THE GRILLHOUSE

KEGTAILS OR COCKTAILS? The Grillhouse’s waiters are all keen on Kegtails and here’s why: • Kegtails are quick to get to the table. • It tastes good. • Customers seem to enjoy the Kegtails more than the cocktails on offer. • With Kegtails there is always consistency – it tastes the same every time.

#HelloJoburg

by Renate Engelbrechtr Images: Supplied

As we sat down, our waitron, Big Boy said: “Welcome home,” while offering us two leather clad menus. It felt like home. The Grillhouse in Rosebank was exactly where we needed to be.

As one of Joburg’s established dining destinations, The Grillhouse’s dark interiors and ambient lighting added to a long-awaited date night with tables simply, yet elegantly set. Here and there we noticed subtle echoes and elements - in the form of background music and cleverly repeated glass ornaments - of the clearly popular Katzy’s Bar next door.

The Grillhouse is a bit of an institution, with the one in Rosebank being their flagship steakhouse

Here, authenticity is tangible. If you’re looking for the perfect steak in Joburg, we can recommend adding The Grillhouse to your list of dream dining destinations when visiting the City of Gold.

The food is brilliantly prepared, the portions are more than generous, and their hospitality is top-notch. It truly is like arriving back home to your favourite meal after a long trip.

TRIED & TESTED Starters for us had to include Springbok Carpaccio - smoked and served with delicious shallow fried capers. We also tried their calamari, which was delectable light starter to the evening.

What followed was perfectly prepared pepper-crusted sirloin and fillet on the bone (a speciality at The Grillhouse). We coupled that with some sides in the form of chips, roasted vegetables and creamed spinach – you know, the kind of food your mama would prepare when you come home for a visit. And, it tastes that good too, if not better!

Dessert was a surprise and the menu states as much. We shared a glass bowl filled with what we could only describe as a mix of secret, sweet seduction. The bonus of The Grillhouse is that you can couple your dinners with pre- or after-dinner drinks. We did both, just because we could. Prior to dinner, we popped in for some G&Ts at the bar. It was still quiet, and one could actually have a conversation. It’s not a new venue, in fact scuff marks and furniture dents are evident. But that’s what gives the bar its character. It’s unpretentious and raw and we like it.

After-dinner drinks had us entering the bar at the height of Thee Jam’s live session and it was clear that Katzy’s is the bee’s knees when it comes to jazz bars in Joburg.

Here, both locals and tourists come together for a genuinely good time, and everyone feels welcome and at ease in this melting pot of people from all walks of life. H

Q @thegrillhouserosebank Q @thegrillhousemelrosearch Q @thegrillhousesandton Q @katzysrosebank

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CAPITO If you’re a fan of good Italian cuisine, coupled with some of the best wines to be found in the Jacaranda City, look no further. Capito in Hazelwood is the perfect dining destination for those keen to celebrate over pasta and Prosecco, whether it be a year-end function or a birthday bash. Offering both inside and outside seating with views over the Old East of Pretoria, it’s a lovely setting for any event.

On your plate Apart from truly amazing wine dinners hosted at Capito, you can also expect dishes like their famous Pesce Al Forno, Mushroom Risotto, Grande Georgio or Porchetta. Pair it with the sought-after Sadie Family Wines’ Soldaat or a Vigneti Prosecco. Q @capitohazelwood

MOONSHINE MENLYN

Conceptualised during the pandemic, Moonshine Menlyn has opened at Time Square in Pretoria offering an authentic New York-style restaurant and bar. The luxuriously appointed establishment is located in a prime position overlooking the action at Time Square and the SunBet Arena, so it’s sure to become the dinner and drinks spot for many before the head to a show or the casino.

On your plate Try their Nashville baby chicken, ribeye, rump and ribs, which are expertly cooked over an open flame. Choose from either smoky BBQ basted or their signature dry rub. Another must-try is their American brisket, smoked for twelve hours in what they describe as classic Texas style. Q @moonshinemenlyn

RAYA In the bustling neighbourhood of Hazelwood, in the heart of what has become known as Pretoria’s foodie hub, The Village’s Raya brings some fresh flavours. The setting is simple, yet elegant with a bit of a tropic vibe attached to it. The word, Raya has various meanings in numerous languages, but in the Malaysian culture it means grand, great day or day of celebration. In essence, it means to celebrate and at Raya you can celebrate in style.

On your plate Showstopper sushi is what you can expect at Raya. But, they also offer seafood and steak. We can recommend the Phoenix Fire Bao and their designer sushi (including charcoal sushi) for a delicious celebratory lunch. Q @rayahazelwood

#HelloCapeTownMap: Google Maps - Map data © 2022 AfriGIS (Pty) Ltd

SCALA PASTA BAR Michelen Star Chef Luciano Monosilio (the King of Carbonara) has just brought the taste of Italian pasta to the tables of Cape Town. Think Spain meets Italy with Scala Pasta Bar’s tapas-size pasta dishes – a creative way to ensure that each member of your party can experience all that the menu has to offer.

On your plate As pasta is the name of the game at Scala Pasta Bar, you can expect all kinds of pasta dishes here. At Scala it is also all about sharing and they recommend three to five dishes per couple to ensure you experience the full range of flavour that Italy has to offer.

Q @scalapasta

CAFÉ CHIFFON This beautiful, brand-new space in Greenpoint is owned by the 23-year-old entrepreneur, Christine Hu and it is pretty cool. Café Chiffon is an Asian-inspired dessert café and it is ideally located for a small, intimate year-end function. The aesthetic is calming and minimalist, which you can dress up or down for your event.

On your plate Not only do they bake the most gorgeous cakes for celebrations, but they actually specialise in vintage piping and their desserts are to die for. Imagine spoiling your guests with Korean-inspired desserts, Japanese macarons and a matcha and raspberry chiffon roll. Q @cafechiffon.cpt

BELUGA Beluga is back! They recently reopened their doors at a brand-new (and very sophisticated_ hotspot in Cape Town, at the V&A Waterfront Cruise Terminal, on the water’s edge. They have the perfect private dining section for your year-end celebration and while they offer some favourite oldies, they have also added some tantalising new items to the menu. Enjoy views across Cape Town’s harbour while spending time in their whisky bar, wine tasting section or at their sushi conveyer belt.

On your plate From Asian Thai Prawns and a divine Ramen Noodle Bowl, to a perfectly aged Ribeye or a 1kg prawn platter, you certainly won’t go home hungry. If you’re keen on sushi, be sure to try their Bam Bam Rolls and their Snowdragon Rolls and if you’re vegan, don’t worry – they have a vegan plate dedicated to you exclusively! Q @belugarestaurantsa

#HelloLifestyle

by Renate Engelbrecht Images: Supplied

Apart from making a wine that embodies origin, and rehabilitating and preserving the land on which the vines grow, Taaibosch Wine Farm also boasts unique, exclusive accommodation and the perfect spot for intimate breakaways with friends, families or corporate teams. This is where you want to drop your duffel bag and kick off your shoes. Taaibosch is ultimate luxury, Capestyle.

Taaibosch’s manor house, which has recently been beautifully restored, dates back to 1838. While it takes you back in time with its old-world charm, it also comes with various luxurious touches, including a private swimming pool and a huge veranda overlooking lush gardens with old oak trees.

contemporary. Nestled on the slopes and atop the Helderberg Mountains, two spacious, private villas will see you indulging in the farm’s natural surrounds. Whilst the Garden Villa allows you to truly submerge yourself in nature, the Farsight Villa boasts panoramic views across the Cape Peninsula. The latter is the perfect spot for year-end celebrations, with a lovely lawn and a boma area. All accommodation comes with a dedicated butler too, and you get to indulge in their wine from Riedel glasses, generously placed in the cupboards.

Taaibosch is closed to the public due to the limited nature of their wines, but by buying twelve bottles of their fine wine online, you get some exclusive, curated benefits. These include private viewings of the estate, and wine tastings in the presence of the wine maker. Additional benefits to loyal clients include invitations to special events, or stays at one of the luxurious homes. Booking a stay will also afford you the opportunity to intimately experience the wine estate and its offerings exclusively. The former Cordoba cellar (that’s what the farm was previously called) has recently been restored and today it houses an intimate space with superlative views of Taaibosch, its vineyards and False Bay.

It’s located above the Wine Members vinotèque and while it was previously used as tasting room for the delightful, fullbodied Cordoba Crescendo, it has now been transformed into the ideal venue for private team meetings or breakaways. Use of this room is for Club Members only, and by appointment.

Three people can stay at Taaibosch for the price of two until the 15th of December this year. Contact them on 021 855 3744 or email stay@taaiboschwines.com. H

Q @taaiboschwines Q @taaiboschcollection