★ Hard Rock Cafe Rocks it's way to Johannesburg ★

Get ready to rock, as the iconic Hard Rock Cafe makes its way to Johannesburg! Hard Rock International is pleased to announce plans to bring the brand’s one-of-a-kind blend of music, entertainment and authentic scratch-based cuisine to Johannesburg with a state-of-the-art location showcasing Hard Rock’s new design style and latest technology. The new Hard Rock Cafe Johannesburg will be located at Nelson Mandela Square in Sandton, and will undoubtedly be a must-see for both visitors and locals ...

“This extraordinary city of Johannesburg is famous for its energetic and electrifying culture, and incredible music; and we are truly excited to open Hard Rock Cafe Johannesburg in this location. Our local partner Soft Coffee Holdings in Johannesburg, has worked hand in hand with us to ensure this cafe will become an instant hit in the City of Gold,” said Antonio Bautista, Area Vice President Hard Rock International. “Hard Rock is thrilled to be a part of this incredible country and our newest location in Mandela Square, Johannesburg will definitely not disappoint!”

Guests of Hard Rock Cafe Johannesburg can enjoy fresh, high-quality items from Hard Rock’s scratch-based menu, including the favourite Legendary Experience menu, featuring a mouth-watering selection of 10-ounce Legendary Burgers. Hard Rock’s Smokehouse Menu uses the very best Hickory wood chips to slowly cook its ribs, chicken and pork to juicy, tender perfection. In addition to its food, Hard Rock Cafe’s extensive, award-winning drinks menu includes Hurricanes, Margaritas, signature favourites and Alternative Rock (alcohol-free) beverages, all available in Hard Rock souvenir collectible glassware. Hard Rock’s cocktails are handcrafted, just like its cuisine, and as authentic as the memorabilia on the walls. 

The Johannesburg cafe’s Rock Shop offers rock ‘n’ roll-inspired items, as well as collectible Hard Rock Cafe merchandise in its exclusive retail location. This Johannesburg-specific merchandise can only be purchased at this location, which offers an exclusive design quality that enhances each item’s appeal. Fans can also acquire Hard Rock’s much-coveted signature pins.

All Images via Hard Rock Cafe Johannesburg

HQ — The Best Sirloin Steak!

On Friday Night I visited an Awesome Restaurant named Headquarters (HQ) in Sandton. The most interesting thing about the restaurant is that it offers a single, straightforward menu: Salad, Sirloin & Chips ...

It opened in Cape Town in December 2008 and Sandton in February 2011, Headquarters is loosely based on the famous Parisian restaurant, Le Relais de L’Entrecote, in its homage to meat. 

The Menu is simply stamped onto the Brown Paper Table Cloth and you can leave your details to receive info on what's happening at HQ.

The Salad Starter:

A delicious, classic composition of cos and iceberg lettuce, topped with toasted pine nuts and parmesan shavings, drizzled with a divine mustard vinaigrette dressing. This is the perfect combination to prepare your palate for the succulent sirloin and crispy fries which follow.

The Sirloin and Chips:

My Delicious Portion on Sirloin and Fries with an Awesome Bottle of Red Wine

The free range sirloin, sourced from Namibia and Botswana, is perfectly grilled to your taste and lightly covered with their signature Café de Paris butter created from 18 ingredients.

And what better side to a sirloin steak than some delicious double fried French Fries,  which are delightfully crispy and perfectly salted.

Once you order how you want your steak grilled the waiter marks your tablecloth with your choice, I prefer my meat Medium Rare, so I got "MR" on my side of the tablecloth

For all those Vegetarians out there, HQ even has a vegetarian option consisting of Halloumi and Mediterranean Vegetable Skewers with a Basil Infused Vinagrette. The Vegetarian Option also starts with the HQ salad and is also accompanied by crispy chips. (I haven't tried this yet, but on my next visit I'll give you feedback on this dish)

This single-minded restaurant is genuinely a breath of fresh air when compared to the numerous restaurants that offer a variety of items on their menus. The best part is, that as they specialise in only one dish, you can be certain that it will be the BEST SIRLOIN STEAK  AND FRIES YOU WILL EVER EAT!

So to book a table at Headquarters, click here,

or call them on +27 11 783 0924

ADDRESS:

24 Central,

6 Gwen Lane,

Sandton,

Johannesburg

Map

OPENING TIMES:

Open Monday - Saturday

Kitchen serving 11h30 - 22h30

Bar open till late

3SIXTY˚ Liquid Lounge

Montecasino has expanded its robust Entertainment offering and is setting New Restaurant Trends (which are DELICIOUS) with the recent launch of 3SIXTY˚ Liquid Lounge — a concept venue that promises to take patrons on a 360 degree sensory journey ...

Fast attracting Gauteng’s over-21 socialites and the elite; 3SIXTY˚ Liquid Lounge encompasses a restaurant and bistro, cigar & cognac lounge and cheese & wine room. Patrons can also choose to be seated in front of the show kitchen to witness the flair, expertise and plating techniques of the highly qualified chefs. 

The Show Kitchen

All these elements are brought to life by the spectacular circular frost-top bar, the venues stylish design, décor and distant buzz from the casino floor. 

“Montecasino prides itself in being positioned as Gauteng’s premier entertainment destination, by doing this, we constantly research new features that add to the experience and appeal to the broad spectrum of visitors to Montecasino.” says Glenn Joseph, General Manager of Montecasino. 

The 3SIXTY˚ Liquid Lounge menus ensure a wide variety of food and beverage items to choose from including several ‘design it yourself’ options. 

“The menus have been created to ensure a different offering for guests who may come back again and again for another unique experience. The fresh and ‘one of a kind’ appeal of this innovative venue comes through in all the menu offerings from gastronomically-enhanced dishes to the ultimate in palate-pleasing beverages”, says Chef, Rylan Ramsamy. 

Top Left: Oven Baked Duck with Baby Potatoes, Pan seared Vegetables, Bacon and Toasted Pine Nuts.
Bottom Left: Duck Spring Roll, Chicken Money Bag and Fashion Salmon Sandwiches.
Top Right: Aged Karak Beef Fillet with Shimiji Mushroom, Carrot Purée, Stir-fried Vegetables, Shoestring Chips and Beef Jus. It is AMAZING!!!
Bottom: Brandy Snap and Chocolate Ice-cream, Passion Fruit Macaroon, Crispy Phyllo Pastry with White and Dark Chocolate Mouse

Shooters are served in test tubes with popping candy, peppermint crisp chips, candy floss, and other signature drinks such as the BullMeister where Jagermeister magically floats on Red Bull. 

Candyfloss Test Tube Shooter ... My Favourite of their Shooter Menu so far :)

“We have also included platters for sharing such as sushi, dim sum baskets, meze, cheeses, mini burgers, gourmet nibbles and more, for groups or even couples who enjoy the growing preference for sharing smaller tasting portions of different dishes,” says Ramsamy. 

“Our 3SIXTY˚ Liquid Lounge adds a unique touch to Montecasino’s entertainment offering. It’s certainly a venue with a difference, designed to tantalise and entice all five senses and the perfect addition to Montecasino’s dynamic line up,” concludes Montecasino General Manager Glenn Joseph 

This is definitely a place that I will be visiting frequently for Dinner with Friends and Girls Night's Out! It is sure to become the Hottest Hangout in Jo'burg!! So see you all there!! ♥

For further information on 3SIXTY˚ Liquid Lounge or for bookings please contact 011 510 7341 alternatively for more info, and to look at their menues visit their website.

A few Pictures from the Launch on Thursday 24 January 2013:

Huge Ice Sculptures

Festive Costumes

Candyfloss Test Tube and Black Forest Cake Shooters

Me and fellow Blogger Chris Meklis from XHRISTYLE.COM

If you're Q-rious to see what I wore to the 3SIXTY˚ Liquid Lounge Event, click here.

~ ♥ ~

Thava: The Taste of India

Last night, I was invited to experience a Fresh New Taste of India. 

Thava opened their second Indian Restaurant in Midrand. They specialise in South Indian cuisine and prides themselves on their use of the freshest local ingredients and aromatic dishes ...

Chef Philippe Frydman (left) and Mathew Abrahams (right)

The Multi-Award Winning Thava Indian Restaurants are owned by Mathew Abraham, and are under the consultancy of Chef Philippe Frydman, Chairman of the Academy of Chefs. 

Thava specialises in South Indian Cuisine, particularly from the Kerala region, which is a blend of Different Cultures and Religions — Hindu, Christian and Muslim — which reflect in the myriad flavours that make the food from this part of the world so appealing and delicious!

The making of Butter Naan Bread ... DELICIOUS!

The inviting atmosphere and unique Indian Tapas (this is a first for South Africa) sets this Indian Restaurant aside from others. Tapas Dishes are perfect for sharing and for special taste experiences and can be served in portions as a starter, or as a shared main meal — guests can select from a combination of any items straight off the set Menu or from the daily Special Menu.

The Menu includes a delectable selection of Vegetarian, Lamb, Chicken and Seafood Dishes to choose from, off a Menu that includes Curries, Briyanis, Stews and Spicy Tandoori and Masala dishes, all served with traditional breads, rice dishes, and side dishes of freshly prepared chutneys, pickles or vegetables.

The Array of Starters on the Menu — each one more scrumptious than the previous  

Thava Midrand promises to be as popular as its sister in Norwood, attracting those who know and love their Indian Cuisine, as well as new-comers to the Kerala taste experience. Add to that the warm ambiance and friendly service and you will quickly understand why Thava Indian Restaurant is the choice restaurant for Indian Cuisine ... It is definitely mine!

Address:

Thava Midrand Now Open!
Carlswald Decor Center
5th Road (Off New Road Off Ramp)
Carlswald 

or

Corner of The Avenue & Plantation Road
Norwood (Oaklands)
(Situated above Alexanders Deli)

Telephone:

011 318 1367

If you are Q-rious to find out more about Thava click here.

Coobs in Parkhurst

On Friday night, a friend from work invited me to the opening of a great restaurant, situated on the infamous 4th Avenue in Parkhurst, named Coobs... 

The place is owned by James Diack, who was previously the head chef of Pomodoro and the Mastrantonio group, so with that in mind, I expected the food to be AMAZINGLY DELICIOUS ... and it was! 

The Starter and Dessert included some interesting combinations of ingredients (I love unconventional Flavour Fusions), while the variety of main course dishes will satisfy everyone!

The Opening Dinner Menu at Coobs on 9 November 2012

I decided on the Salmon Tartar with Lime Mayo, Wasabi Crisps with Orange Fennel Salad for a Starter, followed by the Homemade Gnocchi with Treacle Sugar Roasted Butternut and Organic Goats Cheese for Mains — The Gnocchi at Coobs is exemplary! 

I also tried the Rib Eye with Herb Anchovy Butter ... which is Exquisitely Perfect and If you're a Meat-eater, this will be your go-to dish!

From Left to Right: My Starter, Main Course and Dessert

We shared 2 desserts amongst the 4 of us (the food was so Deectable that there was simply not enough room to consume a full portion) and we decided to go with the Almond Crusted Japanese Cheesecake with Pistachio Ice Cream and Orange Blossom Creme and the Churros covered in a Cinnamon icing sugar served with hot chocolate dipping Sauce. The Churros were one of the best I've had in South Africa!

 Coobs is definitely a Great addition to 4th Avenue in Parkhurst, and if you Love Good Food and a Great Ambiance, you should definitely come for Dinner here! I'll be sure to come back here to share a few meals with Good Friends and Good Wine ... See you there!

Just a small note: They don't have a Liquor License as yet, so until they get it, make sure to bring along a bottle of your favourite wine!

Address:

Coobs,

4th Avenue,

Parkhurst

(between 13th and 14th Street)

P.S. And, if you are Q-rious to know what 'Coobs' means, it is simply James' nickname.