For these, and other more complex reasons, running a kosher restaurant is far more challenging than a non-kosher one and getting it right, difficult. Kosher restaurants will serve either meat, milk or parev (neither meat nor milk). This status will inform the entire menu. If ice cream or butter is offered at a meat venue, you can bet it is non dairy.

Sonata’s, 11 Regent Road, Sea Point. (021) 434-2660 (MEAT)
Great black and white music posters line the walls and give Sonata’s, the newest addition to the Kosher eateries, a jazzy feel. Wire art in the shape of saxophones add a further musical touch to Sonata’s branded hand-painted tablecloths. Frosted windows keep busy Regent Road away.

Although bordering on corny, the music theme is carried throughout with dishes named after the greats. Special mention must be made of a rat-pack poster with Sinatra, Martin and Davis. A rare find.

As a table of seven we were putting them through their paces and Aaron, our waiter, struggled to keep up.

My “Placido Domingo” mezze platter was spectacular – served on a big plate with ramekins filled with humus (chickpea paste), tahina (sesame paste), aubergine dip, pickled peppers, olives and deep-fried chickpea balls with mini-pita breads. (R25)
I had the “Spice Girls” – Sweet Chili Chicken with Oodles of Noodles (sic) (R49). It was a huge plate of food and I enjoyed every mouthful. Thus far, I didn’t have to excuse any of the dishes for being Kosher – they were of the same quality as those at any other good establishment.

There is a Jewish myth that says that food eaten on the Sabbath can’t make you fat. This crossed my mind one Monday evening before I ordered dessert. It occurred to me that, as I was dining with Rabbi Lazarus and his wife Yona, Milnerton Synagogue President Martyn Gelb and his fabulous wife Naomi (my sister) and their friends The Freeman’s, there could be no chance of putting on an ounce of weight in such illustrious company. I ordered the “Celine Dion” dessert described as: “Delicate fantasy Choux Pastry filled with Cream & Fruit topped with chocolate.” To my palate it promised more than it delivered but anything made with fake cream isn’t going to get top marks from me.
The verdict from my guests was very positive, with each saying they enjoyed their meal. A special mention was made of the beautifully decorated bathroom with folded hand towels instead of the ubiquitous hot-air blower.

Kosher briefs: In order of preference

Coffee Time, 20 Breda Street, Gardens. Tel: 021-465-4200 (MILK)
Open weekdays for breakfast, lunch and tea. A venue, as part of a sheltered employment project for people with special needs, that touches the heart as well as the tummy. Exceptional carrot cake (R12.50), smoked salmon salads (R24) and camembert, sun-dried tomatoes and roasted peppers panini (R32) are some of the highlights. A mark-your-own-menu prevents mishaps. Pretty garden with a view of Table Mountain.

Avron’s Place, 19-33 Regent Road, Sea Point. Tel: 021-439-7610 (MEAT)
Established eatery getting two thumbs-up from my discerning nephews Greg and Josh Gelb. Gigantic Beef Ribs (R89) to write home about and a magnificent Espatada (R89), beef cubes served on the skewer sauced at the table with a blow torch. Watch the eyebrows. Memorable lemon meringue ice cream. (R19).

Café Riteva, 88 Hatfield Street, Gardens. Tel: 021-465-1594 (MILK)
Breakfasts and lunches served in the Jewish Museum precinct. I recommend Tuna and Mushroom Lasagna (R28) and the Crumbed Hake (R28). Stylish décor and adjacent gift shop makes this a great spot for coffee and cake after viewing the museum.

Riteva Express, Shop 3A, Spar Centre, Regent Road, Sea Point. Tel: 021-434-2276 (MILK)
Newly opened where David’s used to be. Snappy service and Afro décor don’t make up for using pre-made pizza bases in this light ‘n easy version of Café Riteva. Josh loved his spinach, feta, garlic and banana pizza while Greg’s excellent card tricks distracted me from mine. He opted for grilled hake (R45), which he enjoyed.