Five Flies: Elegance from a Bygone Era
After years of convivial conversation about this Cape Town institution, two old friends at last decided upon a date to rendezvous and catch-up over a delectable 3 course dinner. As you waft through the front entrance you are transported to a bygone era: black and white floor tiles, mahogany banisters and expanses of marble. Dining in the courtyard one sits with cobblestones below your feet, and fairy lights above your head, creating a romantic ambiance. Five Flies boasts several dining areas with a small bar off the courtyard and a more expansive lounge/bar area upstairs with a large leather chairs and sofas, with a grand piano tucked away in the far corner.
The menu offers a broad selection of scrumptious dishes which can be enjoyed either by ordering a la carte or a multi-course option of up to 5 courses! There is a broad selection of wines available with an option for every palate.
Amongst the myriad of options on offer a calamari starter was chosen to begin the evening, crusted in salt and pepper, accompanied by biltong mayo, crisp new potatoes and a jalapeno and radish salad. The mains consisted line fish of the day and venison: grilled Kabeljou, served on a bed of cauliflower mash, topped with green beans and a beurre blanc sauce; Loin of venison (kudu) with a goat’s cheese crust, sweet, sour cabbage pain perdu, fondant potato, and a caramelised apple and jus.
Once the last few quaffs of wine were enjoyed, the dessert menu was presented. The options are limited but decadent. After some deliberation a Brandy cheesecake was ordered, served with a spiced Indonesian sponge, sour cherry coulis and popcorn foam, and a Vanilla crème brulee, accompanied by a scoop of hazelnut ice cream, a Kaluha and cardamom shot with biscotti.
From beginning to end, the dining experience was exceptional. Service was professional, friendly and efficient. The food was a culinary delight, enchanting with every morsel. Whether it is for a special occasion, a romantic dinner for two, or a gathering of friends and family, the Five Flies will cater to your every need and gastronomic requirement. Contemporary cuisine served with elegance, from a bygone era.
Post by Claire Symons*
Create unforgettable memories during the month of love courtesy of Tandem
The month of love is upon us and I’m sure you all know what that means. It’s the time of the year when you want to pamper your loved ones with beautiful flowers, chocolates, dinner and all the romantic trimmings that go with it. Don’t you wish you could enjoy a special Valentine’s Day meal more often? We’ve just found out that you can treat yourself and your loved one to a romantic dinner for two at one of Cape Town’s finest restaurants any and every day of the week, and only pay for one! Dining revolution Tandem 2for1 is offering a one month’s FREE membership to all those who sign up now.
Enjoy a romantic meal for two in the most beautiful city in the world, whether it’s in a shopping mall, along the seaside or in the wine-lands… Cape Town has it all. Lets take a look at some of the selected restaurants in the Cape Town Tandem 2for1 portfolio, that you can indulge at with your free membership card:
Meloncino is a contemporary, chic and authentic Italian restaurant based in the V&A Waterfront. Why not book a table for you and your partner and enjoy the spectacular views of Table Mountain and the harbour while savouring a delicious meal. Renowned for importing a wide range of Italian ingredients and wines, Meloncino is the closest you will get to experiencing true Italian oven baked pizzas, homemade pastas and sauces, breads and biscotti, steaks and fish. Meals are prepared on open fire charcoal grills and after dinner you may take advantage of Italian delicacies from the Deli Bar.
Dunes Beach Restaurant & Bar – Houtbay
Located on the shores of Hout Bay and boasting exquisite views of the Cape Peninsula, this charming seaside restaurant is perfect for a intimate dinner on one of the different terraces or balconies. Their menu consists of tapas, light meals, salads, meat grills, seafood’s and pizza. Why not end of the meal with one of their sweet desserts and maybe receive a sweet kiss later?
Cassia Restaurant – Durbanville Wine Valley
Tucked away in the hills of the Durbanville Wine Valley, Cassia restaurant is situated on the Nitida Wine Farm surrounded by lush green wine-lands. Dinner here is a dream for all Sauvignon Blanc wine lovers with a taste for imaginative and diverse culinary cuisine. For a more a more relaxed atmosphere, treat your special lady with a surprise dinner overlooking the calm dam while sipping on award winning wine. All meals are prepared using the freshest local and seasonal ingredients.
These are just some of the many restaurants in the Tandem group. With a restaurant guide consisting of 700 restaurants nationwide, you’ll be able to make every day Valentine’s Day with Tandem. What are you waiting for? Sign up and get your one month FREE membership today!
Spoil yourself at Paranga on the Camps Bay Sunset Strip
Looking for something to do on a warm summer’s day surrounded by breathtaking views of the sea? Located along the popular Camps Bay sunset strip, Paranga stands out amongst the plethora of beach front venues. It successfully combines the elusive indoor-outdoor feel with a relaxed air of elegance and comfort, downplaying the glitz factor at Camps Bay.
Paranga has been designed in such a way for you to enjoy the unrestricted beach views and cocktails with friends on the luxurious couches on the terrace. If you want something a little more intimate, slip into one of the quiet back booths for a romantic meal.
Food and drinks at Paranga are taken very seriously. The menu consists of a delightful culinary experience that includes an extensive sushi selection, innovative salads, excellent grills and delicious desserts for those with a sweet tooth. The Paranga bar is also a popular after work stop, as it boasts an impressive and varied cocktail and wine menu as well as the most comprehensive Champagne list in the country.
One of the things that makes Paranga a great dining experience is their friendly staff. Always ready with a warm smile, the staff members are always professional and ready to cater to their clientele’s needs. Capetonians are well known for being fussy about service, but the staff at Paranga do not disappoint. Paranga definitely lives up to its 4 G’s – Good food, Good wine, Good service and Great value.
Get there early to grab a seat on the deck area – the views and fresh ocean air are spectacular. Time it well in the evening, and you’ll be in one of the best seats to take in the famous Camps Bay sunset. What are you waiting for, contact Paranga for a booking now.
Address: Shop 1, The Promenade, Victoria Road, Camps Bay, Cape Town
Opening times: Mon – Fri: 12pm to 12am Sat – Sun: 9am to 12am
Bookings: 021 438 0404 / info@paranga.co.za
Images source: My Destination
