We all know the obvious ones – so I have ignored those and tried to only suggest unusual restaurants that that listeners probably won’t have been to before…

For the super lazy

What can you do within 15 minutes of either the JHB or the PTA city centre – so it feels like a day trip but it’s not. Sometimes the effort of getting up and going somewhere is more than one can manage but you still want the feeling of having done so.

For slimming salady splendor try Sai Thai in Cyrildene, Johannesburg TEL:011 615 1339

• For those who want to get into their bikinis in two weeks time Chef Micky Liu is your best bet.
• She makes a pork and mint salad that is light summery perfection.
• She tosses prawns in lemongrass and bean sprouts like no one else in South Africa.
• There are heavenly freshly squeezed lime juices and a watermelon juice from heaven.

For that mooching in the antique shop with cake and coffee feeling try Li Bel in Sunny side, Pretoria TEL: 012 343 8277 (They don’t take credit cards)

• Technically this café is in the heart of Pretorias CBD/ grungy flatland but it feels like a rural idyll.
• Chef Lienkie Wessels makes the best scones in Gauteng.
• Her Jack Russell greets you when you enter the café.
• There are hearty day in the country type plates of chorizo and black eyed pea stew but also cup cakes topped with edible glitter and great coffee.
• Best of all, there is a fabulous antique shop cum classy junk shop next door for pottering. The antique shop does take credit cards.
  

For less lazy gastro tourism (approximately 1 hour travelling):

For township tasty – try Nambitha - Orlando West, Soweto 011 936 9128

• Nambitha is said to be Kwaito superstar Mandoza’s favourite restaurant.
• This eatery is aimed at stylish Soweto 20-somethings who arrive in All Star tackies sporting curious Trans-Atlantic accents.
• Nice holiday feel - steak, spare ribs and hearty homely curries for those who want.
• Traditional township fusion/ indigenous culinary fare e.g there is Mogudu (tripe)

For Serious Marie Antoinette moments - try Casta Diva Charisma – Nina Park in Pretoria TEL: 012 542 4449

• Been open 1 month.
• It is impossible to imagine a venue with more Fountains, chandeliers, epic drive ways, Scarlet O’hara staircases
• The food is fabulous. Run by Marco Balmelli who used to own La Perla in Brooklyn. It’s quails and foie gras all the way.

For the adventurous – on a good day this is the best of all but but take care!

Die Rusplek, Onverwacht (rural settlement outside Cullinan) . Tel 076 756 9518 / 073 233 8381

• This one is for people who are relaxed and like an adventure – it’s not where to take uptight people who mind if things go wrong. Because they sometimes do. THEY ARE VERY INEXPERIENCED AND THE TIMING SOMETIMES FALLS APPART SO YOU WAIT LONG FOR LUNCH
• Chef-patronne Patricia Machobani calls herself a ‘black Afrikaner’ and describes her culinary output as ‘black boerekos’. Her restaurant is to be found in an impoverished rural community located outside Cullinan.
• The people of Onverwacht can prove their ancestral links to both Mzilikazi and the Na-trekkers (freed slaves who followed the Great Trek). Diners are given the story of this fascinating community as the chef cooks the meal in front of them.
• If you go on Sunday you can accompany the chef to church (you have to say you want to do this)
• There are mutton stews redolent with star anise and drizzled with inkomazi fermented milk mixed with fresh coriander, chilli and garlic. There are whole-wheat, coconut rolled koesisters.
• Expect to pay a deposit to secure a booking – the chef will use this to buy the ingredients.