Johannesburg - To Eat (Tashas, Ocean Basket, Doppio Zero, Grill House,Anat)

Johannesburg -  To Stay
Johannesburg - To Do
Johannesburg - To Eat

JNB - To Eat
(Tashas, Ocean Basket, Doppio Zero, Grill House,Anat)
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Tasha's
Opens 630am

 

Opens 6.30am-6pm

Tashas is a great, greek cuisine, breakfast/brunch place, serving up assortments of really delectable looking sandwiches, drinks and shakes. Not too crowded, and a great place to watch the world go by. Highly recommended for breakfast/brunch anytime of the day. Will definitely return for another round and from the reviews below has been a staple of mine. Average pricing R100+ and below.
Click here for ABBA location of Tasha's, Shop G28, The Zone @ Rosebank (Oxford Rd. Rosebank), Johannesburg, 2196

Ordered on:

04Sept2015

Granitas - Classics R30

Granadilla flavored

* A nice refreshing drink. Not overtly tart like you would with lemonade and not too sweet either. A nice balance to cut through the rich eats.*

Quesadillas

The Mexican R98

Sautéed Mince with chillis, red beans, red onion, coriander, cumin and meme taker served with guacamole & spicy tomato relish.

*Really good. A hearty filling of meat with chili which gives that lovely warm heat. The melted cheese and beans make the dish so good but really filling, so much so that I had to have to remainder packed to go. The guacamole and fresh tomato salsa marries the ingredients together and a stamp on Mexican cuisine. A great order best shared with two individuals.*

*Good even after a few hours later. So classy the way they packet to go.*
Total R128 Fed 1

Ordered On

02Sept2015

Coconut Chai Latte 28Rand

*Yes there is a hint of coconut in there but it's not that much different from the normal Chai Tea. It's still very good though and served in a stylish double glass cup.*

Cherry Lemon Granitta 28Rand

Cherry Lemongrass Cranberry Juice and Crushed Ice

*Pleasantly refreshing. The ice shavings lasted throughout the meal.*

White Hot Chocolate 30Rand

*Pleasant at first, but it did get a little too sweet towards the end. If you like this, one can purchase Whittards instant powder mix from London. Comes in white and standard hot chocolate flavors.*

Horlicks 23Rand

*Good frothing action at the top*

Red Velvet Cakes 54Rand

*Reportedly the must order. A huge tower of a cake. Pretty decent, but it's clearly laden with sugar. One could texturally feel and taste the undissolved sugar crystals in the icing. I was hoping for more of a 'lighter' cream cheese topping. However in my opinion, it still looses out to Cheese Cakes Factory's Cakes,hands down.*

Chilli Cheese Fries 74Rand

*A monstrosity of an order. In my mind I thought it was the typical cheese and fries, but it turned out to be more of a Nacho Cheese/Lagasania concoction. Good, but very filling. There is no chilli in it, but mostly the heat comes from the jalapeños on top.*

Tasha's Panini 98Rand

*Already reviewed below and is recommended*

Schnitzel Sarmiento 94Rand

*Already reviewed below and is recommended*

Rodeo Drive 88Rand

*Already reviewed below and is recommended*

Spiced Chai 30Rand

*Already reviewed below and is recommended*

Total 553Rand Fed 5.

 
Ordered On

*06June2014 
Empire Steak
150g sirloin / fried egg /grilled tomatoes /
emmentaler / grilled onions / rocket / rye bread
RND68

*The eggs at Tasha's are always done spot-on. Breaking the membrane just releases that rich, golden, decadent sauce over the entire dish. However, the steak, even though grilled, seemed boiled and was a little blend. It desperately needed the help of fresh cracked sea salt to give it the pop that it needed. The rocket served along side, delivered a fresh and light peppery dimension, a much gentler spice compared to fresh cracked pepper. I'll probably incorporate that idea into future dishes. The rye bread was lightly toasted and went beautifully with the dish. Their green chili condiment pairs perfectly as well. *

Total RND68 Fed1

ABBAtip for Permanent resident Marco:
Marco, a robust Italian business man, a permanent resident of Tasha's, owning the hairdressers across from grill house and a few other business establishments, requested a swap-to Parmesan cheese. The sharpness of the cheese bode well for the dish as opposed to the original, sweeter cheese. 

Ordered On:
07June 2014

*Hsi Te on his departure day.*

*Hsi Te having the Empire Steak but with his choice of scrambled eggs.
Review as above. Hsi Te also agreed that the steak was a little tough and also under seasoned.*
Empire Stack RND68
 Halloumi, Olives, Fresh tomatoes, roasted peppers, brinjals,
marinated mushrooms, cucumber and rocket.

*A brunch onto itself. Super "post workout" portions, served with a medley of beautifully roasted, sweet vegetables. Fans of red kalamata olives would absolutely adore this dish. With is bold flavors and distinc olive  flavored brine. A solid meal onto itself, with all the necessary vegetables. The pan fried Halloumi, a type of goats cheese, was texturally and visually very similar to chicken. One couldn't tell the difference and its a great meat substitute. Best vegan dish I've tasted and am a fan off.*
Spiced Chai RND26
*Forgot to snap a picture. But it tastes great! A Nice balance of spices, tea and milk. Not too sweet.
A beautiful frothy concoction that's welcoming on a cold day in Johannesburg.*
Pineapple Juice RND34
Total: RND216 Fed2.

Ordered On:
8thJune2014
x2 Order of Rodeo Drive R78
Chicken, avo, bacon strips,
mustard mayo and lettuce, served on rye or seeded bread.

*A generous serving of mayo and, no-substitute supply of bacon crisp piled up high, on top of the chicken mayo 'salad'. A somewhat, deconstructed chicken mayo fusion wiht a BLT (Bacon Lettue and Tomatoes) sandwich. The rodeo drive wasn't as impressive as the previous orders on other trips, but their sandwich standards and quality I still stand by as being top notch! 3 days... 3 consecutive visits.
Even after a year plus, its still got the goods.*
Tasha's Hot Choc & Marshmallows R30
Two spoons of nutella, served with hot milk and marshmallows on the side.
*All the ingredients are clearly stated and its soooo easy to replicate back home. Really nice, light hot chocolate, that must have the melted, oozy marshmellows. Simply the best!*

Ordered On:
*03Feb2013

Chocolaccino Con Panna:
Cappuccino topped with whipped cream 
(Half hot chocolate and half cappuccino.) R19*A smooth, rich flavor. a perfect yet simplistic pairing of chocolate and coffee.
Not overly sweet or bitter. Lovely on a breezy Sunday morning.*

 Tashas Panini
Two grilled chicken schnizels,
topped with tomato, avo, red onion and French onion dressing. R79

*Served on a warm plate and beautifully presented. Great balance of creaminess from the avocados, and accented by slight tartness of tomatoes, onions and fetta cheese brittles. Fantastic brunch dish more so than a breakfast one.*

Click here for ABBA location of Tasha's, Shop G28, The Zone @ Rosebank (Oxford Rd. Rosebank), Johannesburg, 2196

Ocean Basket
Aircrew get 10% discount
located 600m from Crowne Plaza Rosebank, at the Rosebank mall

Ocean Basket - Supposedly the inspiration for Fish & Co (brought in by an ex-Cabin crew), is the spot to indulge in some seafood. A ‘Platter for One’ with squid, prawns, fish, mussels, chips and fries comes to R95 (S$13). Pledge to hit the gym as you enjoy the rich butter sauce slathered over your order.

ABBAtip: - Avoid the sushi. Feedback is that the rice can be hard. Also do remember to put down a 10% tip or the staff will come running after you.
- Crew get a 10% discount.

Click here for ABBA location of Ocean Basket, Ocean Basket - Mutual Gardens, Oxford Rd, Johannesburg 2196, South Africa

Ordered On:
06June2014
x2 Oyster Platter of a dozen. R129
*Full time, flying husband Vincent, having a shot of the double tray of oysters. A really good serving of oysters not to be missed. Fresh, and it has that distinct taste of the sea!
Quality is definitely assured and worth the order.*
Seafood platters ordered all around

*The price difference between the platter for two and individual portions stands at only 5RND with the exact same ingredients. The portion serving for a platter for one, with a choice of fries or rice or mixed is very filling for one to finish. Ladies might consider sharing. Everything served, was absolutely delicious and their condiments of garlic, chillies and tar tar sauces are phenomenal with all of their seafood.*
RND890 inclusive of tip. Fed 5

Although service is a little slow, they do make up for it in their food and friendly demeanor. The original 'Fish and Co' and it's miles ahead of the former. Ocean Basket, accept no substitutes.

Ordered On:
30Dec2012

Fish to order: Kingklip*pictured right*. It is native only to South Africa and is the fish of choice. The fish has good flavor and a nice flaky texture. The condiments of garlic, mayonnaise and spiced sweet-chillies really highlights, and brings the flavors together. R89.50.

Ordered On:
03Feb2013
Squid done three ways

Squids fried, grilled and pan fried I guess. A generous serving of squid, tasting so good in butter and a fresh, and refreshing lemon squeeze over. The squid have good bite and textural component to them. Great for sharing or for your own. R+85. Click here for ABBA location of Ocean Basket, Ocean Basket - Mutual Gardens, Oxford Rd, Johannesburg 2196, South Africa

Doppio Zero
located at the FIRS 600m from Crowne Plaza Rosebank
Opens 7am-10pm

Click here for ABBA location of Doppio Zero, The Firs Shopping CentreRustic decor meets modern sheik. Lots of natural wood tone pallets and themes throughout the restaurant's indoor and outdoor dining. Absolutely beautiful interior decor, with smartly placed window pains, allowing for a picturesquely lit interior. A great day out for the family or any gathering.

The place was filling up quite quickly by 12noon. Available for breakfast from 7am onwards with a different menu for breakfast and lunch. Closes at 10pm. 

Breakfast Menu:

Lunch Menu:

 ABBATip:
- Free wifi available with a simple online registration of name and email.

Ordered On:

07June2014
Spaghetti Frutti Di Mare RND105 (House specialty)
Prawns, mussels, calamari, garlic, parsley, tomato and white wine.

*A respectable serving of, as-advertised seafood in the description. The real star was definitely the mussels. Fresh, sweet, succulent and not overly done. Tender morsels of flesh, delivering the best flavor. A direct reflection of the skillful chef. The spaghetti was done just right, with a perfect ratio of ingredients to noodles. Served in a tomato cream based sauce, it was surprisingly not at all heavy. Futhermore having the green chili condiment, instead of the usual red chili flakes was a refreshing take to this already wonderful dish. Worth a reorder for another visit!*

A fantastic atmosphere, and my new must go to place for a lunch/dinner meal. This place came recommended by a Qantas crew member. His two cent were, it's a more quite place to hang out for breakfast as compared to the equally popular and my other favorite hang out joint, Tasha's (Featured Above.) I did attempt to do a breakfast here, but the relatively scaled down menu did push me to go back to the old favorite. Will try a breakfast here another time.

Click here for ABBA location of Doppio Zero, The Firs Shopping Centre

The Grill House
*The FIRS at Rosebankmall located 450m from Crowne Plaza Hotel*
Crew get 10% discount. Make mention prior ordering

Click here for ABBA location of Grill House Katzy's, Cradock Ave, Johannesburg 2196, South Africa

 

The Grill House is a colonially decorated restaurant which serves up perfectly grilled meats of various cuts to meet anyone's appetite.The two stand outs that set the stage for a great dining experience, to me, were definitely their fresh sweet breads and their stylish steak knives; which by far, are the most elegant and well weighted and balanced knives I've seen.
*Apparently you can get yourself a set of steak knives , and I did for R150 each (on 07June2014). Ask the wait staff for more info*

ABBATIP:
- Now for crew, no longer is there a 10% discount, but the good people at Grill House offers a complimentary Amarula Dom Pedro, a classic south African drink.

*Vanilla ice cream, blended with Amarula and thick cream. A sinful, alcholic milkshake with a very light kick. ( It really depends how much they put in but it really was just a light splash)*

- Steak knives and their home BBQ sauces are available for purchase. R150 for the knives and a giant bottle of Home BBQ sauce goes for R88.

Ordered On:

02Sept2015

A Full Set + 2 celebrating two birthdays as well as a new milestone!
A night to remember.

 
Off menu to order Beef entry:

Aged Fillet on the Bone - Aprox198Rand Must order.

(Approx 400g without the bone)
 

As in previous postings, the beef in Johannesburg and its preparations, they aren't really a hit with myself. This is mostly due to under seasoning and it's probably because the locals really enjoy it in that fashion. In fact, others who ordered their standard steaks, though cooked medium rare, found the steaks chewy and in fact blend.

This Aged Fillet on the bone preparation, however was very well seasoned. Well prepared and flavorful. The bone in allows for tender and sweeter meat. On the side note, because it's so thick, it maybe a little more blue than medium rare. This maybe a good/bad thing depending on where you stand on this.

Portions is large and both the boys couldn't finish them on their own. Good for a share with a lady or two guys with not that big an appetite.*

The Usual orders.

- Beef Ribs.
Though presentation might have changed, it's still top grade in my books. Skin off bone, excellent charring and phenomenal with or without any of their sauce.

- Steak

- Pork Ribs

*Good but still looses out the AMS Cafe De Klos and MUC's Rusticanna.*

Approx 250Rand per pax. Fed16

 
Ordered On:
07Jun2014

 Rib Lamb Cutlets R155.95
 
*A hit with most but a miss with some. Feedback was that the meat was a little gamey but personally I loved the flavor. The main problem would probably be more bone than meat, and for the pricing, you're better off ordering the beef ribs reviewed below.*

Beef Ribs 1kg(36oz) R197.95

*It's so rare, that one sees beef ribs on the menu. Again another hit and miss by the party. It would seem that the Grill House has difficulty in consistency of their grilled meats. Furthermore, these ribs are more of the get down and dirty with some bite to it, as compared to, fall-off-the-bone ribs which some may prefer. The reviews largely hang on the matter of consistency and preference for type of ribs over here. But, hey for their in-house sauce and value, my personal only go to order!*
700g T-Bone Steak R184.95

 *Jayven and wife who ordered this had requested for a medium rare.
It turned out more blue than a medium rare. A possible re-affirmation of the problems the 
Grill House may have with their grilling.*
300g (10oz) Fillet R159.95

*The beef served in Johannesburg is distinct in its texture and flavor. Tender and to me, a little gamey. However, like the beef ribs, a differences of preference maybe a hit or miss with yourself. In Johannesburg, it seems the way they have it here, is with minimal salt, allowing one to truly, and fully enjoy the flavor of the beef.*
Total R2,201.71 With 10% discount
Fed 8

Everyone ordered their individual cuts of meats while we had family style beef and lamb ribs to share. Each order did come with its own sides. By making mention to staff on hand that we were doing, 'family style', they were able to give us a spread of all the sides to share. You may want to request for specific sides as we traded a bowl of rice for their crispy onion crisps. Sides include (French Fries, Cream Spinach, Vegetables, Mushrooms, Rice & Onion Crisps)

Ordered On:
3rdFeb2014

Very rarely do you get steak deliver as per requested doneness. There is undeniable recognition of the masterful grilling behind the dish, to deliver medium-rare to text book accuracy and picture perfect beauty. A feast for the eyes and palette. 

 
1kg Beef Ribs RND185

*There's no two ways about it, but to get down and dirty with hands on bone, to dig into the juicy beef ribs. Tender and full flavored. What I assumed was their home made BBQ sauce in unlabeled bottle, really brought the pop to the dish. Definitely must try!*
Fed 2 Very well. R185 

 - Ordered Nederburg Wine (2010 Cabernet Sauvignon) A very easy red to drink which instantly convinced several non-red wine drinkers to get themselves a bottle. Avail at 'Pick and Pay' for R79.

Click here for ABBA location of Grill House Katzy's, Cradock Ave, Johannesburg 2196, South Africa

Anat

 

Ordered On:
07June2014
Lamb burger. R39,90

The simplest review for this place. ANAT =  Avoid. Taste like it looks. Even though burgers were made to order with a 10min wait, bread was cold, as were the roasted vegetables and a paper thin lamb patty. Nothing more. Perhaps their shwarma may fair better, but you're better of dining else where.
Click here for ABBA location of ANAT, which is located just a few steps from Ocean Basket, reviewed above.