Sometimes a mid-week quickie is just what is needed as I like to save weekends for extended, multi-course meals. Joe Fish is recommended for just-landed fish in a family-friendly space that is affordable. It is important to book if you want an inside table which you’ll prefer as there is nothing worth looking at outside once you’ve had your fill of watching parkers being hustled.

 

The Dorado Cakes on the chalk-board specials menu were served on a fresh tomato sauced fettuccini. Really delicious and sufficiently filling as a main course but at R39.50 I expected it to be a starter despite the switched-on Maxine warning that it was a main. We used to have pilchard patties as an after-school snack and I’ve always considered them comfort food. Joe serves three large cakes with a substantial portion of pasta. My main course Bluefish and Prawn curry was fabulous. At R74.50 it was good value for a large plate that came to the table in a large bowel with a fresh popadum at its centre like a shark fin dividing the curry from the spiced rice. Although I didn’t count, I think there were around five prawns in the dish. A tomato and onion sambal was served separately. This is a spicy dish with rich flavours (the white stringy flesh of the Bluefish absorbing the sauce beautifully but just with a hint of heat. John Gosling began with the retro Avo Ritz (R27.50) which looked excellent. The menu describes it just like the Royal Hotel served it but I remember having it there in a martini-shaped bowl.

Find Joe Fish at shop 39, Logan Way, Howard Centre. 021-531-2974

 

Only a few people can carry white jeans, white T-shirt and a white jacket. The stylish Amit Raz is one of them. See him at Masala Dosa at 167 Long Street, Cape Town. 021-424-6772 and enjoy the visual treat of the henna–coloured detail against beautiful white. The menu is simple: You’ll eat Masala Dosa, South India’s long crispy pancake with a saucy dhal and filling. Philip Todres enjoyed his with potato while I ordered the aromatic chicken. Together with my litchi lassi (yoghurt drink) and his tea our bill, including tip came to R92.

There is much to look at: purpose designed “Bollywood” posters, massed jars with shiny things and two giant puppets overseers. We were distracted by all the yummy things even before we ordered and after about 10 minutes without service, I got up in a huff. Avoid the same happening to you by ordering and paying at the counter as they requested.

 

Adesso Deli in the Fountain Centre Rondebosch 021-685-2871 is especially good for a quickie if you’re a fussy eater. Philip Thraves and I met early one evening where the outside eating area was already busy. Despite being outdoors, I found people’s cigarette smoke bothersome but preferred the nose-curling smoke rather than perching on one of only about three bar-style tables inside. Initially they ran a canteen-type operation where you’d walk around with a tray but now a waiter assists and brings the assembled dish to your table when ready. Much nicer.

My mixed plate came to R42 which was perfect for supper. I heaped Greek Pasta Salad, Green Bean salad, Melanzano (aubergine) and tomato, roasted butternut and roasted vegetables. It was filling and not overly calorific. Tshego service was friendly and attentive. 

 

My colleague Roger almost fainted when I recommended Lady Bee Diner in St Peters Square Observatory 021-447-6558 as one of my current favourites. For an instant post-work meal it hits the spot without emptying the pocket. Another pay-as-you-weigh system, I had a large plate with very fabulous mutton biryani, coconut-milk chicken curry, red-hot beef curry and spicy beef mince with a rooti. Add two potato samoosas and pay R43.55. They have branches around the Cape from Elsie’s River to Ottery.