Tortellini D'oro - a gem

They now make their own gelato...the best in JHB.









La Familia D’Oro

As you’ve probably noticed by now, we love the homely, authentic restaurants. One of our favourites (Sasha’s dad loves it too) is Tortellini D’Oro in Oaklands, Johannesburg. It’s Italian at its best, from the perfectly made café to the homemade pasta with secret family sauces, and from the deli selling only Italian produce to the lively and vocal owners whose lives you get know over time.

We discovered this gem on the way to work one day when a strong espresso would be the only way to make it through the day. In true Italian style, the coffees are served with a traditional biscuit (always a surprise what you’ll get) and a shot of sparkling aqua minerale. The best.

We figured that would be a good way to finish off a meal as well so we went back another day for lunch and another day again for brunch!
Early on in the day, try the omelettes or for something light, the croissants are great with a café.
But we’re bigger fans of the lunches here. Start off with a traditional salad – they have the best olives. And now that summer’s upon us, the pasta with fresh tomato sauce is a winner, especially when complimented with a bottle of Haute Cabriere. The homemade lasagne and risotto are also yummy.

It’s advisable to leave a bit of space for desert. Ion’s favourite - the tiramisu, but Dimitri and Sasha love the real chocolaty taste of the ice cream

Tip: The Caltex across the road does a good car wash, so you can leave the restaurant with a satisfied appetite and a clean car!
Tip 2: The (also Italian) butcher next door to the restaurant makes great biltong…

Until we eat again,

Your Taste Buds,

DimitrIon

Canto Latino - Parkmore

More in Parkmore

It’s no secret that one of our favourite suburbs for eating out is the vibrant yet authentic and not yet over-commercialised restaurant strip in Parkmore. The outdoor courtyard setting in Canto Latino first drew us into this Mediterranean delight, but even in winter we found the inside section just as welcoming. And the simple, homely décor, with a deli like display adjacent to the kitchen is unique. We settled into our table close to the fireplace & ordered a good bottle of Portuguese red.

As a starter, we got a selection of cold meats and cheeses, which was accompanied by long strips of grilled crostini like bread which tastes best when drizzled with olive oil.
After that we decided to get a couple more dishes to try out the variety of delicacies that the restaurant offers. The showpiece of the evening was definitely the chourico – Portuguese sausage presented on a flaming grill placed in a clay pig-shaped pot. The best. Together with our second bottle of red, we also ordered the prawn dish (Dimitri’s wife Sasha loves prawns), which comes in a rich, creamy sauce with bay leaves and served with rice. The fried calamari was tender and tasted great with a bit of extra lemon squeezed over it.

The meal was quite rich and filling, so instead of desert, we opted for a nice Port to finish off the meal.

We really enjoyed the Canto Latino experience, especially the friendly service and welcoming, relaxed atmosphere.

Until we eat again.

Your Taste Buds,

DimitrION.

Tip: if the weather gods decide to throw us a late cold front again, ask for a table close to the fire place. But if the weather carries on like it has been, the outdoor section is the best.

George on 4th - Parkhurst

Sunday lunch with George

If you’re looking for a super spot to visit for a long lazy lunch (or dinner), filled with good food, wine and people watching, head down to George’s on Fourth in Parkhurst, Jo’burg with some good mates and a good appetite. And now that summer’s teasing us a little, this restaurant offers sidewalk dining at its best.
There’s a great European feel in the area in general and in this restaurant in particular. George’s has a relaxed atmosphere with simple yet stylish décor and the food is generally outstanding.

We normally start off with one of their yummy salads, although the calamari’s also great.
The speciality of the house is the lamb shank that falls off the bone. Mmmmm....
The fillet pasta is one of Ion’s favorites, whilst Dimitri loves the seared salmon.
They offer some nice wines, although if you’re looking to go all out, there’s a selection of Champagnes - Veuve Cliquot is a big seller here.
To top off a great meal we always recommend a nice strong espresso and they make them well here… especially as an accompaniment to one of their delicious deserts - the chocolate walnut tart is the best.

Until we eat again,

Your Taste Buds,

DimitrION