Boutique Hotel Dining

Sel et Poivre

Boutique hotel dining has become a thing for Vince and I on a Friday night after work or especially on a Sunday night when we have had a long day touring and do not have the energy to cook ourselves. There are so many in the Sandton and greater Joburg area tucked away behind high walls and well-hidden from view. But when you pass through the privacy keeping security gates, an oasis awaits. And many of them have fine dining with fabulous chefs.

For instance, almost right around the corner from us in Morningside is the cozy Quatermain Hotel with its restaurant Sel et Poivre. The Quatermain's outdoor verandahs and lounges are a great place to unwind with a sundowner and the restaurant features the delightful fare of the award-winning Chef Coco Reinarhz. It has been our Sunday night refuge more than once! Famous for his monthly Food and Wine Events, Chef Coco plans the evening's menu around a different South African winery's collection. So much to do (eat and drink), so little time!

A friend of mine from the US of A is staying at the exclusive boutique Hotel Saxon in nearby Sandhurst with her family on stops between their multiple safaris across South Africa and Botswana. I am thrilled because - besides getting to catch up with an old friend from home - it gave me an excuse to check out the hotel last night and eat in their famous dining room.

The Saxon itself is part of South African history as it once served as the home of Former President Mandela after he was released from prison. It was during this time that he used the serene setting of the Saxon to edit his autobiography Long Walk to Freedom.

I do not know the acreage of the entire hotel footprint, but the simple walled entrance belies the spaciousness of the grounds as you wind your way up to the hotel itself. The setting and interior design is very South African chic. I checked out my friend's accommodations and I think their two rooms are bigger than my whole apartment! When the rainy season hits,Vince and I may take refuge in one of the villas for a super luxurious stay-cation.

Saxon

The Saxon's dining room is a legend here in Joburg and its Executive Chef David Higgs is world-renowned. There are two restaurants on site, 500 and Qunu Grill. 500, with its daily chef's 8 course tasting menu and open kitchen is the hotel's signature restaurant. We ate at Qunu which offered an a la carte menu and a more casual experience, and was better suited for a family on vacation. 

Dinner at The View Hotel or The Residence, drinks at the Westcliff or the Michelangelo ... gin and tonics at the Sunnyside Park Hotel to toast the former British High Commissioner Sir (later Lord) Alfred Milner who formerly resided there when he was in Joburg ... or the romantic Morrells Manor House in Northcliff ... if I play my cards right, I may never need to cook on a Sunday night again!