CAPE TOWN - The Mother City is one of the world’s most romantic destinations and, love it or hate it, Valentine’s Day is an excellent excuse for a good time with your significant other, or to spoil another special someone – yourself.
From low-lit haunts for starry-eyed lovers to swanky fine-dining delights for unforgettable nights, the Cape Town Central City Improvement District’s (CCID) has shared some ideas in the form of a CBD date guide to help you along.
Tasso Evangelinos, CCID chief executive, said: “If ever there was a time to celebrate love and kindness, this is it. We all need a bit of cheesiness in our lives, so embrace the cliché of the day, and support our stellar home-grown businesses as you do so.”
For something fancy they suggest FYN (fine) with its “neoteric Japanese African” fusion of flavours. Located in Parliament Street, FYN crosses boundaries to bring delighted diners stunning plates of contemporary cuisine. From burnt mushroom milk buns and summer somen (noodles), to Robata-grilled Kalahari beef and pumpkin pie nougat with yuzu marshmallow, guests are taken on an unforgettable journey that may just inspire a lover to get on bended knee. The dramatic industrial interior certainly is the perfect backdrop for a proposal.
Site: www.fynrestaurant.com | Location: 5th Floor, Speakers Corner, 37 Parliament St | Phone: 021 286 2736
Mulberry and Prince, the CCID recommended for those looking for a stylish experience.
“Stroll down Pepper Street to the iconic pink doors and get ready for the best brunch the Mother City has to offer. Its stylish interior may get the ‘Gram buzzing, but it’s the eggs that really steal the show. If the way to your significant other’s heart is breakfast, then this is your (toast and) jam. You can’t go wrong with the famed Mulberry and Prince eggs ‘benny’, with brown butter hollandaise and house-made ‘tater tots’. Follow it up with peppermint hot chocolate pancakes.”
Site: www.mulberryandprince.co.za | Location: 12 Pepper St | Phone: No phone; book online
Infinity Restaurant at Hotel Sky is on the list for its view, offering 360-degree mountain and sea views.
“With an audacious Afro-chic interior that has been decked out with glitzy chandeliers, animal prints and tropical wallpaper, you can embrace your wild sides while tucking into prawn tagliatelle in a tomato bisque sauce. Book a room for a super special stay.”
Site: www.infinityrestaurant.capetown | Location: 9 Lower Long Street, Walter Sisulu Ave | Phone: 021 879 5043
The Bombay Brasserie also made the list specialising in North Indian food combined with Cape Malay flair.
“Bombay Brasserie exudes elegance, with its exotic décor and sumptuous touches. With small plates inspired by street food, the restaurant is ideal for those seeking authentic flavours, with favourites like kofta curry, lamb biryani and a special take on malva pudding.”
Site:www.tajhotels.com/en-in/taj/taj-cape-town/restaurants/bombay-brasserie-restaurant | Location: 1 Wale Street, corner St George’s Mall | Phone: 021 819 2000
Hemelhuijs is a small oasis in the heart of Cape Town, the CCID said offers an ideal escape from life’s hustle and bustle.
“Indulge in its freshly made jewel-coloured juices, creative cocktails or custom-blended coffee and order from the all-day menu. Heavenly smells and tastes await; the carefully sourced ingredients by Jacques Erasmus and his team escalate the comforting flavours of childhood memories with care and flair.”
Site: www.hemelhuijs.co.za | Location: 71 Waterkant street, Cape Town City Centre | Phone: 021 418 2042
Tjing Tjing Momiji a tranquil and understated space celebrating Japanese culture and cuisine. Momiji is where the chefs’ creativity lets loose, with an outstanding set menu that fuses Japanese flavours with local ingredients.
“Whimsical touches delight the eye and transport guests straight to Tokyo; the idea is food should be fun, beautiful and tell a story. Try the trout, served with buchu-pickled ginger, soy cob, yuzu, pickled mussels, a milk bread bun and more. Dessert is equally delicious, with a smorgasbord of sweets like mochi truffles, s’mochi (a mochi s’more!) and kitto katsu (Kit Kat). Momiji is closed on Valentine’s but are offering Mochi Mochi boxes to go at R150 for 10 pieces.
Site: https://www.tjingtjing.co.za/momiji-2/ | Location: 165 Longmarket St, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town, 8001| Phone: 021 422 4374 / 422 4920
Cape Times