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.
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’ 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.
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