Carnivore Restaurant Johannesburg

This rather unique restaurant makes one feel like in a  game reserve, with sufficient open air settings and covered seating to get into the mood that is uniquely African.   The name itself makes one look forward to the Rodizio version of the Brazilian roast and grill school of Churrascaria.   It is fascinating to watch the meat grilled on Maasai swords or spears over red hot charcoal beds. The place was abuzz with diners as we settled into our table with a group of fifteen. One has to negotiate steps to get to the modern washrooms.  By night's end, almost every table was filled up on this Friday night.  A flag at the table is lowered when we had finished and that was the signal for the staff to stop coming with more offerings.  This must be a great choice for functions and gatherings as it can sit over 300 people.  It was still the dry season when I was there and the night was enchanting, welcoming and embracing.  It was a wonderful experience of a barbecue against the coolish evening air, especially when sipping in the interesting welcome cocktail.

I must say I found my sampling taste of zebra unusually flavourful, juicy and well done.  Not that I wanted to but I thought this was a rare opportunity for me to try more wild game roasts. The meat offering are generous, with the staff coming ever so often every few minutes with their suggestion to try this and that!  Crocodile and ostrich meat were already familiar to me from Aussie joints, but not impala, warthog and giraffe.  The roaring fire pit is ion the centre of it all and it is not hard not to miss this.  Staff are well dressed and quick to the service with a smile.

The Carnivore Restaurant have four locations in Africa - outside the city centres of Cairo, Johannesburg, Nairobi and Mombasa.  The business is run by the Tamarind Group.
Visited was the Joburg area outlet in the Muldersdrift countryside near to the Misty Hills Country Hotel, Conference Centre and Spa.

Opening hours for lunch and dinner.
Telephone for Enquiries:  011 950 6000
This is consistently one of the top restaurants recognised in the media.   Vegetarian and fish cuisine are also available for diners.

Warwick Wine Estate - Cape Province, South Africa

A wonderful place to do by whether it is raining or not.  The dining room is spacious, the wine tasting is elaborated clearly and the picnic box has more delights that possibly two persons sharing can finish consuming.   Nestled in ambient scenery and relaxing landscape, Warwick lures the tired traveller to north-west of Cape Town.  A good introduction to is lunch there initially and then perhaps consider joining the Wine Club.  Run by the Ratcliffe family, Warwick also runs wine safaris with their Big 5 grape varieties, holds picnics (not between may to August for weather considerations) and maintains a shop on site and on-line.  The staff are well trained, engaging and knowledgeable.

Warwick's reds are centred around the two Ladies (Red and Black) plus Trilogy (by itself and then with Magnum) and the Cabernets.  Warwick's whites emphasise on chardonnays but also have a dry rose and Sauvignon Blanc.  I prefer the two ladies and the Sauvignon Blanc from the tasting that we had.  Warwick is a boutique business and so offers great care and attention to its produce and blends.

This attention to detail is also reflected in the food provided for visitors.  Karoobossie vintage cheddar,  butternut and sweet potato tart puffs, quality salami and Parma ham.  What I like most of all is their take on the Greek salad - with almonds, barley, broccoli and brinjal!  Accompany all this with ciabatta, pretzel sticks and Melba toasts in the hamper - and every one feels complete.  Oh yes, don;t forget the smoked salmon pate as well.

There are plenty of choice in picnic areas, like in the Pods, forest courtyards, outer decks and the lawns themselves.   And they are big on organising functions.

The Warwick Wine Estate is located along the R44 Highway between
Stellenbosch and Klupsmuts, Cape Province, South Africa.
It is open every day of the year from 9am to 5pm.
Telephone +27 21 884 4410 Reception
Nearby are the university town of Stellenbosch and the French Protestant hub of Fanschhoek.

 

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