Salmon Roses, Fashion Sandwiches, Avo Maki, Rainbow Rolls and Sashimi… hmmmmm we sure do love sushi! These are only a few of our favourite pieces of sushi we indulged in over the weekend at a quaint little restaurant called Asian Asia.

Photo by Daniel St.Pierre

Sushi has become a favourite pass time for many Capetonians mainly because of its health benefits and because it’s so delicious of course. It is definitely one of our favourite activities.

With the main aim to suppress a long overdue sushi craving, the That’s Cape Town team headed to Asian Asia – a charming restaurant situated in Tyger Waterfront, Bellville. Located over looking a serene lake, Asia Asian offers a tranquil and relaxing dining experience.

Tranquil setting overlooking the lake

Their menu focuses on a variety of Asian dishes – Chinese, Japanese, Thai with plenty of seafood and vegetarian options too, but we were there for their superb sushi menu.

Our Order – One Two Ocean Platter (16 pieces), which consists of:
4 x Two Oceans Roll, 4 x Tuna California Roll, 4 x Salmon Sandwich, 2 x Salmon Sashimi and 2 x Tuna Sashimi and one

Dolphin Beach Platter (30 pieces), which consists of:
4 x Suki Roll, 4 x Salmon California, 2 Salmon Rose, 4 x Two Oceans, 2 x Prawn Nigiri, 2 x Salmon Sashimi, 4 x Smoked Salmon Sandwich and 8 x Avo Maki – Total R278, 00.

After stuffing our faces with 46 pieces of sushi we were proud to say that Asian Asia’s sushi is fantastic! The sizes were reasonable and fit perfectly in our mouths. It was fresh and the platters were well presented.

After realizing that our craving had not been properly suppressed, we decided to get a take away. This time we opted for some of the chef’s specials. These included America Rolls, Tiger Rolls and Teriyaki Rolls. If you’re eager to find out what these pieces consist of, then take a trip to Asian Asia. Trust us, you will not regret it.

Junior Brand Executive at Etv, Graye Morkel along with her partner indulged in a Freedom Day breakfast at the Strand Tower Hotel last Friday. Overwhelmed with the diverse variety of food available at the breakfast buffet, Graye tells us about her experience:

Located at the centre of Cape Town’s urban sprawl, the Strand Tower Hotel offers a breakfast buffet that, um, ‘towers’ head and shoulders above any hotel I’ve experienced in terms of service and variety. When we arrived my partner and I received a very warm welcome, we really felt as if our patronage was not only expected, but desired. We were promptly seated and took in our surrounds over the cup of coffee our hosts had anticipatorily prepared for us. The dining hall is what you’d expect from a venue that prides itself on star quality service: neat polished modern furnishing, a spacious layout, fresh cloth for the tables and ambient classical jazz lilting in over the speakers.

But we didn’t come for the view, we came for the food. And what a treat we were in for.

The offerings range from cold (fruits, yogurts, cereals) to hot (sausages, bacon, mushrooms) options. It was all you can eat so I overindulged experimented on both fronts. The eggs and omlettes are made to your liking, with the option to choose your fillings for the latter. To complement your meal there is a range of cheeses and fresh baked confectionery items to choose from. I very strongly recommend you don’t overlook the sautéed potatoes – simply divine. I ate my fill and we left the Towers feeling very impressed and very… very full.

It would seem that Luke Dale Roberts has the Midas touch. First La Colombe, Constantia Uitsig’s famed restaurant; then Test Kitchen, Luke’s first solo attempt; and now, Pot Luck Club, which is both restaurant and gallery, with the husband-and-wife-team Luke and Sandalene at the helm. Each project, each concept has been a roaring success.

Having followed his career for a while with keen interest, the That’s Cape Town team were thrilled when it came time to visit Pot Luck Club. Situated adjacent to the Test Kitchen, separated by screens, but not walls, the two restaurants run side-by-side, with completely separate kitchens and staff. It’s interesting that the Pot Luck space was created so close-by to Luke’s first solo restaurant. It would definitely help it to feed off some of the overflow of some of Test Kitchen’s success, where it is sometimes impossible to book a table less than a month in advance!

The space itself, at Pot Luck Club, is beautiful: with natural, woody tones being brought to life by shape and texture. The oversized ‘chinese lantern’ style light fittings are reflected in similar shaped candle holders on the tables.

An example of the emotive artwork hanging in the restaurant.

On the evening that we visited, the place was full, and lively. It felt like everyone was excited to be there. And the food lived up to every expectation we had of a kitchen under Luke’s guidance. Luke is known to push creative boundaries in the preparation and presentation of meals. His flavour combinations and unusual ingredients add to the whole experience of Pot Luck Club.

We started with the light shaved parsnips, which is really like parsnip crisps. Light and perfect for while we looked through the menu further. The duck spring roll was light and crispy, without the over-oiliness of many a springroll. The crispy pork belly came recommended, and Luke’s accompanying XO sauce should be bottled and sold! I admit to using my finger to mop up the last of it… trying desperately to decipher the alchemy of flavours. The smoked quail was delicious. Something you wouldn’t often get the opportunity to try. And the fillet with truffle cafe au lait sauce stopped all conversation at the table! It sounds like we ate a lot. But the meals are made to share and come in smaller, tapas style servings.

For dessert (we couldn’t say no) we ordered and devoured the Spanish style Churros with chocolate dipping sauce and ginger ice-cream topped with nut-brittle. We didn’t think anything could top what we had already tasted that evening, but the dessert was sublime!

At Pot Luck Club attention to detail in every sensory sphere as created a place where it’s easy to linger. It’s easy to lose yourself in. And, when you eventually have to tear yourself away, it’s a place that has created an unforgettable experience. To Luke – we want more!

The bustling kitchen creating pure delights

Images from the Pot Luck Club website - http://www.thepotluckclub.co.za/

It seems like Markets are hugely popular in Cape Town, and it sometimes feels like there’s a new one opening nearly every week. Being lovers of food and all things fabulous, the That’s Cape Town team diarised the opening of a new market at the Palms Centre in Salt River. We went along half-expecting the same-old… Usual traders; space so cramped you can hardly move, but we were very surprised and happy.

Firstly, the space is fantastic – with traders scattered on different levels across an open courtyard, and loads of room for growth. The water-fountain and jazz saxophonist created the perfect ‘relaxing’ ambience that Saturday mornings should be all about. And then the traders – it was refreshing to not have come across each of them at some-or-other market somewhere else in the city. Unique traders stocking quality products, and with such variety!

Being the brainchild of Isabella Niehaus, one of South Africa’s  most well-known stylists, the market produce is a mix of goodies with a distinctly West-Coast feel. Expect fresh mussels, oysters and crayfish; natural fynbos teas; the most beautiful bunches of colourful flowers; a ‘French’ table laden with home-made goods and even a wine producer from Tulbagh!

We really enjoyed our visit, and will be keeping an eye on this new Cape Town treasure to see how it grows. The market is on every second Saturday, from 10am – 3pm. Get there this weekend, 25 February! To find out more, take a look at the Market’s Facebook Page, here.