1. For a great coffee at 44 Stanley: Bean There

This local success story prides itself on being South Africa’s first roaster of certified Fairtrade coffee beans. With two cafés in Joburg and one in Cape Town, all the single-origin beans used and sold are sourced directly from farmers in Africa, making a real difference to growers’ lives. It’s a popular “coffice” (coffee shop/ office) for freelancers and has an area for private meetings. Most importantly, the coffee is great. Order your favourite brew, take a seat and watch the friendly baristas in action.

beanthere.co.za

2. For home-style fare: The Leopard Kitchen and Deli

Nick Gordon and Andrea Burgener (above) closed their popular Melville restaurant of the same name and opened it in this new incarnation at 44 Stanley just over a year ago. The same care and commitment to ethical provenance remains at the core of their philosophy, translated into delicious ready meals and deli items that are a lifesaver for local office workers and other time-starved types who still want a decent meal when they get home. Choose from the likes of fish cakes, meatballs, chicken curry, mac and cheese and gnocchi. You can also have anything delivered, in small or party-sized quantities, including the deli items and booze available in store, plus a huge range of dishes, from comfort to posh, that are listed online. It’s everything you need to eat well, responsibly.
leopardfoodcompany.com

3. For indulgent sweet treats: Chocoloza

Chocolatier Vicki Bain lived in Belgium for 14 years and honed her craft at some of the best in the country. All the chocolates here are made using the best quality Belgian chocolate and some incorporate South African ingredients such as Amarula and Khoisan salt. Purists will love the Intense made using 85% Valrhona chocolate and fresh cream, while those with a sweeter tooth will devour the hazelnut praline. Bean There (see opposite) supplies the coffee beans for the Creamy Coffee truffle, while raspberries are sourced from The Field Berry Farm near Alberton, and pecan and macadamia nuts from Mac Eden Estates near Port Edward in KZN. The shop has a small seating area where customers can enjoy a coffee or hot chocolate while savouring their stash.
chocoloza.co.za

4. For a life-saving breakfast or lunch: Salvation Café

A favourite breakfast and lunch spot at 44 Stanley among business people, families and hipsters, expect everything from fruit salad and eggs any way you like them, to pancakes, French toast (sweet or savoury), various Benedicts and breakfast burritos. Lunch offers the likes of burgers, substantial salads, sandwiches and wraps, fish cakes and the delicious-sounding BBQ pork belly roll. There’s also a deli that offers a smaller menu for sit down or takeaway, as well as a salad bar where you’re invited to “choose your salvation” and add a protein or dressing if you’re in need of extra help. It also sells quirky homeware and foodie products that are difficult to refuse.
salvationcafe.co.za

5. For food with soul: Calexico Vinyl Lounge and Restaurant

Great music, craft booze and good food is a trio that’s hard to beat. Business partners Larry (below right) and Annie Hodes and Ginny Vacy-Lyle (below left), who with her husband, Mike, were regulars at the space’s previous incarnation as the hugely popular Stanley Beer Yard, are crazy about all three. The two couples joined forces last year to transform the Beer Yard into an Americana-themed restaurant and bar. Named after Larry and Mike’s favourite indie band and a small town in California near the Mexican border, both of which inspired the vibe and the menu, the spot’s new Mexicali-style menu offers the likes of smoky pork ribs and rotisserie chickens with sides such as charred corn, tortilla chips and hot artichoke-and-jalapeño dip, all designed for sharing. Mike is the serious muso in the group – he’s been known to spin discs on viyl nights on Thursdays and Fridays – and loves seeing patrons settling in on the couches listening to live music or sampling the extensive vinyl collection. As their motto says, “real music never gets old”.
facebook.com/CaleXico Vinyl Lounge and Restaurant

6. For the best breads and pastries: Vovo Telo

The 44 Stanley store was the first in the Joburg Vovo Telo stable, and still delivers all the baked goodness it’s become known for. Owner Sandra Turanjanin is genuinely passionate about her work and it shows in the food and service. Regulars and new customers alike flock to the rustically decorated space for freshly baked loaves, pastries and hearty breakfasts (served with house-made sourdough, ciabatta, rye or a bagel). It’s also a popular spot for lunch with sandwiches (both classic and gourmet) taking top spot. Choose from the likes of pastrami on rye or chicken mayo, or go all out with chicken schnitzel with Boerenkaas, shredded cabbage and coriander aïoli. There are also pissaladières (a French “pizza” made with a ciabatta or low-carb cauliflower base) with toppings such as caramelised pear, Gypsy ham and Camembert, and salads if you’re that way inclined. If you’re after something sweet, try a waffle or a slice or cake from the harvest table.
vovotelo.co.za

7. For fresh fare (and functions): Il Giardino and The Room

You’d be forgiven for thinking you’re in Tuscany or France when you sit down in this shady 44 Stanley courtyard, which is a popular spot year round, with wrought iron tables and fresh flowers setting the scene. There is also an indoor space, The Room, which is a favourite for private functions often hosted here. All the food is made using the freshest ingredients, and the wine list features some exclusive bottles. The menu includes breakfast options such as oats with poached pears (below left), while lunch offerings range from pizzas with interesting toppings (try the leg of lamb with dates and apricot), to pastas, burgers, curry, fish and chicken. There’s also Prosecco and gin and tonic on tap.
ilgiardino.co.za

Image credit: Dan Ingham

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For dude-food fans: TIGER’S MILK

Thanks to its industrial chic interiors and robust, approachable menu, this fun Muizenberg spot is bringing a new sense of cool to the area. It’s packed on weekend nights, when you can rub shoulders with the crowds who’ve popped in for post- surf cocktails or live music at the rows of tall tables. Settle in for a pizza or any of the excellent meat options – we think the rock star burger with bacon, avo and cheese is brilliant. Must know… get there early and nab a seat at the window – it’s the perfect place to watch False Bay turn pink at the end of the day.
tigersmilk.co.za

For the deli lovers: KLEINSKY’S

This Sea Point deli is the real New York- Jewish deal. From perfect bagels and lox served with just enough capers, to chicken soup and matzo balls, it’s wholesome, delicious and authentic here. Regulars swear by the Reuben – it’s suitably stuffed with just the right amount of smoked turkey, sauerkraut and Swiss cheese.
kleinskys.co.za

For all-afternoon lunchgoers: LA PERLA

This Sea Point institution is a summertime stalwart and with good reason. A view of the shimmering Atlantic awaits, along with al fresco seating aplenty and a menu tinged with old-school-cool classics. Order a chilled bottle of rosé from the white-jacket-clad waiters and settle in for an afternoon of relaxed Miami-esque vibes in the Mother City. Try the La Perla crayfish sandwich or the linguine vongole.
Tel: 021 439 9538

For the Bloody Mary-with- brunch brigade: THE POT LUCK CLUB

Did you know that the award-winning Pot Luck Club also does the best brunch in town? The dining format follows the lunch and dinner sharing theme and ramps it up to include signatures such as their fish tacos and the famed beef tartare. Best of all? The build-it-yourself Bloody Mary bar features hand-pressed flavoured tomato juices and accoutrements including crispy pancetta sticks and stuffed olives. Insider tip: R150 gets you a bottomless Bloody Mary or bubbles pass.
thepotluckclub.co.za

For the breakfast clubbers: LEKKER

This colourful spot on Kalk Bay’s main drag has become one of the village’s most popular breakfast spots and it’s no wonder – it’s all about rib-sticking fare. The flapjacks with bacon and syrup are seriously good and the vibe is chilled and welcoming. Take a seat at the window bar and watch the world go by, or venture in a little further to a table and settle in for a Kernel Benedict – doused in home-made Hollandaise sauce. Do get down here early – it fills up quickly. lekkerkalkbay.co.za

For the serial lunchers: GIULIO’S CAFE

If there’s a new lunch spot in the city you need to know about – this is it. Stylish all-white interiors set the tone for the menu of mouthwatering fresh salads and Med-inspired mains. Feast from the mangia table spread – a daily delight of just-made fresh offerings. facebook.com/GiuliosCafe

For sea-view seekers: HARBOUR HOUSE

You’d be hard-pressed to find a better table with a sea view in Cape Town. Bar an interiors tweak here and there, this Kalk Bay icon that’s perched on the rocks hasn’t changed its recipe much since it opened – and judging by the loyal fans, it works. Book ahead. And if there’s one thing you need to try it’s the tempura prawn and avocado tian – it’s sensational! Insider tip: A window table at full moon is unforgettable!
harbourhouse.co.za

For gourmet picnickers: CAPE POINT VINEYARDS

Despite the name, you don’t have to drive to the ends of the peninsula for a country picnic, simply head to this estate in Noordhoek and enjoy a picnic basket while lounging on the lawns. Each basket (R395) is crammed with meats, cheeses, pâtés, salad, olives and artisanal breads and, with beautiful beach views and a laid-back family-friendly vibe, be prepared to settle in for the afternoon. cpv.co.za

For fresh food-loving wine tasters: BEAU CONSTANTIA

With its ridiculously beautiful Constantia valley views and tasty estate wines, it’s no surprise that this contemporary wine bar has proven a hit with locals and visitors alike. Chefs Warehouse rounds off the elegant experience perfectly. beauconstantia.com

KALKY’S

● For fish-and-chips fiends

Place your order, take your place in the queue at this harbourside institution, then head for the harbour wall to tuck into it all. The combination of sea air, the sound of the gulls and the sight of families fishing off the walls (who knows if they ever catch anything!) makes for a thoroughly memorable al fresco eating experience. Must try: You can’t go wrong with freshly battered hake and chips, but the family platter with prawns and calamari added to the mix is outstanding. facebook.com/kalkys.seafood

DEL MAR

● For modern Mex heads

The owners (of Bukhara fame) have made things absolutely authentic at this classy Mexican eatery – from the food (ceviche, adobo marinades and real-deal streetfood starters), to the custom crockery and delicious cocktails. Add a view of Camps Bay and you’ve got a winning spot. No wonder the city’s glossy posses are heading here in their droves. We love the attention to detail – they have no less than nine salsas to choose from! bukhara.com

THE CREAMERY

● For the ice-cream aficionados

This delightful mint-trimmed parlour in Newlands (it also has a branch in Salt River and a stand at the Watershed market at the Waterfront) is a haven of creamy, dreamy ice creams made using the very best ingredients. Think the likes of sea-salt caramel, barley malt and 65% chocolate. And the waffles are wonderful! thecreamery.co.za

Edited by ANNETTE KLINGER

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* Silvermist Wine Estate, Constantia Nek, Cape Town. Tel: 021 795 0125.

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In many a sense, eating at a restaurant is like eating at somebody’s house, if not the owners’, then certainly the chef’s. They are cooking to make you happy, or at least not so unhappy that you don’t tip.

Given the unique blend of privacy, trust and gratuity calculation that defines restaurant dining, one should always approach it in the right frame of mind. That’s why we, die-hard diners of TASTE, have put together this handy list of what not to do in your local bistro, brasserie or bento-box provider.

1. Ignore your waitrons

Like bank managers and clowns, you may be surprised to find out that waiting staff are people too. They have their own hopes and dreams, most of which don’t involve asking how you would like your rump done. Say hello, ask how long they’ve worked there, compliment how well they wear their beige-polkadot uniform. It’ll make your dining experience all the nicer, and may well ensure that your glass of wine is a few centimetres over the line.

2. Make geographically incorrect orders

The saying when in Rome is popular for good reason, it makes sense. Just because your pizza joint offers tuna steak doesn’t mean the chef is a fisherman, certainly not if he’s from Rome.

3. Sneakily move tables

It does happen that you get seated at a sub-par table. Perhaps you’re stuck in the middle of an eclectic, rowdy wedding ceremony or the lady at the next table used petrol instead of perfume. In these situations, it is perfectly acceptable to ask the staff to accommodate you elsewhere in the restaurant. What you shouldn’t do is emigrate to the other side of the room without telling anyone, leaving your waiter to lug your magnum of Shiraz to a now barren table.

4. Shout

These days restaurants have less in common with the dining rooms of lore and more with the Las Vegas strip. Noisy restaurants are not the best place to enjoy your fillet mignon and it all starts with somebody shouting. Don’t let that person be you, rather learn sign language.

5. Undertip

Unless your waiter has been a wine-spilling, order-mishearing oaf, don’t tip less than 10%. It’s probably the only thing supporting their jazz habit.

6. Be too picky

If you’re reading this, there’s a good chance you know the difference between Gruyere and goujons, but that doesn’t mean you can beat a chef at his own game. Asking if you could replace the capers with peppadew could get you shot in Paris. Trust the man with the knife/blowtorch.

7. Order steak well-done

Some may call it personal preference, some may say it’s safer, but there is nothing that will earn you the ire of restaurateurs quicker than asking for your steak burned well in the flames of the hell.

8. Make a big fuss when tasting wine

Wine has enough pretentiousness associated with it, some necessary, some not, without you turning the pre-drinking wine test into an episode of Downton Abbey. If it’s off, you’ll know, if it isn’t, drink up.

9. Take your food too seriously

Food has come a long way since the grim days of post-war rationing. You can’t walk a step without being accosted by artisanal meat smokers or boutique water bottlers. Much of this does indeed result in a much more fulfilling approach to food. However, your waiter is much more concerned with his aforementioned jazz addiction than with what kind of grass the cows’ grandparents were fed. If you’re that interested, lurk in the shadows outside until the chef leaves, then follow him home before accosting him.

10. Get intimate

You may think you’re recreating the spaghetti-kiss scene from The Lady and the Tramp but to everybody else it looks like you’re having each others faces for dessert. Leave your tongue to the food so that everybody else doesn’t get put off by your tonsil hockey, or worse.

Follow these tips, food-eaters, and you should get through life without grossly offending any chefs, waiters, managers or dishwashers, ensuring a better life for all.

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