Roots Restaurant - Craddle of Humankind and Modern Cuisine

During this last year I've had the delightful opportunity of visiting Roots Restaurant in the Forum Homini Hotel, Located in the Cradle of Humankind 3 times. I've been wanting to narrate every single experience there, but every time we take so many pictures and I feel I have so much to say, that I end up delaying the task of writing about it. Thus, I have decided to rather let my pictures, well the pretty ones are my husband's pics, to tell the story.

The first time we got to know this Cradle of Modern Cuisine was about the time it was awarded the 8th place in the Top 10 Restaurants in South Africa by EatOut Magazine, when we visited the restaurant for a friend's wedding. Back then we were blown away, not only because I'm always thrilled by the opportunity of trying many dishes at one go but also because with a set menu I don't keep wondering if I should ordered something else - it is set Menu. It was served with a perfectly paired South African wine which was likewise amazingly good. We were bound to come back...

...Happily enough we did come back and in fabulous company, as our newly found foodie soul mates came together for a Gourmet Sunday Lunch at Roots. The Menu varies every week and the pairing changes to match if dish. This time around we found all of the dishes were very tasty as well as playful, trying different techniques and combinations to entice the palate - and my imagination. I can't say that every combination was perfect or something couldn't have been better, but mainly I found their efforts to present us with a beautifully and thoroughly crafted meal rather dazzling.

Hence, when the time came to celebrate our 4-year anniversary, we chose to visit Roots once again, but this time we were staying over and the experience included a 7-course dinner and a 5-course breakfast. Although, I have to say it is a bit too much food for me, I certainly did want to try it all. It was good to get to experience the concept as a whole and I think it does make a difference in your appreciation of both the restaurant and its setting. The rooms where very spacious, comfortable and indulgent while the design of the hotel very eco-friendly, blending seamlessly with the African Savannah.

The service was outstandingly attentive, timely and professional, which matched by a culinary adventure that inserts modernist cuisine touches and is courageous in its combinations, makes for an extraordinary experience that we thoroughly enjoyed and we're bound to return for more!

Love, iSa

Colombia's Food Fare - What to Eat and not to miss!

I know, I know... It's been such a looong time since my last post! But trust me, I bring some great culinary adventures and a great New Year full of more exciting recipes to share with you... and so I hope you will forgive my absence. Apart from the December Holidays, which I will talk about in my next post, I was in my home country, Colombia, for about 5 weeks. My trip was work related, but nevertheless, it allowed me to dig into the food stuffs that while being away you may at times remember with a bit of nostalgia. This post then, will be dedicated to what to eat whilst in Colombia and the stuff you can't leave the country without trying. You can print this and use it as a checklist...

Rabbit in the Moon - Bohemian Cafe in the heart of Sandton

Food: Eclectic Bistro (a bit of everything)

Wine: Very limited, but some good choices. Prices rather on the high end.

Service: Very Good, attentive and enthusiastic.

Ambiance: Smart Casual, relaxed but eclectically elegant.

In a nutshell: Flavorful Food in a Heartwarming setting where the client is king. Prices on the Menu for the starters and Lunch Menu Items are on the affordable side, with the dinner price range significantly higher, yet reasonable. An excellent choice for a romantic dinner or simply the place to chill out with a nice selection of cocktails. Don't Miss: Filet Mignon and Three Milks Dessert.

City: Johannesburg, South Africa

Address: 198 Oxford Road, Illovo. (Same complex as Yamato, next to Thrupps)

Tel: 011 447 6720

Pepper Beef Fillet with a Truffle, Porcini Mushroom and Pine Nut Sauce

Signature Dish by iSa

Type: French, Italian, Fine Cuisine

Prep Time: 30 mins

Cooking Time: 20 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients:

4 Beef Fillet thick steak portions (200-250 gr each)

1 big or 2 small Shallots (Brown onion is ok if you can't find Shallots)

2 Large Garlic Cloves

2 tbsp butter

2 tbsp Olive Oil

250 ml Fresh Cream

40 gr Toasted Pine Nuts

100 gr of Fresh or 50gr of Dried Porcini Mushrooms 

50ml of dry red wine (use one you would drink)

1 bunch of Fresh Thyme

Freshly crushed Black Peppercorns

Freshly ground coarse salt

The best Black Truffle oil you can get your hands on

MasterChef South Africa is here and auditions are open!

After the great success of the many versions of MasterChef that have been launched worldwide and what appears to be the thirst for more from the South African public, the MasterChef franchise has made its way to SA and auditions are now open! To enter and check out all of the relevant info go to: http://mnet.dstv.com/2011/10/27/masterchef-south-africa-2/

I will not be entering the competition, in case come of you may be wondering. Because as much as I love cooking, it is not my thing to do it professionally. I'll leave that to one of you, fellow foodies! 

See below the promo video used for MasterChef Australia, I couldn't find one for SA but this should get your cooking adrenaline pumping!

Addis in Cape Restaurant - Ethiopian Food in the heart of Cape Town

Food: Ethiopian, Curries and Beans.

Wine: Small Selection.
Service: Some staff were friendly and knowledgeable about the food but not wine.
Ambiance: Romantic with dim lights. Colorful and authentic Ethiopian feel.
In a Nutshell: An unforgettable dining experience where you share and eat delicious food with your hands. Don't miss: The tasting menu and great for a Romantic dinner!

Where: 41 Church St, City Bowl. Cape Town, Western Cape.
Tel: 021 424 5722
Email: celebrate@addisincape.co.za

Website: www.addisincape.co.za

Following various recommendations from friends, we were eager to try the flavours of Ethiopia at Addis in Cape Restaurant. Our first attempt to go was on Sunday for dinner but they were closed, remember my previous complaint? We then tried them again on monday and succeeded to our delight. 

Decorated with a great variety of colour and what I imagine are Ethiopian artifacts, the place transports you in a matter of seconds to to your destination: Addis Ababa. The lights are dim and a lot of candle light brightens the room, giving it a relaxed, warm and romantic atmosphere.