Taste of Joburg 2011

On Saturday, the 'foodies anonymous' troop made its merry way to Joburg’s very own fake little Italy, Montecasino (I like their outdoor events area and absofuckinglootely hate that fake sky). Went with B*, A* and her cutie little A*, Miss T* and L*.

 The One – I didn’t get the correct name for this cocktail, all the waiter had to do was mention the ginger ale and I was sold. It’s made with brandy and ginger ale, and was pretty’d up with an elongated slice of lemon peel that curved over the edge of the high top. Shame, poor L* had to settle for the virgin equivalent cause she’s preggers.

The Mastrantonio Profiteroles: gooey, chocolaty, creamy puffs. Little A* just couldn’t get enough.

Self-saucing Malva pudding and kumquat preserve (mmm…) with home-made ginger ice cream (MMMM…) from Roots@Forum Homini. Self-saucing (there’s not better description than that). That home-made ginger ice cream will definitely have me driving the 40 odd kilometres to the Cradle of Humankind for my fix. Had two of these. A++.

The PnP Wine and Canapé Experience:

Parma ham, baby marrow and cream cheese canapé paired with the PnP Chenin Blanc.

Salmon, sushi rice, mayo, caviar and sesame seed embellished canapé paired with the PnP Sauvignon Blanc.

Pita, falafel, tzatziki,and humus canapé paired with the PnP Cabernet Sauvignon.

What a mess! How big is that knife?

My bride price has officially hit the roof! CODESA has nothing on my negotiations.

My pita looks so dry,I think it needed a bit more tzatziki and humus.

B*’s scrumptious looking canapés, is it me or do hers look much better than mine?! My Parma ham canapé looks so scrawny and B’s one looks so thick and juicy?

The something-something iced goodness A* was having. Looks ultra refreshing, didn’t get the name though, I was too busy planning my next trip to the Fine Brandy by Design stand. Very worrying behavior as brandy for me has always been the ‘old men or uncles’ drink, tsk tsk tsk.

The Kaapse Smaakse – I’m smacking my lips just thinking about it. BUT, be warned, it knocks a fat punch: which is why I think it’s appropriately named; it lands such a well placed punch it could leave you with two of your front teeth missing, just like some of the kaapse mense.

I didn’t take a picture of the baby spinach gnocchi with the blue cheese and walnut sauce from Olivia's Bar and Kitchen but it was crazy delish, it made me think that life as vegetarian wouldn’t be so bad after all. Exceptional stuff.

Mastrantonio’s Capresina di Mozzarella/Mozarrella Caprese Roll was delizioso.

Next stop? I think it should be the Neighbourhood Goods Market.

P.S. I promise I’ll get better with the picture taking. It’s even harder when there’s food around.

Ta-ta