When Simply Asia is just simply Asia

Here’s to another after holidays late post….I can’t lie I was really looking forward to the opening of Simply Asia Avondale, considering it was quite the talk amongst foodie lovers for a while. I didn't make it for opening night but best believe on day 2; I was comfortably seated in one of their booths by seven o’clock.

The welcome was great or it just could have been the over-enthusiastic staff still enjoying their first few week of service. 

After ordering refreshments, it was time to get down to some real business and I was definitely taking no prisoners. I needed to know what all the fuss was about and what they had to offer; so I eagerly delved into their menu – I loved that they have little parts designated to understanding the Thai culture and types of dishes all throughout the menu. Someone please take me to Asia!!!!!

The handy number codes for the meals were a lifesaver because we could hardly pronounce the names of the dishes – but that doesn't mean we didn't try – this made for a good laugh.

Most of the dishes on the menu are fiery hot dishes but you can choose the intensity of how hot you want it to; which is great for the wimps I guess. – Good thing for me I've always loved a little fire. I challenge you to try it hot.

I can’t say much about the atmosphere though because it was a bit off–it was quite a chilled setting, bordering on boring. Perhaps I was just looking too hard for more.

We ordered Kyew-teow geang khew-wan gra-prao pesto (tongue twister – you needed the exercise anyway LOL) – In English that’s - [Thai Green Curry Pesto Noodles] – these are yellow noodles in fragrant green curry. This was by far one of the tastiest dishes I have tasted all year. The pesto, tomato and stir-fry flavours explode in your mouth- leaving you longing for more – long after you've left the building. It was that good.

Another dish I had been longing to try was their chicken green curry [Geang Khew-Wan] made with lashings of coconut milk, green curry sauce wokked with broccoli, cabbage and basil leaves. Sounds delish right? After all the excitement the dish personally failed to measure up. It was simple, well prepared but not a blow you away kind of dish.  Kind of reminded me of high school, when you have a crush on someone and by chance you end up bumping into each other; one thing leads to another and you’re now in convo terms, then you realise they aren’t what you expected. Still cute though but not the personality is a nah. A lust that never amounted to much. (A sad day indeed)

I will however give credit were it’s due; the plating up was fast – in less than 10 minutes we were enjoying our meals. A thumbs up if you ask me, I hate to wait too long – especially when you can’t wait to dig in. Kudos to the chefs who are actually Asian – impressive! Perhaps that was the only highlight of my Asian experience– one of those oh, interesting moments and then it was gone.

For sweet tooth lovers the dessert menu includes Kluey thod [Fried bananas], Po pia chocolate [chocolate spring rolls], Cake ma proa [coconut cake], and Thai chocolate brownies. Give them a try….

The food was good and that’s just about it. Will I be rushing to dine at Simply Asia again? Not likely.

Simply Asia can be found in the Western Cape, Port Elizabeth, KwaZulu Natal, Gauteng and Botswana.

Why Prophet Lady is all kinds of hot?

This post is long overdue!!!! It must be the holiday fever… Earlier this month I attended the Prophet Lady S/S 2015 Tropical Pop Up Shop at Pariah State Borrowdale. I do believe one must always support local designers especially if their skills are surpassing levels beyond our imagination.

The designer behind the collection Sibongile Moyana has set herself apart from a pool of local designers with her swanky designs that match a standard not always seen in the country. Her previous tennis collection earlier this year, the ACES S / S 2016 definitely got eyebrows raised. And now with the tropical collection now out; I can’t wait to see what she has in store for us in the coming year.

Cocktails and canapés accompanied the vibrant, upbeat and urban setting. It was indeed a good day to look at beautiful clothes and see the faces of women brighten up as they left with their Prophet Lady bags in tow. We all know every girl loves to shop and to add nice things to an already melting pot of high end and low end garb filed closets.

The S/S 15 Tropical collection oozes of hot summer nights on a secluded tropical island, romance, fun, dancing till the soles of your feet hurt and intense fiery intimacy. Trust me when I say the designs were all shades of hot. Enough to make you feel cool for the summer – cue Demi Lovato’s song.

With a colour palette of cool blues, tropical green and just enough blush; Prophet Lady was made for the woman who wants to be noticed, is carefree and looking to have fun. Taking you to a tropical island, a sunset cruise, cocktail in hand surrounded by those you love – the design creations are every reason to fall in love and have as much fun as possible. 

These designs aren’t made for the wallflower babes but for the ladies who want top breakout, be seen and look good doing whatever they set their minds on.

The collection comprises of jumpsuits, long and short, halter neck dresses, maxi dresses with a demure but edgy mesh back, pencil skirts, crop tops and pants.  Prophet Lady won’t disappoint, the collection can inspire all kinds of women and there’s something for everyone, even the pickiest of persons..

The inspiration behind this collection according to the designer is the fun, electric atmosphere that summer and the holidays bring; creating looks that one can go out and have fun in.

 

A creation that will make anyone jelly is totally worth the investment.

Too bad for the lads, no Prophet Lady for you yet, but for the ladies – it’s all instant gratification from here on forward. 

 Look up Prophet Lady on FB and Insta.

 

When Gelato hits the spot: Sassafras Avondale

I love summer, despite the countless attempts to try and fry me to death. It’s still a great time to head out for a swim with the girls, midnight dancing with the One, ice cold mocktails at a summer fashion show and of course gelato to cool you down with just the right amount of sweetness to ease them sweet tooth cravings.

I was pleasantly surprised to find out that my favourite bath and body stores is now selling gelato ice-cream, and me being me, you know I had to pop in and try it out.

What I tried; a scoop of honey comb and a scoop of cookies and cream. No lie, it was quite an experience. The cookies and cream melted into my mouth and is definitely the right mix put together, first I tasted the cream and then the cookie and the further down you go to the centre where the sweetness of the honeycomb is, it became way too much for me. It was super sweet and a little too good to eat.

What he tried; a double scoop of coffee; and boy was it intense. The coffee flavour hits you right in the centre and explodes with such intense richness you’re sure to feel like you’ve just had the right dose of coffee boost to last you all day. It was beyond rich and might just become a trusted favourite – especially since caffeine is and has been my drug.

Sassafras gelato is melting pot of rich flavour. Other flavours to try to suit all palettes include Belgium chocolate, Farm cream vanilla, Vanilla fudge and many more.

Be sure to also try out the mulberry or mango frozen yoghurt.

The gelato left me assured that my Saturday mornings are most definitely reserved for a scoop or two of gelato.

Their gelato is hand made.

Let me know when you try it out and what runs into your mind from the first lick.

ENJOYYYYYY!!!!!!

Location: Avondale Riverside Walk

Open: 8:30-5:00PM/ Monday to Sunday

Cost: $2 1 scoop; $3 2 scoops

Italian Experience at Casa Mia Ristorante Pizzeria

Let me begin by saying, I had been dying to go to Casa Mia since I spotted it on my commute to the city centre one afternoon.

Nestled in the leafy suburb of Avondale, Casa Mia comes alive in the night time; if you know what I mean, considering all the cars parked in and outside – getting a free table can be quite the hustle.

Casa Mia is definitely the place foodies who love a good conversation and a warm family setting.

You can choose to dine inside or outside. Considering the heat of late, outside was ideal for me. The cool fresh night-time air on a hot summer evening was just right. The outside water fountain feature that flows out of a huge tree was quite a sight. It kind of reminded me of this movie I watched as little girl –the Wishing Tree. Very serene!!!! The mini bridge also makes for nice pictures. I had finally found, my little Italy. 

Before I bore you with just the vibe and setting, let me go into the most important thing-the food. I ordered the Chicken Al pesto which is chicken breast stuffed with pesto and a baked potato and a salad for the sides - got to get t hem greens somewhere. It really had me whipped at first bite. I have never tasted anything as divine as that in my life. I could honestly eat chicken Al pesto for a week and not get tired. The flavours came together really well – trust me you won’t want to share.

My other half settled on the ever popular Cordon Bleu - meat wrapped around cheese (or with cheese filling), then breaded and pan fried or deep fried. It was just as good as mine but not entirely - you see I have better taste- wink. I had a few bites and went back to enjoying my meal.

After I grazed through my meal I was so satisfied. I didn’t even have the stomach for dessert. (It’s only now I wish I had indulged in something)

The only downside was the poor service but all in all I would go back for the food!

Tell me where I should go next?  
Find Casa Mia at Cnr Aberdeen Rd and King George
Call on 04 332044                                                          

Turkish Delight at Istanbul Restaurant

 

I love chilled nights out, especially after a hectic day. It’s a moment to breathe, relax, let go and enjoy the moment. 

Driven by my curiosity to try all kinds of tea. I was delighted to find out that Istanbul restaurant located in Avondale offered Turkish tea(something new to try) – perhaps I expected it to taste all  exotic but to be honest I was disappointed – it tasted like [plain old normal tea.] However, I didn’t just go for the tea (even though it was the main reason), wherever there’s food I am going (looking at my body you can’t tell right?)  Karma might just catch up to me later on in life. 

Seeing as this was my first Turkish experience. I was willing to try anything. I settled on grilled kofte  ( a type of meatball) and my partner in foodie crime had Daruzziyafe Kofte which is a meatloaf of sorts in simple English. I’m still working on getting the pronunciation right for when I actually go to Turkey.

The taste of it was all too new to me and I could not decide whether I loved it or hated it. I was left feeling lukewarm - neither cold nor hot. I really couldn’t judge if it was bad or the taste was just all too new to me. I settled on the latter.

A few days later I found myself craving that unfamiliar taste that I had somewhat rejected at first. Then I knew that it   sometimes takes time for one to appreciate something delightfully foreign.

Food at Istanbul grows on you and the cravings come when you’re tired of your regular rice and beans and you want a flavour you can’t find everywhere.

I think this just might be the start of a foreign love affair.

 

Address: 117, King George Rd, Harare, Zimbabwe

Phone:+263 77 571 1358

Hours:

Monday	Closed
Tuesday	12:00 – 10:00 PM
Wednesday	12:00 – 10:00 PM
Thursday	12:00 – 10:00 PM
Friday	12:00 – 10:00 PM
Saturday	12:00 – 10:00 PM
Sunday	12:00 – 10:00 PM