The end of last year was a bit of a mad rush and when French Toast opened we made a few plans to meet people there for drinks and tapas but never got our act together. Having visited there this week I’m happy to report that it’s delightful – full of old world charm and brimming with a comfortable lack of pretentiousness that for me, has a come-back-for-more appeal.It’s in an old renovated warehouse and with the antique counters and cabinets really could be in a backstreet of Paris.
Its clear that the owners John and Karin together with their fabulous GM Gidi who has been with some of the best restaurants in the city have a passion for wine and you can sample some of the Cape’s best boutique offerings by the glass as you tuck into the tapas morsels.We had the paprika prawns which i’m sure must fly out of the kitchen and the most divine tomato tartlet. I ate more white anchovies than is polite and loved the fresh-as-anything tapenade served with toasted bruschetta (they use Jardine Bakery’s fabulous bread).
Wine lovers – you can get to grips with different local varieties with their well priced Wine Flights that offer a few tastings by the glass and if you pop in between 5 and 7, make the most of their R20 glass of wine (with bruschetta) special.
I’m looking forward to heading back to French Toast for a catch up with a friend or maybe early supper before a movie with The Captain.
French Toast is at 199 Bree Street and if you’d like to make a reservation 021 422 3839 and they’re open from 12 Mon-Sat.
I’ve got a horrible head cold so its back to bed for me in the hope i’ll clear my thick head enough to do some work and get to the U2 concert tomorrow night. Happy Day! V x
Lisa on February 17, 2011
I’ve been it’s yummy … brilliant wine list … the only thing missing … a deck to sit outside upstairs but otherwise … good food, good mood!!
Rose Mcclement on February 17, 2011
hey there – I have a tip for a head cold/ stuffy head that works like a bomb every time. By tomorrow you should be much better, as it helps a great deal in terms of a good , congestion free sleep.
Just pop about 3 – 5 drops of “OLBAS’ into a bowl of steaming hot boiled water. Throw a towel over your head and begin the deep breaths, drawing in deeply, for both nose & chest. Three times a day.
Stick with it – it is not particularly comfortable, but like many an ole fashion remedy given me by mom, it is worth passing on.
Vicki Sleet on February 17, 2011
thanks lovely Rose! I remember Olbas well – my Dad was a big proponent of it. I need something – feels like i have soup for brains! V x
claire mccormack on February 17, 2011
THanks vicki for your lovely little titbits of such VALUABLE gorgeous info. I’ll definitely visit this stunning spot next time in in CTx
A toast to the finer things in life: Vicki Sleet reviews French Toast | Travel Concepts We Love Blog on February 23, 2011
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Lisa on April 10, 2011
Hi Vicki
We popped into this spot before the Power and the Glory last night, also jam packed with people … we thought we would test our luck for a dom pedro but i had my doubts, this is a uber kewl wine bar of course – they don’t do but everyone friendly and helpful all the same, which I expected .. as was my second visit, such a nice spot!
l x