that really stands out to bite you. But undeterred I ordered the fish snack basket and that cup coffee. That was a pleasant surprise. It was of the “come back again” variety and the management from the Oyster Catcher might well pop in for a look see.
The Killer Prawns have re-opened. I assume just for the season. I also understand that Casa de Galinha has changed hands as has de Oude Fabriek and Wu’s and I have finally found NumNum. Its the wholefoods deli and coffee shop which is just around the corner from Il de pain where I stopped for coffee this morning.
Whilst enagingly different, one thing I do dislike about Il de pain are their clients. Every time I go there some idiot gets nattering on their cellphone and its something that really gets under my skin. Today there were two of them. Totally oblivious to everyone else around them. Something I feel the owners should make a note of and put a stop to.
And whilst I am about it I might as well have a go the Oyster Catcher. Its a dump thats long past its sell by date. We went there a couple of weks ago and ordered the Goujons which were soggy and grey in the middle. We spoke to the waiter who did refer our complaint to the Manageress. She couldn’t have cared less. The venue looks grubby, the staff look grubby, the service is bad and we won’t be back.
Arrive for the best 50’s and 60’s Rock ‘n Roll roadhouse meal you will ever have. Served in your car, true to style by your very own waitron on roller skates.
Waitrons on Skates
Tickets at the Playhouse Booking Office in Woodmill Lane next to the H2O shop.
For more info contact Dave Hendry dave@botany.co.za
The Heath will be hosting the Brazilian band Napalma on Wednesday 29th October at 19h30. There is a R30 cover chargeand you can find them between Plett and Knysna on the N2 044-5327928
Julie Tugwell and Sue Watson will be holding an exhibition of their work from 16th to the 24th December at 53 Kingfisher Street Sedgefield Phone/ fax 0443432363
The season is nearly upon us and we have “Darling of the Cape” opening on the Upper Deck at the Waterfront, next to Panarotti’s. I have also just seen an advert for Dairy Crest’s ice cream cafe in Auctionmart road……………
The no name Cafe and Takeaway in Main just after what used to be the Protea Hotel, has closed, the owners have relocated to Cape Town and I know of at least one person who swears that their bacon and egg sandwiches were the best you could get. St Elmo’s have opened their doors on the other side of town offerng yet another option for Pizza.
Eating out is firstly about service. Nothing any restaurant has ever come up with beats home cooking, so when I sit down at a restaurant I believe I have every reason to expect a high standard of service. Either that or service that is so atrocious it gets talked about and becomes a selling point and something that sets the establishment apart from all the rest.
That’s the second thing I look for, originality. There are very few restaurants or coffee shops in Knysna where I cant sit down and order without even looking at the menu. They are all the same and they are mostly deadly dull.
Finally there is the question of the taste. What can you say about a kitchen which throws marmalade into their humus; other than try it. My first choice (in Knysna) has to be the Cafe Francois bistro at the Scarab Market just outside Sedgefield. That said with apologies to Cruise Cafe which I do enjoy and Zest which I haven’t got to yet. I cant see them maintaining their poise and good humour when faced with a boisterous six year old who is always accompanied by his younger brother.
When I stop to think of newspapers and coffee shops, it has to come down to Gabriella’s where I am quite happy to pay an extra six rand for the cheese, jam and marmalade that comes with ones croissant and along with everything else. She also does the best french toast I have yet managed to find. And this without a mention of the bacon that’s missing. The plate is large, its simple, looks good and tastes better.
For a takeaway there is grilled calamari from the Seafood Safari. It reminds me of the Fishmonger when it first started up, oddly enough, in Joburg. I enjoy the buzz one finds in what is an interesting “foodie” shop.
Nauticus Restaurant is a privately owned, family business that prides itself on serving excellent food and drink. The beautiful and unique surroundings of Brenton On Sea guarantees a great time.
The menu style is pure South African with many of the dishes brought together from fresh, local ingredients. The menu includes gourmet seafood dishes, great salads, steak, burgers, pastas and the best pizza in town. Breakfast is served from nine and dinner is served until eleven.
Nauticus is a great place for a social drink with friends, business meetings, a romantic dinner and private functions. Please contact us
Tel: +27(0)44 381 0106 .
