East Vs West. You decide which eatery is best
Although Johannesburg isn’t one of the most centrally located cities in the world, we’re definitely spoilt for choice when it comes to a diverse range of cuisines. The question is… Which is best? Well, we’ve had the pleasure of dining at two of the cities most iconic eateries and couldn’t decide which we loved more. So we’ve left that decision up to you. Here’s a brief review of Che Argentinian Grill in Parkwood and Red Chamber in Hyde Park, two of our latest favs.
Che Argentinian Grill - Parkwood
Che Argentine Grill are well known for their authentic Argentinian cuisine and if you’re a regular at this Parkwood eatery then you will be familiar with the two happy-go-lucky proprietors, Oscar and Bernardo. These native Argentineans have combined their love for their homeland and exceptional meat to create a truly unique restaurant experience.
The meticulously curated environment immediately transports the visitor to one of Palermo’s bustling streets. Comidas (foods in English) are prepared in an open kitchen with bona fide Argentinian style wood oven and grills. There is something about the flavor of a steak, cooked over smoky wood charcoal that you just can’t beat with a conventional cooking method.
While meat is a definite when visiting the restaurant, you need not overlook their traditional dishes, such as the mouth-watering empanadas (flavors change daily) or ceviche peruano (Peruvian style fish ceviche served with a side of popcorn).
After an indulgent meal accompanied by one of our favourite wines, the Paul Wallace Black Dog from Elgin one might think that dessert is not on the cards? Well you one would be wrong! As typical foodies, we had two dive into two of their best; the Panqueque with is a pancake filled with dulce de leche & served with brandy soaked pears. Then the Flan del Río de la Plata, their flagship dessert cream caramel with dulce de leche.
Red Chamber - Hyde Park
Red Chamber Mandarin Restaurant in Hyde Park Corner had been the go-to Asian restaurant in Johannesburg’s norther suburbs for over 30 years. As the restaurant industry goes, 30 years is a lifetime and you must ask yourself, why has this restaurant been such a huge success for so long? Well, let us tell you that the proof is in the eating.
The restaurant with its uncomplicated decor and style has a uniquely Asian feel with large, round sharing tables for extended families. The striking bamboo wall and huge fish tank serve as a backdrop for their authentic signature dishes such as Gongbao Duck slices with leeks, peanuts and chili or the succulent three flavor chicken served whole and on the bone. If Dim Sum is your thing then Red Chamber has the answer. With a smorgasbord on offer from pork, prawn and beef to both vegetarian pot-stickers (fried) and steamed dumplings. Trust us when we say that you’ll need to pace yourself.
Our visit to Red Chamber coincided with the Chinese New Year and we are informed by our hostess on the correct way to toast to a successful year… With Baijiu, also known as Chinese Firewater. 2022 is the year of the Tiger on the Chinese Zodiac Calendar so to all our Chinese readers we say Xinniah hao!
Red Chamber is open from Tuesday to Sunday and bookings are recommended on Friday and Saturday nights.
