La Boqueria, Parktown North
ALL DAY EATERY
LOCATION: 17 3rd Avenue, Parktown North, Johanesburg. Well positioned in the buzzing neighbourhood of Parktown; with secure parking in the next door shopping centre.
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.
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.
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!!
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!!
No comments:
Post a Comment