Corner Cafe - Craighall Park, JHB

Parking off

We were introduced to Corner Café in Craighall Park, Jo’burg, by our friends Gabi and Derek, food aficionados - nothing like us but they try ;-) Since then we’ve been back there a couple of times and never been disappointed.

The outside section is awesome for summer dinners and long lazy winter lunches. Ask for the sunny “DimitrION” table which takes up one of the parking bays. (Ask Fatima, the manager, to make a plan – tell her you know us!).

We ordered the Fat Bastard Chardonnay - a good substitute to our favourite Haute-Cabriere. A great way to start off the meals was with a butternut and feta salad. With Sasha (Dimitri’s wife) and the lovely Nicolette we managed to try out and take photos of four different main courses, some from the menu and some from the specials board.

We had a steak burger and a beef burger both with caramelised onions and chips, a sure winner for any carnivore. Sasha ordered (and we ate) the yummy chicken pasta with fresh basil and Nicolette ordered (and we ate) the sliced rump on rocket with mushroom sauce.

To end off our lazy day in the sun, we had the best chocolate mouse cheesecake, but found the lemon meringue a little too eggy… the espressos were really good, especially with a perfect Monte Christo No. 5 Cuban cigar. Life’s good! J

Tip: It gets chilly outside in winter, so either get there early, sit inside or dress warmly.

Until we eat again.

Your Taste Buds,

DimitrION

Braza

Blazes of Glory

Pretoria! That’s far… but hang on, it’s only 22minutes from Sandton - even closer than Fourways… OK, so the town previously known as Vervoerdburgstad (now Centurion) was our next port of call, where we joined the fictional Manuel in his quest to find the best Portuguese food South of Madeira… The long journey took us to Braza, a pilot store for Portuguese fare with a warm, welcoming & energetic feel (conveyed by Eddie & Sarris who run this store). This vibrancy and energy extends to the food, especially to our recommended starter – the Flaming Chourico (a traditional Portuguese sausage for the non-weight conscious). We would really recommend that you wash it down with a Super Bock – an easy-drinking, flavour filled beer imported direct from Portugal straight to Tony’s door… The speciality of the restaurant is the beef or chicken espetada – really tender & tasty – another Super Bock required… This comes with chips and roasted veggies which compliment it perfectly. Although the Crème Caramel was highly recommended to us, we opted for the baklava, home made by the legendary Thea Liza. This really went down well with one of the cheapest and freshly ground espresso’s we’ve had for a while – only R8 (or R9 for a double!)… we love Pretoria… and the drive back wasn’t too bad – especially with Beethoven’s 6th symphony in D-Minor keeping us awake! Tip: Every Saturday Braza’s hosts a Salsa evening with hot-blooded Mediterranean dancers (including the owners) providing flaming entertainment.

Until we eat again,
Your Taste Buds, DimitrIon

Bellinis - The best buns in town

One of Jo’burg’s most popular institutions amongst the city’s beautiful people is Bellini’s, just up the road from the Wanderers in Illovo. This quaint restaurant is renowned for its consistently good food, long lazy lunches and people watching! You might be mistaken for thinking that you’re outside Investment Cars as well!

Start off your lazy lunch with one of their great salads, whilst sipping on a Pimms cocktail or go straight for a few bottles of our favourite blended white wine, Haute Cabrierre. A light meal not to be missed is their awesome Prego Roll – almost as famous as the brand names you’ll see while eating here! The thin crispy fries compliment the prego perfectly, as does the home-made peri-peri sauce.

If visiting in the evenings, try the Fillet Suzette – succulent cubes of fillet in a rich, yet delectable sauce. For those of you with a sweet tooth, their Cashew-nut chocolate cake will appease the palate, whilst for those of you with a sweet eye, the sugar-mommies and budding models (including Dimitri’s wife, Sasha) will appease your viewing pleasure!

Tip: try get there early. They don’t take bookings & it’s almost always full.

Until we eat again,

Your taste buds,

Dimitrion

Thomas Maxwell

Maxwell cooks well
By DimitrIon 6 July 2007, 11:30 GMT + 2
[First appeared in The Times on 6 July, 2007]

We found ourselves back in Parkmore which has become a treasure-chest for authentic gastronomic delights. From Cucina Italiana at the top of the road, down to Beirut, the main street is bustling with great places to suit all pockets.
A true gem along this strip is Thomas Maxwell kitchen, a small, inconspicuous and minimalistic restaurant that demands a hearty appetite. Thomas is a legend in his own right, putting some of Jo’burg’s restaurants on the culinary map.
Thomas suggested we start off with the ostrich carpacio with deep fried goats-milk cheese and truffle oil – a little pricey, but definitely worth it! Ion polished off the rabbit risotto, while Dimitri tucked into the fillet pasta – found it a bit heavy, but his wife’s prawn pasta was the best…
There’s nothing too fancy about the restaurant’s décor and furniture, but the mismatch of styles comes together perfectly to create a comfortable feel. This is complimented by friendly, efficient waiters, especially Elvis (yes, he’s still alive!). The guy has been Thomas’ right hand man for over 18 years and always has a smile on his dial!
Forget the mints, the bill comes with homemade iced cupcakes!
Until we eat again,
Your Taste Buds,
Dimitrion

011 - 7841575
Tip: For winter, ask for the table next to the heater along the wall...