(not quite) getting ready to move …
I am sitting between packed bags (well, mostly) getting ready for the next move — from Cape Town to Maastricht — in my quest for eternal winter. Thought this would be a good time for my must eat here when in Cape Town list. I am working through the list during my last few days …
Bukhara in Burg Street — the pretentious “arguably the best Northern Indian cuisine on the planet” on the take-away containers might just be true. But don’t get take-away, make a reservation, and enjoy the view into the tandoor kitchen. Personal favourites: chicken cheese, and the best Palak Paneer I have ever had (and I have tried many! if you know a better place for PP, let me know!)
Olympia Cafe in Kalk Bay — no doubt, my personal favourite all around, never disappoints. When I first asked the waitress (Traci, who became a very good friend) if the fish was good — she nearly threw me out. “You won’t eat fish anywhere else anymore …” and boy is she right. Best fish in the world. Also great are the Linguine Del Mare, which give you pieces of fresh fish, mussles, shrimp, in a slightly spicy tomatoe sauce. Hmmyum ….
Birds Boutique Cafe on Bree — the best place for lunch in town, no doubt. I can’t wait until they open for dinner. Read my review here.
Noon Gun Cafe in Bo-Kaap — I might be biased, because the restaurant is run by my neighbours and I live in the house, but this is authentic Malay cooking with the best view of any restaurant in Cape Town. And it is not overrun (yet?). Most popular for lunch and tea, but I would recommend an early sundown dinner (you won’t see the sunset, but the sky turns a beautiful pink and then the city lights come on … spectacular). Say hello if you come visit (and I am back from Holland / Feb 2006).
Royal Eatery on Long Street — great place for a quick burger if you can stand the slightly over-the-top young artsy-fartsy crowd. Better to go to the Royal Kitchen (just around the corner) where you should make friends with Liesl if she is working. Have a Royal with double-cheese and a shake.
There are many many other great places and dishes in this town — the chocolate beef at madame zingara is amazing, melissa’s on kloof has a great lunch buffett, posticino in sea point makes the best pizza, etc. — but I will end here or I will never be able to leave. Drop me a note if you are planning a visit to Cape Town and want more detail (or if you have any recommendations for where to eat in Maastricht)
I am going to miss this place.