Cape Town Food

I’m a huge fan of Greek in Mowbray, as many people know. But that isn’t the only sister restaurant of the Fat Cactus. Tucked away on outside corner of possibly the most schizophrenic mall in the world, Pineland’s Howard Center (the place has been remodelled and renovated entirely several times in the last 5 years --- no small feat for an operational shopping center) is the absolutely wonderful Joe Fish.

Joe Fish is a local eatery that I must say serves the best bistro seafood I’ve had anywhere. The staff are friendly and attentive, the environment is clean and cosy without feeling cluttered or crowded.

Unlike major chains like CTFM or Ocean Basket, Joe Fish doesn’t try to pile on ridiculous specials of frozen prawns from Mozambique, or attempt making sushi not worthy of the name --- instead this seafood cafe focuses on the freshest of fresh seafood, with absolutely fantastic preparation.

I can’t say enough about the quality of the food; every single time I have eaten there I am so impressed by the quality, especially at the price. Last night was no different, with the Cajun calamari an absolute delight.

The restaurant gets pretty full even on week nights, so a booking is a good idea --- but is worth a late phone call or a drop in, the staff always try and find some space.

The restaurant has both an interior and an exterior space. Even with chilly winter nights like last night, the tables outside were kept warm under heaters.

Joe Fish doesn’t try to be something its not. It is as delightful as it is unpretentious. With a take away area, where you can sit at the bar and have a coffee while waiting for your order; to daily specials that really catch the eye, and delight the taste buds --- this bistro is a great spot when you really want some seafood done perfectly.

As I live in Pinelands, and go to Joe Fish at least once a month or so (although every time I go I contend to go more often --- and have once caught [excuse the pun] myself going for both a breakfast and a lunch) I might feel a little concerned about punting the restaurant too highly, as I might struggle to get a table in future. But really this restaurant is worthy of high praise for those who simply want a relaxed and friendly mid-week evening of great food and company.

I have no doubt that there are many other far pricier spots around Cape Town that would struggle to provide the fantastic ‘come again soon’ environment and ‘kos’ that Joe Fish does so well.

9/10 [Reviewed on 27 July 2010]

021-531-2974

Shop 39, Howard Centre
Logan Way
Pinelands
Cape Town

Breakfast 9am to 11am
Monday to Saturday
Lunch 9am to 9pm
Monday to Saturday 
Dinner 9am to 9pm
Monday to Saturday

Labels: Cape Town, fish, Restaurant, Review, Seafood

// posted by Andrew la Grange @ 5:07 AM 0 Comments

If you like sushi, you'll know its an expensive addiction; sometimes when I'm sitting at a sushi bar I feel more like a drug addict in an opium den than a paying customer at a restaurant. The very fact people want to be close to the preparation of the food (i.e. to minimise the time from creation to mouth) says something of the addictive nature of this food.

So when an offer for a sushi buffet or all you can eat offer is discovered, its not hard to get a group of sushi lovers to come over and enjoy it with you.

John Dory's in Canal Walk has a great sushi bar, which is reasonably priced, does take-aways and numerous specials. One of these specials is on Wednesday nights where for R129 you can get all the sushi you could want, and as much Graca as you might like.

Perfect you say! And it is, its reasonable, but you'll quickly find that you won't be able to have that much sushi, not because its not good (its excellent, more in the Californian style [read: mayo] than some of the more traditional sushi restaurants such as Qing, which has been previously commented on), but because you physically can't have that much sushi (damn RICE!)

That said, the sushi is excellent. The platters that come through include four fashion sandwiches, two pieces of fish maki, four california rolls, two salmon roses, and two rainbow rolls. They don't skimp on what they normally prepare; this is the real deal, no different from any other night.

The service is excellent, the Graca flows (which at R16 a the bottle store isn't unbelievable that they serve it up like water), and a great evening is easily had by all.

SO to summarise, just remember to not eat before coming through, otherwise one plate will fill you up, and then its probably cheaper buying off the menu. Other than that, the best advice is to take it really slow with your friends, and you'll have an amazing time at the John Dory's all you can eat sushi special.

Note: JD's also does half price sushi on weekday lunch times, and Sunday evenings. The staff is very friendly, and you'll no doubt find yourself, family and friends becoming regulars!

There non-sushi food is great too b.t.w.

Labels: canal walk, fish, specials, sushi

// posted by Andrew la Grange @ 12:50 AM 0 Comments