Every time a friend comes up to Jo’burg, they launch into a very boring, very old argument that Jo’burg is not aesthetically pleasing. I usually respond that neither are they, and if they hate it so much, they shouldn’t bother staying for more than five hours. But if they did have to torment me for longer than that, I will now direct them to one of Jo’burg’s many undiscovered, beautiful locations, in this case, The Clico Guest House.
The Setting
The place makes me look beautiful. Situated in Rosebank, this 5 star luxury guest house is subtle and minimalistic but they have put emphasis on the things that count: their guests, service and in this case, their cuisine. I suggest having a few drinks in the lounge beforehand and try not to ask the guests if they work there. This did not go down well.
After a pre-dinner drink, head out on the patio. Under the trees, surrounded by fairy lights and outdoor fireplaces (no, these are not referred to as braais), you will come to the same conclusion I did: Jo’burg is ridiculously pretty when it wants to be.
The Food
I love food where condiments do not come into the occasion. Their cuisine can be compared to their décor. Subtle, gorgeous and leaves you feeling completely and utterly in heaven. The chef knows his stuff. And apparently so does the hotel cat aptly named Verve (Clico gettit?!) who may have turned his nose up on a piece of rump I tried very, unsubtly, to sneak him, but I on the hand, did not.
Completely oblivious to the fact I was supposed to be on my best behaviour due to the hot man sitting next to me, I decided I was more interested in the cooked-to-perfection rump on my plate. If I was going to take anyone home that evening, it would have been the cat and a second portion of the rump.
Perfect for
Impressing people who think Jo’burg is aesthetically pleasing as a concrete roof. Or first dates, romantic meals or just a peaceful glamorous evening where solitude and peace is on the list of ‘must haves’.
Clico was reviewed by Baglett, read her tea-snortingly funny blog here.