Skip to main content


Best Advice for Dining Out in Winter

As South Africans, we want to enjoy ourselves as much as possible when we are able to take a break, especially when we do decide to eat out.  Many South Africans are incredibly discerning when it comes to the restaurants they choose to frequent, and it is vital that the experience lives up to our expectations. This is particularly true during the winter season, when restaurants see an uptake in traffic due to our preference to stay indoors against the chill.
According to Pellie Grobler, Head Chef of the acclaimed Pretoria based five-star restaurant The Black Bamboo, there are some basic factors to look out for when seeking out the perfect restaurant during the chilly seasons, which could potentially mean the difference between a dismal or a divine winter evening out.

“Eating out is definitely a treat for most of us, and since many of us have to limit the costs of luxuries like restaurants, the simple fact is that people expect to see real value for their money when they choose to a restaurant - whether upmarket or casual,” says Chef Pellie. “The overall experience needs to live up to expectations. If it doesn’t, people are unlikely to visit the establishment again,” he continues. “These factors are particularly true when dining out on winter. People want a comfortable environment where they can relax and enjoy a cosy yet sophisticated setting.”

“A high standard and quality of the food is obviously the first consideration when choosing a restaurant,” advices Chef Pellie. “Make sure you check out the menu before making a reservation - is it seasonal, and are the dishes suited to the cold weather?” Substantial, savoury, nutritious and wholesome meals are preferable during winter, but Chef Pellie insists that there is no reason why they should not still be world-class in their design, taste and presentation. “South Africans have uniquely mixed and adventurous palettes which celebrate variety, while still appreciating the traditional and accessible flavours that we grew up with. If you are dining with guests, check that there are a suitable variety of options to cater to different preferences.” According to Chef Pellie, some of the most popular winter crowd-pleasers offered at The Black Bamboo include Tempura Mussels, slow-roasted Pork Neck and the sumptuous Valrhona Chocolate Fondant.

Atmosphere is another crucial factor when eating out at a restaurant in winter. “Variables that contribute to the comfort and ambience of a restaurant include the size of a space, furnishings, lighting, temperature and music,” Chef Pellie advises. “Are the seats comfortable, and is the room well appointed? A variety of textures and shapes in the furnishings, as well a mixture of shades in warm and natural tones, complimented with a few interesting highlight colours and interest areas,  will contribute to creating a relaxed ant comfortable environment.” Chef Pellie explains that while too heavy and dark furnishings can create too sombre and dark an atmosphere, on the other hand large, high-ceilinged spaces and cool tones can create a cold and cavernous environment. “The trick for restaurants is to strike the aesthetic ‘goldilocks-zone’ balance between fresh simplicity and warm invitingness.”

In terms of lighting, Chef Pellie advises guests to avoid restaurants with harsh fluorescent strip lighting, or indeed too little lighting. "The illumination of a space can make a remarkable impact on the atmosphere, and a soft yellow tone of light is always preferable." Chef Pellie adds that many people find it frustrating trying to eat in a dimly-lit room, so it is also important that there is a sufficient level of light spread throughout the seating area. "The light from gas lamps and candles can also significantly improve the warmth and quality of light in a room,” he continues. "And of course, nothing quite beats the combination of merry lighting and warmth that a large crackling log fire adds to a room on a cold winter evening. A working fireplace most definitely adds to the desirability of a restaurant in winter.”

Another important consideration recommended by Chef Pellie is the restaurant’s wine, spirits and general drinks list. “To most discerning diners, the wine list forms a vital part of the offerings at a restaurant, and I would recommend guests have a look to make sure the list of drinks on offer are suitable, and that there are winter-warmer options  available as well, such as hot drinks and after dinner liqueurs.”

Another crucial benefit a restaurant can offer guests during winter in underground parking, which means diners are able to avoid any walking through bitterly cold streets or parking lots in the evening. “It is quite rare for stand-alone, reputable restaurants to offer protected and covered parking to their guests, and we’ve certainly seen ours act as an important benefit at The Black Bamboo,” says Chef Pellie. “Parking also falls into the ever-important arena of accessibility, along with factors like location and easy highway access.”

For the ultimate winter-time treat, Chef Pellie recommends choosing a world-class restaurant that is close to or connected with an equally sumptuous hotel or lodge. “Being located inside the five-star Menlyn Boutique Hotel, we often see dinner guests going the extra mile and treating themselves and their guests to our luxurious accommodation for the evening as well,” says Chef Pellie. “This is not only a delightful way to finish off an evening, but is also quite convenient for those who would prefer not to drive home late at night after dinner.”


Situated in the heart of the Tshwana Metropole, The Menlyn Boutique Hotel provides a 5-star hotel offering the industry’s best in luxury accommodation, fine dining and premium conferencing. 
Formerly known as the Menlyn Guest Lodge, which was awarded the esteemed status of Best Guest Lodge in the 2012 Tshwane Tourism Awards, renovations and re-branding exercises began on what is now known as the Menlyn Boutique Hotel in June of 2012. The intention was to transform the property into a world-class luxury destination. This premium hotel caters to business and ambassadorial travellers in Pretoria, as well as to local guests in their five star signature restaurant, The Black Bamboo.
For more information please visit the Menlyn Boutique Hotel’s website (http://www.menlynhotel.com/) or Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/MenlynBoutiqueHotel)


Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Grand Designs Live 2016 inspires Responsible Living In its seventh year, Grand Designs Live now brought to you by Black+Decker, has proven to be the leading contemporary home, design and garden show in South Africa. Every year legions of fans return to the event, inspired by its informative, innovative and interactive nature, and keen to learn about the latest trends, both locally and abroad.   And this year is going to be better than ever before because Media 10 is now running the show, and DIY king Black+Decker has come on board as title sponsor. Think of it as a fresh lick of paint, a move that will inject new, exciting energy into this incredible institution, keeping all the things you’ve fallen in love with over the years, but expanding the scope and experience. And what better way to kick off this new direction than by aligning this year’s theme with a cause that should be dear to all of us: Responsible Living. As conscious consumers it is now impe...
#UnfollowTheNorm this summer with smart and Zando Zando – South Africa’s leading ‘one-stop online shopping fashion store’ takes the latest high fashion runway trends and sources the best ready-to-wear collections, ensuring fashionistas have the latest fashion at their fingertips. Today on Zando users will find something a little out of ordinary, something much smarter and more useful than a new pair of high heels but still for much the same price.  Mercedes-Benz now introduces the new and funky smart forfour car directly onto the pages of Africa’s largest online retailer – a first for South Africa. Selvin Govender, Marketing Director of Mercedes-Benz cars says, “Our smart range of vehicles appeals to a trendier and more connected online audience, and introducing the new smart forfour to these digital natives in an online shopping environment, where they would least expect to be exposed to it, would be a unique experience.”  “More important...
  Comedy legend Barry Hilton unleashes Evolver on the Wild Coast South Africa’s elastic faced, king of clean comedy, Barry Hilton, brings his ultra funny, slick new production, Evolver , to Sun International’s Wild Coast Sun for a one night only show at on 12 May 2016. Fans can brace for hilarious comedy in true Hilton style.   The comedy legend, who launched his career at the Wild Coast Sun in the Jupiter Theatre in 1986, kicked off his 2016 Evolver Tour at Sibaya Casino and Entertainment Kingdom in February, leaving the crowd reeling with laughter at his tap-dancing mind, hilariously exaggerated facial expressions and all new material.   After 30 years of touring, six children, two ex-wives, a new wife, six dvds, two movies, Vegas, Cleese, Connolly, Monkhouse, millions of air miles and a Lifetime Achiever statue on his mantelpiece, Hilton is undoubtedly the quintessential South African comedy giant. Showing no signs of slowing down,...