Fresh Earth Food Store, Emmarentia

On one of the most surprisingly warm days of winter, G1 and I trekked out to Emmarentia so that I could introduce her to the organic world that is Fresh Earth.  Nestled in a quiet area just off the main road, this restaurant and store is popular amongst its regular customers who are inclined to live a healthy and balanced lifestyle.  Fresh Earth is one of a growing number of Johannesburg-based locations focusing their attention on education and converting the mindsets of South Africans. This is eminent in the setup – an enticing restaurant on the sidewalk and inside, a store promoting wellbeing where you can buy anything from vitamins, oils, tissue salts, cereals and frozen foods to books, crafts, toiletries and anything that encompasses natural elements for body and mind.

Back to the brunch.  The dining area is inviting, unpretentious and on the small side - seating around 35 people.  We were seated in a cozy corner, with the sun infiltrating through the patio enclosure providing a welcoming warmth and light.  Small details are not overlooked – fresh flowers in colourful glass jars on each table, ceiling heaters and an occasional purple fleece blanket for those very cold days.    

Glancing over the menu it is apparent that you pay for meals prepared with fresh, unrefined ingredients. 

Two filter coffees made using an organic coffee bean from Ethiopia were accompanied with zesty orange biscuits.  Deciding to eat the pie and salad combo, we waltzed over to the deli counter to make our selection – roasted vegetables and spinach and feta respectively.  These freshly made pastries were crammed with seasonal and nutritious vegetables.  Nearly overshadowing this was the crisp salad including avocado slices, alfalfa sprouts, sunflower seeds and a trickling of dressing, along with a handful of butternut chips on the side.  



Proudly African and organic

Having spotted a number of treats on offer at the deli counter earlier, I also requested one carob cluster to share.  For those that don’t know, carob, being naturally sweeter than cocoa, is an edible powder made from the seeds and pods of an Eastern Mediterranean plant and is often used as a substitute for chocolate.  The carob cluster was a cereal and carob enriched dark brown chocolate-like ball set in a cupcake wrapper. 



"A man too busy to take care of his health is like a mechanic too busy to take care of his tools"
Spanish Proverb



Matthew (owner) has said that it is his mission to convert the new-age thought process that by living a healthier lifestyle, you will reduce the onset of illnesses and increase longevity.  With more stores set to open up within the next few years due to high demand, we can look forward to stronger buying power for the manufacturer and lower costs for the consumer.

Hit:  large tables, vegetarian lover’s haven, take away options, Saturday buffet

Miss:  high prices

Jozi Steakhouse, Killarney Mall

With the revamp of the food and entertainment area at Killarney Mall, a new restaurant has opened up, driving the tourist market in SA.

Jozi is nestled between two well known brand names in South Africa and its small entrance may elude you to the actual size inside.  Ethnic colours and dark wooden slats on the ceilings along with occasional pieces of wall art (red giraffes) give it an earthy African feel that is easy on the eye.  The frosted Johannesburg skyline on the window adds a nice touch.

Our party of four (including R1, M2 and J2) was given considerable and thoughtful attention by the waiters on duty, although it must also be noted that the restaurant wasn’t bustling on this week night.



There is a niche in the market for restaurants such as Jozi Steakhouse



Requests consisted of a medium-rare steak with chips, two chicken breast el Greco’s and a vegetarian platter minus the mushrooms.  Whilst these dishes were being prepared, we were able to look out the large window lining the back of the restaurant and nibble on large freshly buttered rolls.  My initial astonishment concerning the service being quick and efficient and the presentation good, quickly dwindled when we tucked into our spread.    The food was bland leaving us to season substantially and the steak, arriving a little too fresh, was taken back and put on the grill.



Local needed a bit of “lekker” in the form of seasoning



The meal was rounded off with good cappuccino’s and one giant crème brulee to share – not freshly made as the custard was still cool at the bottom, but the caramel topping was excellent.  What I suspect are teething problems should be ironed out within the first few weeks

Yebo yes:  Thick branded cloth napkins, good service.  The halloumi that accompanied the vegetarian platter was tasty – good balance of crunchy crust and smooth interior. 

Cha cha (no no):  Tastebuds are not satisfied for the above-average prices charged.



Hodges Coffee House, Hyde Park

I have been to Hodges Café on numerous occasions and not once have I walked away feeling disappointed or neglected by the efficient and friendly staff, the wholesome food and the homely atmosphere and my latest visit proved to be no different.

Waking up with the appetite of a grizzly, R1 and I would feast on scrambled eggs, toast, sausage, baked beans, and fluffy pancakes oozing with generous portions of golden syrup and a light sprinkling of cinnamon and sugar (a must for any pancake).  Not forgetting the piping hot cappuccino’s complete with bite-sized biscuits.



Scrumptious

Tables are intimately aligned, some even spilling into the second hand bookstore adjoining it - an open invitation to browse through literature on a full stomach – a good marketing strategy perhaps?  Focusing on customer satisfaction, small details are not overlooked – fresh flowers on each table, cleanliness and an ever present waiter or waitress to assist patrons.

If you are seeking an unpretentious, well run and cozy venue, then Hodges is the place to be! 



A great start to any morning

Newsy fact: breakfast is served all day (try their delicious granola) and operating hours are accommodating, even for the busiest individual.  Fantastic buffet special for only R86.00 per person every Sunday.

Take this with a pinch of salt: moderate pricing, tables are closely laid out.