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Bismillah - cosy corner of tasty comfort **** Helena Brandenburg As most of VOC staff is heavily concerned about food and eating, we decided to start a series of restaurant reviews - for our own as well as for our listeners' pleasure and benefit. The first place to go needed to be chosen very carefully, so the whole newsroom participated in a lively discussion. Quite a few Capetonian halaal restaurants were named and dropped again on the spot, previous restaurant experiences were shared, and after all, we made our choice to visit the Bismillah Restaurant in the Bo-Kaap. It is a small, well-known local restaurant that catches you almost by surprise. A person who doesn't know the place would probably never guess it is one of the oldest halaal restaurants in the Cape. Once inside, it's like becoming a guest at someone's home - a warm welcome, a familiar atmosphere and a cozy, snug feeling that makes you comfortable immediately, no matter how strange you are to Cape Town's shores. All meals on the menu are halaal and focus on traditional Malay or Indian dishes. The Chicken Tikka was not only the chef's suggestion, but it was also recommended by some other guests sitting next to us. That says something about the popularity of the place where regulars seem to come back to time after time. Once we got through the second debate of the day - deciding what to eat - it was over the main event: tasting! The food was delicious and spicy, yet not too hot for a European sense of taste. I not only survived a taste of the spicy samosas, but also got to try the Muslim custom of eating by hand, even though knives and forks were available. Another welcome bonus was the cost of the dishes, which ranged on average from R30 to R60. And once it was over, the Bismillah Restaurant scored a hearty 4 out of 5. But somehow, our original purpose to review the restaurant took a back seat once we got there. We were made to feel so welcome and comfortable that we just sat back and had a good time. But that's exactly what makes the difference: the Bismillah staff provided the right atmosphere for us to have a pleasant chat, with the added bonus of a very tasty lunch.

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Sandra's Coffee Shop - artlessly crossing the cultural divide **** Munadia Karaan Coffee shops are traditionally the kind of place where you step out of the world for a brief moment to grab a quick cup of java and something sinfully sumptuous while you contemplate the world outside. It is a place where you want to feel nurtured and welcomed, without losing your sense of privacy. But above all, it is a place you would want to return to because you enjoy a combination of fine, light foods, good company and still have enough money left to pay the parking when you walk back out. One place that for me has captured that unique combination of delightful delicacies at almost pristine prices, hearty hospitality and cosy comfort is Sandra's Coffee Shop just off Main Road in the Strand. It is the kind of place you need on a hectic Saturday morning to recover from the weekend shopping, or where you might arrange a quick business meeting during the week. The menu ranges from full breakfasts to light snacks, from wholesome stuff for the health-conscious to titillating tea-time treats for the sinners. Specialities are their scrumptious spuds with toppings that range from chicken to tuna, or the famous Uitsmyter treat, which is a quick, filling treat for those too busy reading the newspaper to fuss with food. And if all you want is coffee, then try the divine cheesecake, muffins, scones or to die for chocolate cake. A strong point in the shop's favour is the fact that despite soaring food prices, Sandra's has somehow managed to remain the most affordable coffee shop I have ever been too. You can leave the shop, stuffed with a decent breakfast or a light lunch, having paid no more than R30. In today's terms, that is a steal. But more than that, this halaal coffee shop's most attractive feature is its atmosphere and its hospitality. Here, at any given time, you can run into Muslims, Afrikaners and Jews, sitting side by side in a cosy area that caters for a maximum of 30 people. The regulars keep coming back and are welcomed by Rashieda and Sheriff as if they are members of the family, one that is always ready to accept new members, so newcomers never feel left out. And for that this devoted couple, who left Pietermaritzburg five years ago to move to this coastal town, need to be commended. In a town that was well-known as one of the most conservative Afrikaner strongholds in the Western Cape, this little coffee shop had become a little UN safe haven where every culture and religion is welcomed, but a non-compromising stance is taken on halaal issues. The name of the original shop was retained and may cause Muslims to pause before they enter, but everything produced in the shop is 100% halaal - even the catering that is done for outside functions. By now, locals have come to know, that despite the name, this is a halaal joint, but out of towners do not have the same privilege and that would be one of the few problem areas that could be addressed. Other than that and the fact that you need to run around the corner to reach the loo - something that might be a hassle for a harried mom - this is still one of best kept secrets of the Western Cape. It scores a formidable four out of five.

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Tashreeqa’s – tasteful eating in tucked away setting **** Mandy King Looking for the perfect spot to play catch-up with some friends? Or need a brief respite from the rat race? Whether you're with company, grabbing a quick meal on the run, out with the family or just want to read your newspaper in peace, look no further than Tashreeqa's cake and coffee shop. It fashions itself as a coffee shop, but this gem tucked away in a corner at Kromboom Gardens, in Kromboom Road, Crawford, offers much more. Yes, there are the usual assortment of cakes and coffees, but they also serve pastas for the very hungry, light salads for the health conscious, and decadent deserts for sweet toothed patrons. Business hours starts at 10.30am on weekdays and Sundays and after 3pm on Fridays, but throughout the week, the venue seems suited to early-afternoon walk-in custom. The shop closes at 10pm weekdays and midnight on weekends. Newly renovated and extended, the interior is overall, a bit of '60s with a modern twist. The decor is a marriage of black leather and wood, with the serving station featuring clever use of chequerplate. In the centre of the coffee shop, a circular seat is given renewed use with tables for parties of two or more surrounding the circular seat. It may sound cluttered, but Tashreeqa's is anything but that. My friend and I, being unashamed carnivores, both went for the chicken and pasta dishes. I chose the chicken and mushroom tagliatelle, while Munadia opted for the chicken lasagna with a tomato base. The meal arrived in next to no time; ample portions and decent prices, with pretty garnish of parsley and cheyenne pepper. The pasta was el dente and the white sauce creamy. Munadia confessed to not being a fan of tomato-based pasta, but the few forkfuls left on her plate could have fooled me. And the service? My friend and I could catch up on girl talk without the overbearing attention of a waitress wearing a pasted-on smile, and who's only motivation is in the tip. Waitresses from other establishments, look and learn: patrons don't appreciate the annoying customary 'Everything alright?' just when you've popped a forkful into your mouth? This is not the case at Tashreeqa's, where the service was attentive without being intrusive. Tashreeqa's also caters for functions and one man walked out with a cake a huge chocolate cake he had ordered. A fitting name for that cake would be chocolate-by-death or volcano-on-a-plate. If you don't get it: that cake was huge. Also, do try their waffles. It comes with banana, chocolate, ice cream and a sprinkling of nuts. Delicious. Or take in an eyeful of the tempting cheesecakes on display. You can diet tomorrow. Single pasta portions and other light meals on the menu vary from around R18 – 28 and better yet, they are not shy about offering generous portions either. If you can't finish your meal, take-home bags are provided. Our bill, including tip, came to R90. That is an excellent price for a meal that left you will stuffed and willing to try again. It scores a favourable four out of five.

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Candillac – well flavoured food with 50's feel *** It is so new it practically creaks. Located on the doorstep of Sea Point's trendy restaurant strip on the Main Road, Cape Town's latest halaal restaurant is a welcome addition for those who enjoy something other than a home cooked meal. Smartly decorated with black benches and chairs, dark spotted table tops, lit up with splashes of bright pink and well-lit pine cabinet's sporting a collection of aged vehicles that will make any avid collector salivate, this is a place that can adequately welcome up to 70 people on its raised platform. Like its name, the Cadillac has a very 50's American feel - as if you walked onto a movie set and can expect Marilyn Monroe or Elvis Presley to sidle up to the counter with a milkshake in hand. Talking of those two Hollywood characters, they feature quite regularly on the menu with several dishes being named after them, much to the bemusement of the patrons. But the food is far from the 50's. One of the two brothers who opened the restaurant shortly before Ramadan, Ahmed Motara, says they pride themselves on using only the freshest ingredients. And it shows in is there in the taste. I tried the seafood platter, which had the most tender calamari, tossed in with three large prawns and little cubes of fish, all done in a delicate curry sauce. Though spicy, it was just hot enough not to send the uninitiated palate running for the closest fountain. For someone like me who likes my hot to have steam coming out of my ears, it was far too restrained, but most enjoyable nevertheless. At a steep R89, it may dig too deeply into most diner's pockets. If the price bothers you, not to worry; that is the most expensive thing on the menu. My friend tried the most succulently tender steak I have seen in a long time, served with aromatically spiced chips and salad. At R41,95, that is definitely a good price for a decently sized t-bone steak, which made a rather nice doggy bag. But those are the meals for the very hungry. For the not so hungry, there is a gloriously colourful assortment of salads, a range of sumptuous desserts that will totally destroy your diet, along with various types of breakfasts ranging in price from about R14 to R25, to toasted treats, burgers and milkshakes. The food comes highly recommended. Freshly prepared and fragrantly flavoured with spices that are brought in all the way from Johannesburg, these boys from Potchefstroom do know how to cook. Unfortunately, the operation is still new and waitresses glitter in their absence. This means that you may want to take a newspaper with you to read while you wait to be served. It could take a little while. That is my biggest complaint. Fortunately, it is one that the Motara boys are addressing. They have already advertised for experienced waitresses and I am hoping they sort it out very soon. Because with adequate service, this place could become a favourite stopover on a Friday evening for an affordable bite to eat. This is definitely a joint work keeping your eye on. The owners tell me the entire family have move down to the Cape because of their newly acquired business interests here and it is clear that they have big plans for Sea Point. Already they lead the way in bringing other halaal franchises to that block, which they own - like Mowparks next door and the ever popular MilkyLane on the other side. It is a welcome change to a part of Sea Point that had very little truly halaal eateries. The Cadillac scores a thoughtful three, but with waitresses on hand, it is likely to move up in the ratings.

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Dandy delights at Delhi Diner **** The outlet might be new, but the cuisine and the style is not. The Delhi Diner opened recently in the St Peters Square Observatory. For those whom the name sounds unfamiliar too, that is the shopping center right next to Grootte Schuur Hospital and if the menu seems familiar, then it is because this third outlet belongs to the same family that brought you the Lady Bee in Ottery and the one in Epping's Viking Park Nine of VOC's staff members paid it a visit last week and were pleasantly surprised by the general ambience of the place. Though laid out in a style similar to their other stores, this one had enough space to cater for about 70 people. And if that area gets too full, they have an overflow space just outside where another 20 people could be accommodated. The design is more flowing and easier than their outlet in Ottery though, where it could get a wee bit cramped. The St Peters Square shop has no such problems. You join the queue, go down the line to pick up whatever you are in the mood for, pay the piper at the end of it, then move to either the small tables for two or four people or a bigger booth for when half the office comes with you. The Delhi Diner's self-service buffet has a wide range of foods on offer. The bottom line is to keep whatever is offered to clientele as close to homemade. For this reason you will find an unlikely dish like blackeyed beans on the buffet display for this in the mood for very traditional fair. If not, you can be adventurous and try their pasta - my colleagues raved about that. The noodles were a particularly big hit. If you prefer keeping it simple, try the selection of yellow rice, veggies and grills - from chicken to chops. They have been done to perfection. The owners tell me that these grills are all barbequed at their central kitchen to ensure the Lady Bee brand, but other foods are cooked on the premises. And they have done their part for empowerment too. Mr Ebrahim Badroodien, who along with his wife Mariam, started Lady Bee more than five years ago, tell the story of some of their staff who joined them from the townships. When they started, they could barely wash a stack of plates without breaking it. Now he says, those same workers can cook a pot of breyani the Lady Bee way. Food at the Delhi Diner - which is open from 9am to 9pm daily - range from culturally correct curries, to beckoning breyani's, boutiful barbeques, a scattering of salads, some seasonal seafood and decadent desserts. The advantage of such a buffet style is that you get to choose exactly what you want and how much of it. That simply gets weighed and you pay accordingly. This is very useful when you have a huge group to satisfy. It also allows you to taste a little bit of everything. So small wonder the place was overflowing with people breaking away from the office to enjoy their end of year staff party. The cost is also not over the top. If you want a light lunch, it could cost you about R30, including a soft drink and dessert. If your appetite is bigger, your plate could cost you about R10 more, excluding a drink and dessert. Talking about dessert, they have the most divine chocolate mousse cake you just have to try. Most places make these way too sweet, but this one is definitely just right. The portion is still too big to finish in one go, but this delicacy is so good, it certainly deserves to be taken home on the way out. The atmosphere is relaxing and service is quick, without being too intrusive. You barely empty a plate and someone is there to clean up - definitely a big plus. If there is one concern though, it is that the queue could get a tad long in busy periods. Also, there are two microwaves in neat stands if you prefer to warm up your food. (That by the way is one of the things I do not like about buffet style restaurants. I like my food hot on the buffet, thank you very much.) It might just help though, to have instructions on hand on how to use the micros, because not everyone's work the same. In all, eating out at the Delhi Diner was a fun experience that left us well-sated and in a happy mood by the time we left. The overall vote taken among the nine VOC staff members who ate there gave this new spot on the Observatory map a fabulous 4 stars. It is a place that I know we will be going back to.

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Laughing Cup – Not a laughing matter ** reviewed by Lutfia Carloo I have waited a very long time to visit the Laughing Cup in Canal Walk, ever since they first advertised on the radio as the “only halaal coffee shop in Canal Walk.” Last weekend, I finally got the opportunity. It was the morning of the “Bleed” for Nadhir Arnold and some of the staff at Voice of the Cape had joined Peter Geldenhuys on his walk into Canal Walk to lend some publicity to the bleed. We had joined him in Brooklyn, so we were pretty hungry when we arrived. Enter the Laughing Cup. They say first impressions are lasting impressions and this is very unfortunate for the Laughing Cup, because we left there with very a less than favourable impression. First up, there were not enough seats for everyone, so some of us were left standing. Admittedly we were a group of 20, which is not the easiest to accommodate at the best of times. But one does not enter the hospitality industry unless you can accommodate both individuals and groups alike. Things would not have been too bad if the seating problem was a temporary one and we were sure that we would eventually get a seat. But even after other patrons had left, some in our group were still left standing. Other people who arrived after us were given the seats and served long before we got were seen to. To make matters worse, some of my colleagues who had gone to sit at an empty table were actually told to get up so that there would be place for `the regulars`. More annoyingly – taking into account we had spent the past two hours walking – was that the manager was not very apologetic about it either. Not that we expected anyone to fawn over us, but I do not think any patron expects to be ignored and made to feel like a second class citizen because they were not regulars there. Most people go to a place in the hope that the service they get there will make them regulars. So why not treat all walk-in customers the same so that they all come back? Then there was the matter of the food. To say we waited a while would definitely be an understatement. I mean, we did not exactly order prawn curry! We all ordered very basic meals from the breakfast menu. The meals eventually arrived in bits and pieces – with the emphasis on bits. Some people got their eggs without the toast. Some got yoghurt without the muesli etc. And the portions – well I`ve eaten out often enough to know that more often than not, you cannot finish the full meals at the restaurants. The mini breakfast consisted of one fried egg and two sad looking pieces of macon and toast – some of which never arrived – and a bottomless cup of coffee – for about R17.50. In all fairness to the Laughing Cup, we were a rather large group, and they are a relatively small concern. And while we are always happy to support any new Muslim business, we do advise them to put more effort into the services that they are offering. There has been much discussion among our staff on rating this coffeeshop. One staff member who went there before had raved about very good service and gave the Laughing Cup a 4 star rating. However, this particular morning, with a large group, even she dropped her rating to 3 stars. The rest of us reached consensus on a tactful 2 out of 5 - one for the waiter for his effort and 1 for the manager who eventually apologised and gave us cake on the house. Maybe it was a bad morning at the shop – I certainly hope so, but what restauranteurs need to take heed of is the fact that one such bad morning will stop people like me from going back. LAUGHING CUP REVISITED **** Shayma Cassime With work taking a slow slow down, I have some time on my hands, not just to read all the comments, but to comment myself on a review that was done on the Laughing Cup Coffee Shop (If I may). I don't think the review is a fair one. You can not take 20 people to a coffee shop and do a review on service. Ok, maybe, to test the efficiency of the staff and quality of the food, but that day of the bleed for Nadhir Arnold, the whole of Canal Walk was one big buzz. We have been there quite often and always got good service, especially from the owner. Maybe Sister Lutfia should go back there like you did with Rootis, and do a re-review. And for the seating problem - as all can see, the space is very small, which is no fault of the owner and Laughing Cup is not a restaurant which needs to seat a lot of people. What the owner mentioned to us one day is that in JHB (where he is from) people come to coffee shops to have their coffee and a sandwich and then leave, but in CT we go there to relax. This obviously means that tables are occupied for a longer period. A tip I can give her is not to order their steak - it is a new item on their menu and has not been perfected yet. What I can say is that they serve a scrumptious Thai Sweet Chilli Chicken filling in a Tramezini and a divine chocolate brownie with cream for dessert (which I will advise to anyone that it must be shared between 2 people). I hope Sister Lutfia will consider my suggestion. This is my contribution to the review - it scores a formidable 4 out of 5 according to the service we have received from day one we set foot in there - same goes for the food. I do not know whether my comment and rating is fair as my husband and I are so called regulars there. We actually receive the same excellent service at both Sandra`s and The Laughing Cup.

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The Jewel – with polish, the potential will shine ** reviewed by VOC Staff It is truly amazing how many new halaal eateries have been introduced in the Cape of late. The Jewel is yet another new place to try. Located on the corner of Main Road, Salt River, but facing Mountain Road, this establishment is now located in the space once occupied by a karaoke club. Its presence catches you almost unaware. The fact that it only opened for the first time shortly before Ramadan, may be a handy excuse for the lack of signage. However, if the owners want to attract new clientele, it might be more useful to put a nice, big sign on the corner of Mountain and Main Road – which is a recognizable landmark in the area. Another advantage is the fact that there are ample parking available outside. With the pizza boys (that is the black and white clad municipal police for you out of towners) bobbing around like the merry men on a ticketing mission in this part of town, that is a big advantage. Once you step inside the restaurant, the establishment lives up to its name with a jewel-like setting that gave me a brief feeling of the underwater world of the Little Mermaid. Decorated in my favourite blue green shade with touches of tasteful black, it opens up into a well laid out space that can easily accommodate between 80 and 100 people without getting too cramped. As one of my colleagues commented – it is an ideal romantic spot: just far enough away for privacy, but just close enough for comfort. But while the atmosphere and setting was commendable, the rest needs a bit of work. We were eagerly welcomed by two waitresses, who despite their sweet disposition, still need to get familiarized with the menu. It is rather disconcerting to make a query and have a waitress dash off time after time to find out the answer somewhere at the back. There were four of us and we all tried something different. The menu, which ranged from seafood to steaks, certainly allowed us to try a variety of dishes. My steak was nicely done, and the baby potatoes I ordered with it - and had to remind the waitress to bring - was a nice touch, as was the crispy vegetables served with it. However, the steak could have used some sauce. I did order a pepper sauce, but while it was freshly made, it arrived a tad late to enjoy and lacked character. The calamari could use less oil, as could the chips and the fish somehow lost its flavour, my colleagues tell me. In all, the meal was filling, but not inspiring, I regret to say. There were desserts, we were told. All the regulars – cheesecake, chocolate cake and so forth. But no one was in the mood to try it after a rather disappointing meal. But what I will give them credit for, is making a divine cup of coffee – that for me was arguably the best part of my meal. At just over R60 a head, it was in the same price range as other restaurants of this nature. I do not like giving bad reviews, because we do not like criticizing our own. But there are so few halaal eateries around and ours is a community that increasingly enjoys the experience. So in a way, the review is also a way of encouraging these places to ensure continuity in their service. I commend the Jewel for their setting and their waitresses for giving it their best shot. They certainly have good potential, but it needs a lot more polishing before this Jewel starts to shine. It scored a tenable 2 out of 5.

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Bibi`s - a banquet to bowl you over ***** Munadia Karaan There are few places in the Cape where you can go and be guaranteed good food and good service all the time. There are even fewer places for a truly halaal, fine dining experience. The one exception is Bibi’s in Broad Road, Wynberg. This tucked away spot epitomized the words intimacy and class. One you step inside the glass doors, you are welcomed into a warm, candle-lit setting where the décor is typically and colourfully Indian, but stops short of being overwhelming. It is a tiny little place, separated on two levels. On the one side, tables for two or four people are tucked away on a lower setting – perfect for a romantic dinner. Larger groups are accommodated on the higher level where anything from 6 to 8 people could be accommodated. From the colourfully draped cloth flowing form the roof in varying shades, to the traditional touches against the walls – the visitor is welcomed into the heart of Indian cuisine. The menu reflects the same influence with dishes that range from seductive seafood to saucy steaks, from tasty tarkaris to all the traditional side items – puris, rhoti, parathas. A few dishes absolutely stand out. Let’s start with the freshly made yeast rolls served hot from the oven. One of these is not enough. The house speciality is the wonderfully versatile tandoori sauce. You can try it on a mixed grill or steak. Served with arguably the best potato crochet in the Cape and hot, creamed veggies, this is to die for. The tandoori steak goes for R52 and if you consider that the mixed grill costs just R3 more, but includes a chicken fillet, succulent shish kebab, reasonably sized steak and a chop, it is a real bargain that you can even carry home in a doggy bag. Back to the tandoori sauce. If you are a more adventurous soul, you may want to try the prawn chaat. I promise, one taste and you will be wondering if you made it into heaven ahead of your time. Served as a starter, you will be introduced to three medium sized prawns in the tangy tandoori sauce with three freshly made puris for only R36. As a main cause, you get double the portion at triple the price. That is a bit of a rip off, I think, although you may swallow your complaint once you get a taste of this finger-licking fair. So be prepared to set your cutlery aside and go native as you dig into it. Beyond that, you could try the variety of other dishes – from a range of classic curries the way God intended them to be to barbequed beef, tasty tikka and even the dutiful daal ghosh. The dessert menu could use some variation though, even if their milkshakes will keep the kids happy. But this is not really the kind of place you would bring children to. Space won’t allow it. It is far more conducive for adult company – the client you want to treat or the in-laws you want to impress. But take heed, this place works strictly be appointment only and if you are late, your table will only be held for 15 minutes. They open in the afternoon and the kitchen closes at 10pm. Food here is not cheap. But then, neither is the taste or the care they take with it. For three people with a starter, main meal and drinks, the cost amounted to R280, including the tip. PS, that is the only little irritant – they tend to calculate an automatic 10% gratuity onto the tab. Call me finicky if you like, but I like having the choice of deciding whether the service merits a tip, rather then to have it presented to me as a fait accompli. But since I have rarely been disappointed by the quality of the food either here, I am not about to complain too loudly. In all, dining out at Bibi’s will provide you with a banquet that is beautifully presented and will surely bowl you over. It scores a fabulous 5 out of 5 stars.

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Saddles – staking a halaal claim **** The company brand makes reviewing a franchise a tricky thing. The food and practices are always supposed to be the same no matter which branch you visit. So you need to keep a sharp eye for any differences. One such a pleasant surprise is the new halaal Saddles franchise located directly next to the cinema in Canal Walk. Keeping in mind that South Africans as a whole are totally infatuated with steakhouses, it has always been a crime that there was only one in franchised steakhouse in the Cape that was fully halaal, serving absolutely no alcohol on the premises - that is the Saddles branch in Claremont. So the addition of this new branch in a shopping mall that some have called Kanalla Walk because of the number of Muslims that frequent it, is a very welcome addition. The first thing I liked about this branch is the fact that, like its sister store in Claremont, the red lit sign outside the door spells out is halaal status in big bold letters that is hard to miss when first you approach. That is the kind of thing that will attract a lot of Muslim customers who many not even have intended to stop by. The second thing I liked and stood out for me was the quality of service we got. Our waiter, like a few other young ladies on staff, were recognisably Muslims - the little hanky scarves the girls wore was a nice touch. Smooth and professional, our waiter had taken care of us in next to no time. Better yet, when he did make a mistake on my order, he sorted it out with such aplomb, we barely noticed it. The menu is exactly the same as other franchises - succulent steaks, perfectly proportioned pastas, a smattering of seafood and mouthwatering desserts that will satisfy the sweet toothed patrons. The best on the menu is their steaks, which after all is their speciality, served with the traditional steakhouse baked potatoes or chips and onion rings. There is enough of it to satisfy a big hunger. But the health conscious may choose to stick to the salad bar, or try only the starters. They have some interesting pasta and pizzas that make a nice light lunch. The Saddles calamari deserves a special mention though – crispy and tender, it serves just as well as a starter as it does as a main meal. And there is something to be said for their cheesecake as well – definitely worth a try, no matter which branch you go to. The price range is not too bad. A fairly sized meal could cost you in the area of R50 a head. In all, we rated the new Saddles branch in Canal Walk a functional four stars.

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Noon Gun Restaurant & Tearoom – Bo-Kaap Tailored for tourists ** Eating out should be an experience to relish. You go not only to enjoy the food and the company, but also the surroundings and the services. If you want one of the most breathtaking views from the beauty of the Bo-Kaap, the Noon Gun Restaurant & Tearoom is the best place for it. We visited this restaurant on a day when Cape Town showed off its best colours to its residents and the countless visitors floating all over the city. The one thing I like about this place is the fact that the owners found an alternate way to use their home by turning one section into an impromptu restaurant, including a section that could be used for outdoor, undercover eating. But it is nothing fancy. The décor is simple. A comfortable couch is located in one corner and there is place for about 50 people at the scattered tables. Most of the emphasis is on the large windows all round to give visitors the maximum view of the magnificent Table Mountain, right down to Table Bay Harbour and the Waterfront. The one thing visitors need to be mindful of though, is the steep roads. If you are not used to driving on such roads, you would be well advised to take the round about drive along Yusuf Drive rather than take the more direct road which is so steep it is actually scary. Parking outside the premises could be problematic when it is full. Since it is a residential address, there is only place for three or four vehicles at a time. Everyone else has to park on the pavement of a road that is not too wide to start with. One inside, do not bother looking for a menu to read. You won’t find any. The very sweet Malaysian waitress will recite it all for you. But I did find it bothersome that there was only one set menu for the day and you had no choice about what was offered. We were served with a papadam, dalchie, samosa and glass of punch to start with – all of which was very nice. The punch was particularly refreshing and not to worry, if you ask for more, you will get an entire pitcher full, though I must admit, it rather reminded me of an Eat & Treat. Then came the main course and for a table full of locals, that came as a disappointment - three little bowls full curry and rice, chicken breyani and vegetable curry, served with a tiny bowl of vegetable atchar and grated cucumber salad. The chicken breyani was one of the tastiest I have every tasted and highly recommended. The only problem is that there are not enough of it; not to feed four hungry people seconds anyway. The Vegetable curry was not a hit, and the mutton curry was a touch too watery to be enjoyable unless you were starving. However, the milktart and coffee served as dessert made up for it. In all, the Noon Gun Restaurant is more geared towards the tourist than local market. Locals may be more interested in the tearoom facility, which is not only more affordable, but also very tasty, judging by the response of other patons. However, at R80 a head, for a set menu - and that being your only choice - it may be way too steep for most of us. It was most disappointing, especially after we paid R300 for four people and still left feeling hungry. Consequently, the Noon Gun Restaurant & Tearoom scores a temperate two stars.

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Da Capo - V & A Waterfront Hats off to Da Capo *** The V & A Waterfront has never been known as an inexpensive place. It is too much of a tourist attraction for that. That is why it is most gratifying to come across one of the few coffee shops that has firstly, converted to halal to meet a growing need and secondly, still offers very inexpensive food in a very expensive environment. Enter Da Capo Café Restaurant in Kings Warehouse at the Waterfront. The coffee shop has been around for some time and has attracted many of the Muslims who frequent the Waterfront daily for a quick cup of coffee and a slice of cake. However, since obtaining their halal certificate from the Muslim Judicial Council Halal Trust earlier this year, staff say the place has become even more popular among Muslims. And with good reason. It is in an ideal location - close to the shopping complex and entertainment hub, attracting both locals and tourists. So it is an ideal pit stop where you can rest your feet, gather your thoughts while filling your belly with something not too heavy. The open-plan setting lends itself to such transient clientele. It is light and airy with strategic palm trees to give it a cosy atmosphere. A pity about the wine cellars next door, but beggars can't be choosers. That brings us to the two main issues - food and service. On my first visit since they became halal, I was disappointed with the slow service. Our waitress gave us so much privacy that it took 10 minutes to get her attention and it did not get better as the day progressed. However, on my second visit, the service was sharp from they moment I arrived. (My notebook and pen might have had something to do with that!) Be that as it may, the menu is one a repeat customer will have great fun experimenting with. It has all the usual coffee shop fair - coffees, teas, breakfast, salads, light meals and desserts. But it very nicely blends old favourites like chicken and mayo fillings with more challenging ones like salmon and cream cheese or spinach and feta. For the not so hungry, you can work your way through crab or grilled chicken salad; a continental or healthy breakfast; or toasted sandwiches, croissants or tramezini with various fillings. For the very hungry who skipped breakfast and are in desperate need of sustenance, there is an interesting buffet, a selection of pastas - from lasagna to cannelloni - or even better, though more mundane, the workable omelets. Served with chips and salads, the latter will satisfy a healthy appetite. However, I would stay away from the baked potato smothered in a rather pasty chicken and mayo blend, which is far more appropriate on a sandwich than on a spud. If you are a sweet tooth, indulge in an intimidating array of cakes - including baklava, black forest cake and chocolate truffle. Their waffles are wonderfully crispy but they might want to go lighter on the syrup if you are not to go off into sugar heaven for the next three days and swop the sorbet for real ice cream. Price wise, Da Capo is an utter delight. Desserts range from R16 - R18 and everything else range from R14 - R42. That amounts to round about R50 per person per meal, which is a steal at the Waterfront. Da Capo is the kind of place that could quickly become a favourite hangout and scores a well deserved 3 and a half out of 5. (Munadia Karaan) VOC

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