Make This a Destination!

On the local road to the Malelane Gate into The Kruger National Park you pass a small cluster of buildings- in days gone by not much to make you stop or even notice but things have changed! Now Hamilton’s nestles on the corner looking as if it has always been there. This certainly must be, if not the most beautiful restaurant I have ever seen, then one of the top- with stonework and wooden windows it is elegant and inviting! Named after the first game ranger in the Kruger National Park, Stephan Hamilton, this is the first real restaurant in the area and one that is sure to become a destination. With outstanding decor and food created by a well known chef remember to make a booking at this very popular spot! Try the well-matured sirloin steak served rare with roasted baby potatoes and don’t miss the Chocolate Nemesis – a very wicked version of “death by chocolate”. And remember to pick up any deli items that you might need for the rest of your stay in the area from their deli fridges! (Phone: 013-790 3421)

 

Be Tempted!

There are two shops that I never miss while in Durban. The first is Cecile and Boyd’s at 253 Florida Rd (phone; 031 303-1005)This well known South African décor team has this elegant shop in a beautiful old house and I just love to wonder through it..and am always tempted by some beautiful item to take home!
And Nauhaus(40 Marriott rd phone: 031 309 8591) an elegant boutique with antiques, old linen and quality collectables
TT1 browse through Nauhaus and then have breakfast or lunch at Manna situated behind the shop. A restaurant centred around a lovely outdoor courtyard and offering delicious light meals.
TT2 Take home a beautiful bunch of flowers from the little florist on the back verandah of Nauhaus

 

Love the City Bowl

I love the city bowl and one of my favourite shopping walks is down Long Street with its numerous funky boutiques and several antique shops
TT1 Start your shopping walk with a coffee and four-cheese muffin at Vida E Café (34 Kloof St. Gardens). A vibey coffee shop that also does freshly squeezed orange juice- I love sitting at one of the outside tables watching everyone walk by and with the Mountain looming up.
TT2 Make a detour and walk through the Company Gardens
TT3 Head back up Long Street and have a beautiful lunch at Manna Epicure(151 Kloof St. ph: 021-426-2413)- an all white restaurant that offers excellent breakfasts and lunches- if you go at peak times on a weekend be prepared to wait.
TT4 Just across and down from Manna is a great shop for South African products- from jewelry to art- Heartworks!( 98 Kloof St. Gardens)
TT5 Also on Kloof St. at number 94,(021 424 5540) is Mellissa’s- a lovely deli that is open every day, and serves breakfasts and lunches. The lunches are buffet-style and you pay by the weight of your plate. Their deli provides delicious “hotel-picnic” fare!

 

Table in the Sun

Get a table in the sun, order one of the best coffees in town and peruse the menu at this great place. The staff is friendly and efficient. The young owner is dynamic and his excellent host skills make this M&A a favourite venue! (Hyde Square, Jan Smuts Ave. Dunkeld; 011 323 2727)
TT1 Try the Rye Toast Parma and, for breakfast, nothing beats the napoletana omelette!
TT2 The frosticinos are addictive!

 

Brunch in the Lower Eastside

I love the tradition of brunch on the weekends in New York-how luxurious to get up late, walk along the Hudson and then head for a delicious meal!
TT1.going down Freeman Alley already creates the atmosphere of this great spot. Freemans is a must for brunch. Quirky hunter lodge style with a roaring fire sets the mode for devine food! No bookings for less than 6 but a bar to sit at if you are waiting for a table and be sure to order a starter of artichoke pate with toast!