Thursday, June 11, 2026
Home Blog Page 44

Google suspends some business with Huawei after Trump blocklist

Business News
-
0
Google suspends some business with Huawei after Trump blocklist

NEW YORK – Alphabet Inc’s Google has suspended business with Huawei that requires the transfer of hardware, software and technical services except those publicly available via open source licensing, a source familiar with the matter told Reuters on Sunday, in a blow to the Chinese technology company that the U.S. government has sought to blocklist around the world.

Holders of current Huawei smartphones with Google apps, however, will continue to be able to use and download app updates provided by Google, a Google spokesperson said, confirming earlier reporting by Reuters.

“We are complying with the order and reviewing the implications,” the Google spokesperson said.

“For users of our services, Google Play and the security protections from Google Play Protect will continue to function on existing Huawei devices,” the spokesperson said, without giving further details.

The suspension could hobble Huawei’s smartphone business outside China as the tech giant will immediately lose access to updates to Google’s Android operating system. Future versions of Huawei smartphones that run on Android will also lose access to popular services, including the Google Play Store and Gmail and YouTube apps.

“Huawei will only be able to use the public version of Android and will not be able to get access to proprietary apps and services from Google,” the source said.

The Trump administration on Thursday added Huawei Technologies Co Ltd to a trade blocklist, immediately enacting restrictions that will make it extremely difficult for the company to do business with U.S. counterparts.

On Friday, the U.S. Commerce Department said it was considering scaling back restrictions on Huawei to “prevent the interruption of existing network operations and equipment”. It was not immediately clear on Sunday whether Huawei’s access to mobile software would be affected.

The extent to which Huawei will be hurt by the U.S. government’s blocklist is not yet known as its global supply chain assesses the impact. Chip experts have questioned Huawei’s ability to continue to operate without help from the United States.

Details of the specific services affected by the suspension were still being discussed internally at Google, according to the source. Huawei attorneys are also studying the impact of the blocklist, a Huawei spokesman said on Friday.

Huawei was not immediately reachable for further comment.

Chipmakers including Intel Corp, Qualcomm Inc, Xilinx Inc and Broadcom Inc have told their employees they will not supply critical software and components to Huawei until further notice, Bloomberg reported bloom.bg/2VLT5QK late on Sunday, citing people familiar with the matter.

Intel, Qualcomm, Xilinx and Broadcom did not immediately respond to requests for comments on the Bloomberg report.

Representatives of the U.S. Commerce Department did not immediately comment.

POPULAR APPS

Huawei will continue to have access to the version of the Android operating system available through the open source license, known as Android Open Source Project (AOSP), that is available for free to anyone who wishes to use it. There are about 2.5 billion active Android devices worldwide, according to Google.

However, Google will stop providing Huawei with access, technical support and collaboration involving its proprietary apps and services going forward, the source said.

Huawei has said it has spent the last few years preparing a contingency plan by developing its own technology in case it is blocked from using Android. Some of this technology is already being used in products sold in China, the company has said.

In an interview with Reuters in March, Eric Xu, rotating chairman of Huawei, struck a defiant note in anticipation of retaliatory actions by U.S. companies. “No matter what happens, the Android Community does not have any legal right to block any company from accessing its open-source license,” he said.

Popular Google apps such as Gmail, YouTube and the Chrome browser that are available through Google’s Play Store will disappear from future Huawei handsets as those services are not covered by the open source license and require a commercial agreement with Google.

But users of existing Huawei devices who have access to the Google Play Store will still be able to download app updates provided by Google. Apps such as Gmail are updated through the store, unlike operating system updates which are typically handled by phone manufacturers and telecoms carriers, which the blocklist could affect, the source said.

The impact is expected to be minimal in the Chinese market. Most Google mobile apps are banned in China, where alternatives are offered by domestic competitors such as Tencent and Baidu.

In Beijing, foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang said the ministry had noticed the report and would look into it and pay attention to developments.

“At the same time, China supports Chinese companies to use legal weapons to defend their legitimate rights,” he added, but did not elaborate.

Huawei’s European business, its second-biggest market, could be hit as Huawei licenses these services from Google in Europe.

“Having those apps is critical for smartphone makers to stay competitive in regions like Europe,” said Geoff Blaber, vice president of research, CCS Insight.

Chinese business tourists lit up Victoria Falls

Business News
-
0
Chinese business tourists lit up Victoria Falls

The Chinese delegation of 343 business tourists lit up Victoria Falls resort town over the weekend as they filled the streets and booked for some tour activities.

The delegation, which was accompanied by Environment, Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Prisca Mupfumira, Matabeleland Provincial Affairs Minister Richard Moyo and officials from Zimbabwe Tourism Authority, landed in the resort town on Saturday afternoon and left yesterday.

Upon arrival, the delegation – led by Mr He Liehui of Touchroad International – went for a boat cruise and a tour of the Rainforest. They were escorted in several buses around town.

In the morning they visited various markets around town before a dinner at Elephant Hills where they wowed the crowd with opera performances coupled with music and dance.

Speaking at the event, Minister Mupfumira said the partnership with the Asian country will lead to strategic economic gains.

“This visit has been extraordinary and we would like to thank President Mnangagwa for welcoming our visitors. We had a business forum with them and some went to visit Great Zimbabwe before coming here today. 

“Zimbabwe and China have a long-standing all-weather relationship and what we have started is transforming into a strategic partnership in line with what the two countries’ Presidents agreed on when they met,” said Minister Mupfumira. She appealed to the visitors to be Zimbabwe’s ambassadors.

“We want you to be Zimbabwe ambassadors and tell China and the whole world to visit our country. We hope you will come again to visit,” said the Minister.

Min Mupfumira also said that Government was already engaging towards a flight from China via Tanzania. Plans are also underway to open an office in Shanghai, China with the aim of linking up with Zimbabweans in Asia.

Yesterday the group had a cultural lunch at the same venue before departing for Harare. 

The leader of the delegation Mr He said Zimbabwe has the potential to be a world-class destination.

“This is our last day for the trip and we are grateful for the hospitality we received in Zimbabwe. The country has a lot of treasures and we believe it will be a world-class destination in future,” he said while promising to assist Government in developing the Shanghai office.

Before coming to Zimbabwe, the delegation visited Djibouti. – Chronicle

Tanzania bans entry of all plastic

Business News
-
0
Tanzania bans entry of all plastic

The United Republic of Tanzania – Vice President’s Office

The Government of Tanzania wishes to make an official note to travellers planning to visit Tanzania that from 1st June 2019 all plastic carrier bags, regardless of their thickness will be prohibited from being imported, exported, manufactured, sold, stored, supplied and used in Mainland Tanzania.

However, plastic or plastic packaging for medical services, industrial products, construction industry, agricultural sector, foodstuff, sanitary and waste management are not prohibited.

Visitors to Tanzania are advised to avoid carrying plastic carrier bags or packing plastic carrier bags or items in plastic carrier bags in the suitcase or hand luggage before embarking on visits to Tanzania. Special desks will be designated at all entry points for surrender of plastic carrier bags that visitors may be bringing into Tanzania.

Plastic carrier items known as “Ziploc bags” that are specifically used to carry toiletries will be permitted as they are expected to remain in permanent possession of visitors and are not expected to be disposed of in the country.

The Government does not intend for visitors to find their stay unpleasant as we enforce the ban. However, the Government expects that, in appreciation of the imperative to protect the environment and keep our country clean and beautiful, our visitors will accept minor inconveniences resulting from the plastic bags ban.

For further enquiries please contact [email protected], +255 685 333 444, +255 743 715 62

Issued by Government Communication Unit

Source: ATTA

SA Tourism Minister meets Airbnb to discuss regulations

Business News
-
0
SA Tourism Minister meets Airbnb to discuss regulations

CAPE TOWN – South Africa’s Tourism Minister Derek Hanekom met with representatives of global online accommodation booking platform Airbnb to discuss various policy issues, in particular, the regulation of short-term home rentals, the department said on Friday.

The meeting took place in the context of the current call for public comment on the Tourism Amendment Bill, published on April 15, to provide stakeholders with an opportunity to make submissions.

The Tourism Amended Draft Bill aims, among others, to address the regulatory vacuum on short-term rentals by defining short-term home rentals as “the renting or leasing on a temporary basis, for reward, of a dwelling or a part thereof, to a visitor”.

It also seeks to enable the minister of tourism to determine thresholds regarding short-term home rentals, through a notice in the Government Gazette, according to the department.

“The Amendment Draft Bill in its current form proposes that the minister of tourism be empowered to determine such thresholds. We urge our stakeholders to submit their comments, to enable us to strengthen the Bill in order to serve the interest of inclusive tourism growth in South Africa,” said Victor Tharage, director-general for the department of tourism.

Airbnb shared information on a range of global trends and approaches adopted in various countries, states and cities where they operate. There was also an acknowledgement of the need for a proactive legislative and policy response underscored by sound destination management and interventions aimed at enhancing the visitor experience.

The department said Minister Hanekom has welcomed the spirit of the discussion and cooperation from Airbnb, and further appreciated their commitment to contribute constructively to the legislative review processes, in support of the country’s tourism development growth objectives.

“We welcome Airbnb and other game-changing innovations that are opening up new markets for destinations, offering travelers affordable holidays, and allowing smaller industry players to thrive. Many of these are able to flourish through the ease of use of shared-economy platforms,” said Hanekom.

The Federated Hospitality Association of South Africa (Fedhasa) has long called on the government to intervene to ensure Airbnb becomes industry-compliant and regulated.

Fedhasa argued that unregistered accommodation establishments marketed via Airbnb should be under the same regulations that are applied to the official tourism sector.

In April the government published the Tourism Amendment Bill for public comment. Should it be signed into law, short-term home rentals will be regulated under the Tourism Act. The minister of tourism could then specify various “thresholds” in terms of Airbnb rentals.

Source: IOL

Boeing completes 737 MAX software update

Business News
-
0
Boeing completes 737 MAX software update

Boeing has completed development of the updated software for the B737 MAX, the company has said in a statement.

The update was announced by CEO Dennis Muilenburg following the crashes of Ethiopian Airlines flight 302 and Lion Air flight 610.

In addition to the Manoeuvring Characteristics Augmentation (MCAS) software update, Boeing has also completed simulator testing and the engineering test flight. The company says it has flown the aircraft with updated MCAS software for more than 360 hours on 207 flights.

Boeing is now providing additional information to address Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requests that include details on how pilots interact with the aircraft controls and displays in different flight scenarios. Once the requests are addressed, Boeing will work with the FAA to schedule its certification test flight and submit final certification documentation.

Boeing Chairman, President and CEO, Dennis Muilenburg, said: “We’re making clear and steady progress and are confident that the 737 MAX with updated MCAS software will be one of the safest aeroplanes ever to fly.”

In addition, Boeing has developed enhanced training and education materials that are now being reviewed with the FAA, global regulators, and airlines. This includes a series of regional customer conferences being conducted around the world.

Source: Tourism Update

5 Amazing Things to Eat in eSwatini (Swaziland)

Miriro Matema
-
0
5 Amazing Things to Eat in eSwatini (Swaziland)

MTN Bush Fire is coming up and we thought, while you’re shaking your tail-feather during one of Africa’ largest music festivals, why not indulge your taste buds with this quick list of food to try!

If you didn’t know already, eSwatini (formerly Swaziland) is a small nation found within South Africa and next door to Mozambique. Because of this, its cuisine is highly influenced by both nations – but don’t worry – this list is diving into the genuine traditional Swati meals.

Umncweba and umkhunsu

For those who know of South African biltong, umncweba will seem familiar. This is dried, uncooked meat (made with various types of meat) that’s often marinated in vinegar and spices and eaten as a snack. Umkhunsu is similar to umncweba, but the meat has been cooked before being dried.

biltong

Mealie on the Cob

No matter what you call it, be it mealie, corn or maize on the cob is another popular snack in eSwatini (and in Southern Africa), which you’ll find sold at markets and by street vendors. As well as roasted corn, you might see ‘tinkhobe’ which is boiled whole corn on the cob. Eat it before a main meal, or after – it’s a great treat roasted or boiled.

051SIP111 grilled corn recipe alt main

Tjwala (umqombotsi)

Traditional home-brewed beer made from maize meal (umqombotsi) is called ‘Tjwala’ in the siSwati language. It is usually easier to find in more rural areas (you won’t find it in bars), and it packs quite a punch – expect to feel tipsy after just one glass. If that’s too adventurous, try a bottle of the country’s local lager, Sibebe. Named after eSwatini’s famous mountain, ‘Execution Rock’ or ‘Sibebe Rock’, it is brewed in Matsapha.

Emahewu

Emahewu is a meal drink made from fermented thin, watery porridge. To make it, thoroughly mix one kilo of maize meal with five litres of water, cook until it turns into a thin porridge, cool to room temperature and then leave to ferment from two to six days. To speed up the process, you can add malt after the mixture has cooled.

Braai

While many traditional meals in eSwatini are based around porridge and vegetables, you’ll see a true favourite in Southern Africa influence is braais (barbecues). Slow cooked over hot coals, expect large, hearty portions and, if you can’t decide which type of meat you fancy eating, it’s often possible to order a mixed platter of steak, wors (sausages), chicken wings and pork chops!

braai 01

One For The Bucket List: The Codfather Sandton

Miriro Matema
-
0
One For The Bucket List: The Codfather Sandton

Introduction:

As a self-proclaimed picky eater, I don’t let reviews sway my opinion. So, when I heard about The Codfather Sandton through the grapevine, I knew I had to try it for myself. Finding it was a bit of an adventure – nestled within a luxurious apartment suite, it truly is a hidden gem. Thankfully, my GPS did the trick!

Ambiance:

The Codfather exudes a quiet confidence. Despite its unassuming exterior, the moment you step inside, you’re struck by its understated elegance. It rivals any Johannesburg foodie temple, with a vibe that’s both intimate and sophisticated. #FacePalm moment realizing it’s part of a luxurious apartment suite!

Menu & Service:

The wait-staff here are incredibly knowledgeable. They can recite the mains and their ingredients like clockwork. But the real star is the menu itself – a thoughtful curation of dishes catering to diverse palates. Whether you’re a lion-hearted carnivore or a stuck-up pescatarian, there’s something to tantalize your taste buds.

Food:

We opted to start simple – trying not to overindulge – with the prawn spring rolls (R75) and the mushroom tortellini (R75). The spring rolls were classic and well-executed, offering a satisfying crunch and familiar flavours. The tortellini, however, was a revelation. The parmesan and basil pesto, bursting with black pepper, elevated the earthy mushrooms to new heights. Each bite was a delightful explosion of contrasting textures and flavours – a true testament to the chef’s skill. It left me chasing the last smear about the plate, hopelessly. What makes it sing is the rush of strident flavours that can be hated by some, while being loved by others. The haters are obviously wrong, but that’s OK. More for the rest of us!

For my main course, I opted to delve deeper into the seafood realm with a platter of prawns (price not mentioned) served with peri peri sauce. While some might argue that seafood is best left unadorned, the sauce here was a revelation. It complemented the delicate prawns perfectly, showcasing both the quality of the ingredients and the kitchen’s masterful technique.

My companion, a true carnivore, revealed in a hefty slab of T-bone steak (price not mentioned). Cooked to perfection, with a seared crust and a juicy, tender interior, it was a carnivore’s dream. A side of greens offered a pretence of health consciousness, but let’s be honest, the star of the show was the meat itself.

3 1 300x225 1
2 1 300x225 1

Drinks:

I quenched my thirst with a glass of gin, not because it paired well with the meals ahead – but because I escaped the wine cart years ago and haven’t looked back. Sue me! My companion went full carnivore and ordered a selection from the wine list (not mentioned in detail).

Dessert:

The pièce de résistance was the parade of 14 home-made ice creams (price not mentioned). From Mango Cheesecake to Bubblegum, the variety was astounding. I even ventured into the unknown territory of licorice ice cream, pleasantly surprised to find it wasn’t overpoweringly sweet.

Verdict:

The Codfather Sandton is a hidden gem that delivers unforgettable plates of food.

  • Food: 4/5 – Explosive flavours and exceptional execution.
  • Service: 5/5 – Friendly and knowledgeable wait-staff.
  • Price Range: R500 per person.

Conclusion:

Some restaurants come with high expectations. The Codfather Sandton, however, exceeded all expectations. It’s a place where you’ll discover unexpected flavour combinations and leave with memories that linger long after your last bite. I highly recommend adding this gem to your Johannesburg dining itinerary.

DJI Osmo Action Camera Captures Every Adventure in Stunning 4K Detail

Miriro Matema
-
0
DJI Osmo Action Camera Captures Every Adventure in Stunning 4K Detail

DJI, the world’s leader in civilian drones and creative camera technology, building on its heritage of advanced image stabilization, takes a bold new direction with the Osmo Action camera. Using DJI’s unparalleled experience with capturing smooth and stable videos in the most demanding environments, Osmo Action is as rugged as it is sophisticated, opening worlds of creative potential for professionals and adventure seekers alike.

“DJI has always pushed the limits of technology, and the content creators who love our products made clear they wanted us to push the limits of their creative potential too. Osmo Action is our cutting-edge answer to what the creative community demands: Exceptional image quality and stabilization in a unique and durable new form factor, with dual color screens and seamless software integration. For all types of creators who push their gear to the limits, Osmo Action sets the new standard,” said Roger Luo, DJI President. “Whether you are capturing aerial content with Mavic 2, incredibly smooth content with Osmo Pocket, or heart-racing footage with Osmo Action, DJI offers a full suite of products for your creative needs.”

Rugged construction and intuitive design

A compact yet durable design makes Osmo Action the ideal camera for life’s adventures. Constructed to handle extreme conditions with ease, Osmo Action is dustproof, shockproof [1], waterproof [2] and has the ability to operate in sub-freezing temperatures[3]. Osmo Action uses color screens on both the front and back, a unique design feature that allows for more convenient scene composition while on the move. The 2.25-inch rear touchscreen employs a water- and fingerprint-repelling coating, and the 1.4-inch front screen makes vlogging and selfies easier than ever before. With a brightness of 750 nits, Osmo Action can be used in harsh lighting conditions, including direct sunlight.

Osmo Action’s interactive user interface, Action OS, combines a streamlined and functional physical design with flexible operation. Power on, initiate recording, and rotate through the video and photo capture modes in the blink of an eye with three dedicated buttons. Never miss a moment with the help of SnapShot, which allows Osmo Action to turn on and begin recording in under two seconds by pressing the shutter button once.

Advanced technology with exceptional image quality

A 1/2.3-inch sensor records 12-megapixel photos and 4K video up to 60fps at 100Mbps in stunning detail, assuring high-quality footage. A three-glass aspherical lens design records low-distortion content and aids in reducing warping effects for improved scenes. The lens cap is finished with two layers of anti-fingerprint coating to keep the shot clean during use, as well as an anti-reflective coating to reduce the unwanted effects of lens glare, giving users more flexibility to shoot in bright conditions.

Incorporating over a decade of experience creating three-axis mechanical gimbals, Osmo Action is the first DJI handheld camera to include RockSteady, DJI’s Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS) technology. High-performance stabilization algorithms work in conjunction with EIS to record every movement in smooth, stable, high-quality video, even when recording 4K/60fps. Additionally, Osmo Action is capable of High Dynamic Range (HDR) video in 4K/30fps, delivering an additional three stops of dynamic range to the scene, natural transitions between light and dark areas, and rich details that are often lost in complex lighting conditions. Osmo Action has a removable battery with a run time of 93 minutes recording at 4K/30fps with RockSteady enabled, and 135 minutes recording at 1080p/30fps without RockSteady. Dual microphones let users take advantage of Osmo Action’s Voice Control, and a speaker ensures outstanding playback quality.

Creative, intelligent features

A staple in DJI’s product lineup, Osmo Action offers a wide variety of highly creative features built into the camera which users can access with a few simple taps. While recording, choose between:

▪️ Slo-mo: 8x slow motion in 1080p 240fps or 4x slow motion in 1080p 120fps creates a visually appealing effect when documenting action-packed scenes.

▪️ Timelapse: To turn minutes into seconds, Timelapse is perfect for capturing unique content with the effect of the world moving faster.

▪️ Custom Exposure settings: Shoot for the stars with manual and semi-automatic settings that allow up to 120 seconds of exposure, perfect for capturing the night sky.

Unlocking Osmo Action’s full potential[4]

Using the recently released DJI Mimo app, connect Osmo Action to your mobile device with WiFi or Bluetooth for added functionality, including a live feed of the camera, multiple story templates, in-app quick editing, and more. An ecosystem of accessories helps unleash all the possibilities of Osmo Action including:

▪️ Camera Frame Kit: Included with Osmo Action, the Camera Frame Kit offers a universal mount for additional accessories and a window for the LED indicator to show camera status in real time while protecting the device.

▪️ Adhesive Mounts: Attach Osmo Action to flat or curved surfaces including skateboards, bikes, helmets, and more to capture fast-paced moments. Both the curved and flat adhesive mounts are included with Osmo Action.

▪️ Waterproof Case: The waterproof case protects the device at depths down to 60 meters while providing a clear image using high-strength glass.

▪️ 3.5mm Adapter: The 3.5mm adapter offers users the ability to connect an external mic for professional sound recording.

▪️ Extension Rod: Capture unique angles using the Extension Rod, which features a rotatable phone holder and a ¼-inch screw adapter.

▪️ Floating Handle: The Floating Handle offers a comfortable grip for Osmo Action and keeps it floating when shooting in water.

▪️ Filters: Osmo Action comes with Neutral Density (ND), Polarizer, and underwater filters. ND filters (ND4, ND8, ND16, and ND32) reduce light exposure in various environments, while Polarizer filters reduce reflections and increase color saturation for a more appealing image. Orange Seawater and Purple Freshwater filters restore the natural color of underwater scenes.

▪️ Charging Hub: Charge up to three batteries simultaneously in less than 130 minutes.

Price and Availability

Osmo Action retails for $349 USD and will start shipping immediately after the announcement on May 15 at store.dji.com and from authorized dealers on May 22. For more information on all the new features and capabilities of Osmo Action, please visit https://www.dji.com/osmo-action.

DJI Care Refresh

DJI Care Refresh is now available for Osmo Action. For an additional $29 USD, DJI Care Refresh offers comprehensive coverage as well as up to two replacement units within one year. Receive your replacement even sooner with DJI Care Refresh Express. DJI Care Refresh also includes VIP after-sales support and free two-way shipping. For a full list of details, please visit https://www.dji.com/service/djicare-refresh.

Trade-up Program

Available in the United States, the DJI trade-up program offers customers the ability to trade in their current action cameras or other technology and receive additional credit towards the purchase of Osmo Action. Beginning May 15, 2019 at 9am EDT and ending June 15, 2019, customers can receive up to 20% additional DJI credit of the trade-in value of their action camera or up to 10% additional DJI credit of the trade-in value of other technology including tablets, cell phones and drones. For more information, please visit: https://store.dji.com/pages/recycle

Facelift for Nesbitt Arms Hotel

Business News
-
0
Facelift for Nesbitt Arms Hotel

Nesbitt Arms Hotel in Zimbabwe’s Masvingo Province is undergoing a refurbishment, which is due for completion by the end of June.

Old carpets were removed and replaced with tiles, and air-conditioners and satellite decoders installed. The front office and reception areas have been fully upgraded and the wall surrounding the hotel and swimming pool will be upgraded.

A number of tourist attractions near the hotel include Gonarezhou National Park.

All the Civilising Powers of a Great Lunch

Miriro Matema
-
0
All the Civilising Powers of a Great Lunch

I was hungry; properly hungry in a way I hadn’t been since 2010 at the FIFA World Cup. It might have been agony getting to Sandton, Johannesburg, but a satisfying meal soon put things in order.

Reuben’s Restaurant located at The Capital Moloko, an upmarket hotel with all the bells and whistles you’d find in the heart of Sandton. The effort it requires to reach a restaurant is not the restaurant’s fault. It was my own silly idea to ignore the fact that Sandton has traffic in every single direction, all the bloody time. We arrived relatively on time and was met by one of the most charismatic and truly the best part about this establishment, a manager by the name of George! His warm smile, knowledge of the wines and hearty jokes helped us settle in.

Reuben’s cooking doesn’t contradict anything and it isn’t worryingly contemporary. It’s just really solid, extremely enjoyable stuff. The restaurant is designed by someone who is serious about muted tones, parquet flooring, dado rails and oatmeal-coloured banquettes. On a hot summer’s day after the journey from hell, it is exactly where you want to be, watching the butterflies fluttering by the open, mullioned windows and clutching a glass of dry white.

To anybody who has ever eaten at Reuben’s Franschhoek – the cooking will be familiar. It’s confident Cape Malay food is aimed at a grown-up crowd. You admire the good taste and technique without being distracted by it. It’s one of those menus I adore: something for everyone and the devil hiding in 100 raunchy details.

STARTERS:

Chilli Salted Squid, deep-fried baby Patagonian squid, sweet chilli with fragrant mixed salad. The squid wasn’t as hot as I am hoped it would be. My tongue was half expecting a bang of zing and flavour exploding in my mouth but all I got was a mild sizzle. Which for someone new to the world of spices and heat, this is a great introduction. For the rest of us seasoned dragon fire-eaters, it wasn’t enough.

A word on portion size: occasionally you may scrutinize the pictures, and whine about the amount on the plate. Doubtless, you’re looking at this starter right now and rolling your eyes. You can stop. Do I look like a woman with a bird-like appetite? Do I look like someone who can be satisfied with a postage stamp for lunch? Of course not. If I don’t whinge about portion size, rest assured it was enough for me, which means it’s enough for you!

MAINS:

Creamy Chicken Curry, coriander yoghurt, biryani spiced jasmine rice, cheddar-vadouvan spiced croquette. The curry was well prepared and gave you everything you’d expect from a curry – a healthy amount of soft chicken pieces, a powerful dash of curry spice and few hidden prawns to spark your taste-buds. It’s a plate of care and attention, colour coordinated with the white porcelain.

Pork Belly with mashed potato, home-made pickles, gochujang jus, seasonal vegetables, lemongrass & pineapple caramel. That pork dish is built on the classic restaurant trick of getting all the hard work in early – the slow cooking, the pressing – so you spin it quickly into something very pleasing on service. The pork was delightfully crispy on the outside while the inside was mouth-wateringly pink, soft and juicy.

DESSERT:

Dark Chocolate Mousse with vanilla and coffee ice cream, chocolate tuile, with cookie soil. Every part of this dessert was beautiful. On a full stomach, it’s exactly what you need to call it a day. But I’m only telling you about this because I feel I ought to. It’s not the chocolate mousse, the tuile or the dollops of ice cream, all of which is about the best three minutes you can have in Johannesburg right now. You can try to make it last longer if you like. Or you can just order seconds.

Verdict: 8/10

They feed you well… they feed you carefully and they send you on your way. Which is what most of us want from a restaurant.

Price Range: R400 per person

1...434445...50Page 44 of 50