From my Next 48 Hours column
Chinese Foot Massage is commonplace in China and so part of daily routine that having their foot reflex points pressed is as necessary to the Chinese as brushing their teeth.
Although the concept of reflexology is an ancient one, (and practiced in this country for many years), as to be expected the Chinese have streamlined the process and made it affordable for almost everyone.
At Happy Feet in Thaibault House, Thaibault Square, a 30-minute session that includes your neck and shoulders being rubbed for nodules while your feet soak in a cleansing bath before your foot treatment only costs R60. Priced so that people who have means come more frequently, the fully clothed treatment (with the exception of bare feet) is also popular with religious folk who won’t expose themselves or object to having people from the opposite sex touching them.
I often visit with a group of friends or business associates and ask for a private room so we can have a meeting during our treatment.
Open 11am to 11pm every day. Happy Feet 021-425-0000.
Vusi Mahlasela
chinese foot message
Chinese foot message
Staying with the East, lunch either at my favourite casual Chinese spot in Sea Point, He Sheng (opposite the Adelphi Centre) where, for around R60 a head, your group can feast on authentic Beijing cuisine.
Famous for their dumplings (in soup, steamed or fried) and pancakes, I recommend starting with a seaweed salad (delicious thin strips with garlic and sesame oil), the egg roll (similar to a rooti with black bean paste and egg sliced into rounds), a wonderfully crisp chive pancake or leeks sandwiched between crisp pastry.
The sizzling chicken, fried aubergine, mixed seafood noodles and beef-flank noodle soup are highly recommended. If you struggle with the menu ask them to serve you what I have. 021-434-4214.
Many restaurants still close on a Monday and we had to walk from Sea Point as far as The Hussar Grill in Green Point before finding a place that was both open and where we wanted to eat. I’d had a delicious Three Ton’s burger at Café Manhattan in Sea Point only a week earlier and didn’t want a repeat.
Famous in Rosebank for over 40 years, the Hussar Grill’s Green Point branch is more intimate and better decorated (think men’s club library meets wine estate tasting room) and the food is as good.
The parmesan on my Cesar salad was dried out but I liked the dish and loved my 400g portion of Warthog Ribs. It was very popular so I’d recommend booking. Although we’d set out to walk (it was a perfect evening) I decided it would be foolish to walk home in the dark and was unexpectedly pleased the taxi only clocked up R14 on the meter although we had to pay the minimum R20.
Still, a good deal especially if you’re planning a boozy night out. 021-433-2081.
A taxi is a prerequisite when dining at Belthazar at the Waterfront. Although at first glance Belthazar is a steakhouse that also excels at Seafood, it is much more than that. In terms of quality service and table accoutrements, Belthazar would be classified as a fine-dining establishment.
Their vast wine selection and knowledgeable sommeliers makes food and wine paring a particular pleasure.
Although at the sharp end of costly, dining at Belthazar is an experience that will wow you, especially if you’re happy to rely on your credit card (or better yet, someone else’s largess).
Start with a prawn and lango platter before ordering a selection of steaks for the table to share. The Chicago cut and T-bone are recommended. Their cheese platter showcases the best SA has to offer and is unexpectedly good value. 021-421-3753.
[30-Nov-07]
Brian Berkman
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