Glenda's Restaurant, Hyde Park

Glenda's, Hyde Park

LOCATION: Hyde Square Shopping Centre, 285 Jan Smuts Ave cnr Jan Smuts Avenue & North Rd, Hyde Park, 2196

THERES SOMETHING ABOUT GLENDA:

Passionate restaurateur Glenda Linderle, at a tender age was deeply inspired by both her parents for their love of food. Glenda created the well-known Patisserie in Illovo, Joburg, over 10 years ago. Where she became renowned for her divine, delicate and exquisite cakes and pastries. Glenda then decided to sell up; and moved to start up the popular, posh, Katerina’s at The Kurland Estate, Western Cape. Thereafter, Glenda decided to explore and broaden her talents and knowledge and go abroad. She has been trained in some of worlds most acclaimed restaurants viz. The Petersham Nursery and River Café in London, The Four Seasons “Michelin Star” Restaurant in Berlin and the famous The Red Rooster in The Big Apple, New York City. Glenda Lederle’s latest venture in South Africa is located in Hyde Square, Hyde Park. Glenda's Restaurant exudes class, finesse, sophistication, dedication to detail and beauty, this describes both the restaurant and restaurateur.

DRINKS:

There are several variations of gins, whiskeys, tequilas, beers, and wines. Don’t forget to try their Clockwork Orange (Blanco tequila, Rooibos syrup with orange and lime juices) Prosecco (this Italian sparkling wine is combined with geranium, strawberry and peach) and the Pink Tiki (a combination of dark and light rum, with five spice and pineapple and orange juices) cocktails. Glenda's also offer varieties of hot drinks, teas, juices and cold drinks.

APPETIZERS/HORS D’OEUVRE/STARTERS:

Salt and Pepper Calamari : This starter comes in two variations.

Option One: was prepared with textures of beetroot, the calamari is crumbed and seasoned well, it is accompanied with edible flowers, a beetroot mayo, charcoal mayo, then top with finely grated beetroot. This beautiful, colourful inventive dish is a signature dish of Glenda’s Restaurant and a MUST TRY.

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Option Two: was where the calamari was prepared perfectly succulent and tender. Calamari is soaked in salt and pepper water, and prepared with a lemon butter sauce and is served with edible flowers and fresh rocket.(This option was a customised dish; at Glenda's Restaurant they always willing to make something special just for you, if requested)

Mozzarella : This dish is prepared with confit lemon and served with edible flowers, fresh, juicy nectarines, cherry tomatoes and basil.

 

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At Glenda's Restaurant presentation of the food, quality of ingredients used, colour, flavours all coming together, the techniques used, and textures could not be faulted

ENTRÉE/MAINS:

Salmon Fish Cake – This is one of the most popular dishes on the menu as per the waiters and Glenda herself. Served with fries that are perfectly seasoned with salt and herbs, the fish cake is covered with refreshing, green rocket mayo and spinach.

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Crispy Pork Belly – Another popularly requested dish prepared with a tasty bacon veloute and served with delicious grilled pears. All textures worked and flavours came together perfectly.

Glenda’s dedication to her presentation of food is flawless. Precision, colour, flavours, techniques and inventiveness is exhibited everywhere

AMBIENCE:

Airy, relaxed and with a cool energy as you walk in through the doors; and see all the bountiful, bright beautiful colours, cakes, flowers, sunlight everywhere, trimmed with gold. It’s instantly calming. The main restaurant wall is intriguing, and highly relevant to her SEASONAL restaurant with edible flowers concept. A variety of soft, calming music plays in the background from jazz to pop.

SEATING:

The inside of the restaurant seats (+/- 60 seating). There is an outdoor seating section as well (+/- 55 people) to enjoy your afternoon tea or later in the day as the sunsets, to relax and have a tasty cocktail.

HANDS:

As I walked in I was assisted by a friendly, extremely knowledgeable manager called Arsene, who went over and above to ensure our requests were meet. It seemed like all hands on deck at Glenda's Restaurant. Everyone assisted irrespective of job title, ensuring the best customer experience. Elias, another manager and Thami a waiter were all to happy to explain the menu in detail, and some cooking methods. I have visited Glenda's many times before this day, what I can say is the consistency of the staff experience is always there. They never failed to please. These guys are energetic, friendly and always give you their undivided attention.

 DOTTY CHOUX:

‘Dotty Choux’ is Glenda's Restaurant takeaway patisserie, they specialise in choux pastries of all shapes, colours and flavours. Their cakes are delectable and exquisite and can be made to order. A must taste is their salted caramel popcorn cake.

OTHER:

Glenda's Restaurant caters for a variety of occasions (business presentations, high teas, baby showers, bridal showers, birthday parties...) They serve breakfast, brunch, lunch & dinner. Remember they are ever willing to customise dishes to suit your preferences. Glenda's Restaurant has menu variations; Late Summer Main Menu, Late Summer Breakfast Menu, Late Summer Brunch Menu, Late Summer Dessert & Snacks Menu.

P.S Mondays is BUILD YOUR BURGER night at Glenda's.

ART ON THE WALL PAPER : The colour turquoise is everywhere and is associated with meanings of refreshing, calming, sophistication, energy, serenity, creativity, good luck, friendship, love, joy, and tranquillity....The Grey Crowned Crane found depicted on the middle of the main wall; are described as opportunistic feeders that change their diet according to the season, availability of food and their own nutrient requirements. They feed according to the seasons. Cranes are also a symbol of love, joy and the celebration of life. The Heron is associated with rebirth and the sun. In the image both these birds have an abundance of food and can feast. There's a chameleon on this mural which represents adaptation and transformation according to its environment, freedom, unique appearance and calm behaviour. The dragonflies also carry a meaning of wisdom of transformation and adaptability in life. Everything seems to sync together perfectly. The dragonfly is a symbol of change and light. Oranges are associated with of joy, warmth, sunshine, enthusiasm, creativity, change, determination, health, stimulation, happiness, enjoyment, balance, freedom, expression, and fascination. The lemon has long been a symbol of love and friendship. The edible flowers on the trees could represent The tree of life (fresh start on life, positive energy, good health and a bright future) or The flower of life (sacred geometry of the world, and enlightenment). These edible flowers also presented to us on our plates, also have certain healing properties, and each also have myriads of symbolisms from around the world. All the symbols have multiple meanings. The circle of life, yin and yang! The whole wall is thought provoking indeed with many little details visible and hidden but definitely deliberate. Next time you visit make sure to appreciation this WONDERFUL meaningful message. Tell me what you think of this wall mural?

VERDICT:

A must experience restaurant in Johannesburg. It's sophisticated, the precision, techniques, textures, service and beautiful presentations can’t be faulted. It’s a breath of fresh air. The edible flowers dotted on my dishes made it an amazing experience yet again.Take time out and appreciate the finer things in life. It’s perfect for business meetings, your friends and family.

La Boqueria

La Boqueria, Parktown North

ALL DAY EATERY

LOCATION:  17 3^rd Avenue, Parktown North, Johanesburg. Well positioned in the buzzing neighbourhood of Parktown; with secure parking in the next door shopping centre.

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DRINKS: I was delighted to find my favourite fruity flavoured; Strawberry and Lime Koppaberg Cider available. I was also pleasantly surprised by the Rekordelig Cider brand being available. The In House Infused Gin combinations; Bombay Sapphire (Grapefruit and Sage) and Inverroche Classic Gin (Blueberry and Rosemary) with variations of tonics are a must. You also can’t leave without enjoying The Boqueria’s Bottle; a porthole infusion of burnt orange, fresh apple with cinnamon and Tequila - Agave Guervo. There are several variations of aperitifs, gins, whiskeys, tequilas, tipples, craft beers and wines. We enjoyed a variety of potions all exciting, refreshing and bursting with flavours.

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APPETIZERS/HORS D’OEUVRE/STARTERS:  

Salmon Tiradito : All salmon lovers behold this Norwegian salmon dish with coconut shavings, red chilli, crispy poppadoms, ponzu dressing with mange tout

Calamares : This dish was a served with a roasted garlic and zesty lime aioli dip and crispy pepper rubbed squid.

A scrumptious variation of flavours zesty zingy and spicy.

SALADS AND SOUPS : 

Poke Bowl – Wow wow wow!! Must have Springtime Summer Salad. This Hawaiian RAW fish salad had so many of my favourite elements. A combination of chilli lime brown rice that was boiled to perfection, perfectly marinated salmon and tuna poke which was chopped into bite size portions; for eating ease. The coconut cream, sweet juicy pineapple, creamy chunks of avocado, edamame beans, pickled carrot and cucumber, with nori seaweed flakes made this my favourite dish thus far on the menu.

Wonder Bowl – Perfect for cold weather days. This is a ramen bowl with miso broth. This hearty broth included delicious, fresh, field mushrooms, chilli nori seaweed flakes,with a perfectly prepared poached egg, fresh sprouts, red cabbage and noodles with a choice of either  grilled rump or pork fillet (sliced into bite sizes). We chose the rump; which was seasoned and prepared to perfection. 

These portions could have just as well been a main meal; the portion sizes are large, filling and delicious. Most patrons seemed to have just ordered these “SuperBowls”.

ENTRÉE/MAINS: 

Laiki Lamb Kabob – For Lamb Lovers is a shoulder of tender lamb, marinated with fresh herby and pickled lime yoghurt marinate. Combined with saffron tomatoes, roasted garlic hummus with a pickled green bean salad with whipped feta. Served with flat bread and hand cut chips.

Butcher’s Daughter – 300g Mature Rib Eye with ponzu and miso butter. Charred with Spanish hazelnut picada, exotic mushrooms and baby gems.
Portion sizes were large and both meals were cooked with technique.

DESSERT/SWEETS: 

Churros – A trio of churros (Spanish fried dough pastry) served with a chocolate, red chilli hot pot

Poached Cinnamon Toffee Apple – Fennel spiced ice cream,  salted caramel shard and butterscotch sauce with apples poached in red wine. 

The desserts were decadent and colourful. All the elements came together perfectly.

AMBIENCE: Wonderful energy as you walk in through the doors, you see a huge, colourful, beautiful painting of a Spanish female bullfighter. It sets the mood for your colourful, delightful experience ahead. The restaurant buzzes with energetic, keen lunch time patrons.

SEATING: There is an outdoor seating section, to soak in the sunlight with a tasty cocktail. There are also two levels on the inside of the restaurant. Bookings are essential as this spot is on popular in Johannesburg.

HANDS: As you walk in you are greeted with a friendly, attentive smile from the reception desk, to your waiter who will serve you. We were assisted by a waiter called Calvin. A friendly, energetic, attentive guy.

OTHER: HURRY!! Win a R500 La Boqueria gift vouchure. Post an Instagram selfie at La Boqueria with the hashtag #laboqueriaselfie. Winner to be announced 1 November 2017. #laboqueriajozi #win #selfie. In my opinion its always best to order a variety of dishes with friends and family, so everyone around your table can get taste varieties. So you know what to expect for your next visit.

MUST MENTION: The wall art is huge with high visibility for ALL to see. This image can not be missed. The positioning is deliberate, in your face; at the entrance. They are not hiding their intentions, in any little hidden away portraits. They want you to SEE her. The female seems to be a rebel; a non conformist and a radical. The artwork is bold, colourful and bright. A tattoo! A cigarette? Stars for teardrops? A female bullfighter? Symbolisms both hidden and visible everywhere in the art. Hemingway used bullfighting as an ongoing metaphor for war and the nature of masculinity. A bullfighter is daring, fearless, confident, skilful, tactful, precise....Who lives a life of thrill and danger; yet she seems calm. The bullfighter is a "fighter" and won't succumb. No ordinary person will fight an enormous bull. This image is very thought provoking indeed. There's a lot to reflect on when looking at the statement being made. Is La Boqueria the female in the image? Symbolisms of large blood red roses, even a commitment of a tattooed blood red rose depicts love, strength, fragility, gentleness, pride, loyalty...But mostly it depicts the celebration of LOVE in all aspects and the PRIDE of Spain. A blood red rose is a symbol of The Patron Saint of Catalonia (Sant Jordi) who according to legend was a soldier. On his Feast Day lovers exchange red roses. Its always about the little details that sets you apart. La Boqueria shows us this in the image. The artist who painted this is  extremely talented with accuracy, technique and little details. Job well done! Brilliant work. Let me know what you think of this art work? This is my 5min refelection on it. I am no expert.

AND: A must experience restaurant in Johannesburg. It’s perfect for all occasions from relaxed business meetings, to friend and family get togethers. The flavours on the menu were delivered. The food was definitely made with care and technique. Food textures were good. Thank you for the wonderful adventure La Boqueria with all the beautiful blends and flavours. The painting says it all!! Everyone is trying to be the only one but La Boqueria; you are the ONLY ONE!!