Unlike Homer’s musings, my epicurean odyssey began at Le Perla in Sea Point on Friday night. I arrived shrouded in a large dollop of curiosity. I have heard so much about how fabulous La Perla is for a vintage-style evening out, as well as plenty of rumours about how things have slipped a bit…

It felt like I had stepped back in time, about 30 years, due to the décor, ambience and old-style service. Although the glasses and cutlery hadn’t been cleaned properly and we had to keep sending things back, and ask them to turn the music down three times, it was for the most part enjoyable. It is true, the food did not live up to my expectations, but I will definitely give it another try, this time in my elbow-length black gloves and a flapper dress!

Saturday lunch brought a family indaba at the Codfather restaurant in Camp’s Bay. I have to say, there was something extraordinary about the sushi this time. It was succulent, fresh and inspired. My nibble of cooked fish, with Codfather spices was delicious and the ‘wokked’ vegetables as a side were yum and positively glowed with vitamins. Service impeccable, non-pushy and friendly.

Saturday night demanded a Thai Green Chicken Curry from Chef Pons in Gardens (Mill Street) and a spot of bubbly (which we brought with us). Always good for fast, efficient service, always-the-same great whipped up Asian comforts and a chilled atmosphere. Always say hello to the fish in the fishtank and dig to the bottom of the jar to get your perfectly-destined Fortune Cookie message.

The beautiful weather on the weekend inspired a lunch at the Harbour House in Kalk Bay on Sunday. I was absolutely blown away and vowed to go there more often in the future. Walking in to a soft-box like environment, with well-chosen music in the background, beautiful white light, white table-cloths and of course the sea view panoramically appearing as a wrap-around painting all added to its lustre. It just all felt so beautiful.

My seared tuna salad was sublime, along with a lovely unwooded chardonnay. The red snapper was reportedly delicious too, as was the bread to begin with. All in all an excellent meal…on another level entirely and the service was entirely gracious, our waitress clearly a seasoned pro, even in the face of a few grumpy quibbles from someone at our table.

Although it seems to be undergoing major renovations, the sushi at Willoughby’s (you’d swear I was addicted) on Sunday night was great along with a light Graham Beck Sauvignon Blanc. The sushi is articulate, sophisticated and prepared by craftsmen, although a bit on the pricey side. If you’re in the mood for a real down-to-earth Japanese Izakaya experience, try the ‘before 7.45pm’ sushi deal special at Kubo’s Little Japan in Riebeeck Street. It’s a little winner for intimate discussions, in an authentic mish-mash of an eatery along with oodles of sushi and the friendly smile of the ever-present waitress slash photographer, Lezanne.

Monday’s drizzle called for a classic British Bangers ‘n Mash at The Nose Restaurant & Wine Bar in De Waterkant. This is always a feel-good lunch for me, and the free WIFI doesn’t hurt either. They have a well-thought out and large selection of wines by the glass, nurtured by owner and wine writer Cathy Marston. When my companion ordered just ‘a glass of red’ the waiter burst out into raucous laughter and asked for a little fine-tuning of choice. Alas, they have plenty of that. Play and experiment!

The journey ended on Monday night. On a whim, my companion and I decided to look for a fireplace, a hearth if you will, in order to recover from Monday, escape from the rain and sip on a glass of red. Although almost empty, Porcini in Heritage Square, Bree Street, had a lovely atmosphere, and a very efficient (perhaps over…) waiter. Great crispy herb foccacia to start with and delicious crispy-based parma ham and rocket pizza for mains. My companion spent 30 minutes deciding on the Vongole, only to be told that this was the only thing they didn’t have on the menu. Please tell us when we get the menus! The seafood pasta chosen instead didn’t quite live up to our expectations and a word of advice, don’t order the house red. Life is just too short.  

Phew, back to Pronutro for a while…

Words Lara Boshoff