After the indulgence of the holiday season most of us have made resolutions that involve a healthier January. Luckily you can still leave the house as these three Bryanston restaurants have your healthy eating and well being in mind:
1. Season’s Cuisine
Website: http://www.seasonscuisine.co.za/
Phone: 074 145 3772
Address: Naturally-Yours Building, 453 Main Road, Bryanston, Johannesburg, 2191
Hayley and I were invited to a tasting evening at this lovely new Bryanston establishment. The owner (Chamilla Sanua, Founder of The Weleda Pharmacy) strives to stay close to low carb, natural, keto, and paleo menu offerings while using organic produce wherever possible – the ‘Pasture to Plate’ concept, which will be appreciated by those looking to be more conscious about their food sourcing.
We enjoyed everything we tasted. Our favourite starter was the Mushroom Ensemble (a warm salad of mushrooms served on spinach topped creamed bazil pesto and truffle oil R70). We went crazy for the chickpea-base pizzas (which I wouldn’t have suspected of being low carb had I not been told) from R108 to R135. We also feasted on their fresh sushi and their Venison Medallions (R190) served with sides such as sweet potato mash, vegetable chips or salad.
I highly recommend a meal out at Seasons Cuisine no matter where you peg your healthy eating habits. The menu is extensive (no carb pasta, fish, baked stuffed zucchini . . .) and I believe it is a progressive and smart restaurant option that should be supported!
2. Fruits & Roots
Website: http://fruitsandroots.co.za/
Phone: 011 463 2928
Address: Hobart Grove Centre, Grosvenor Road, Johannesburg, 2191
Fruits & Roots is a natural and organic foods store with an in-house vegetarian restaurant. I popped in for a juice and a salad and, while I wouldn’t set up a weekend lunch plan here, it is a solid option for a healthy weekday lunch or for a juice or smoothie on the run. The Mind Mender juice I had was delicious and rejuvenating (carrot, pineapple, ginger, ginseng and gingko R36). The Roast Butternut and Walnut Salad (R72) was more than acceptable.
My favourite find about this restaurant is that it has a small vegetarian buffet showcasing tasty health foods – from salads to veggie dishes to curries. You can fill a small container for R55 (easily enough for a meal for one) and a large container is R75 (good for two) with a selection from the buffet. As a lover of quick and easy no-cook options, I took away some wholesome fare for dinner and will definitely be popping in this year to grab R55 healthy meals!
3. Jackson’s Real Food Market
Website: http://jacksonsrealfoodmarket.co.za/
Phone: 011 463 1598
Address: 300 Bryanston Dr, Sandton, 2191
I believe an establishment committed to sourcing food from small local farmers in a sustainable way should be applauded. Although pricey, I have heard good reports from those who have bought produce from the market. This ethos extends to the restaurant where there are many indications on the menu that you are ‘doing the right thing’ by eating there. For example all meats are pasture reared, the bread is endorsed by the South African Diabetic Association, they recycle all their waste and use it to make compost and the building uses water from an underground spring so is off Joburg Water.
While I can’t fault the philosophy or the location with its big patio, I did not find the lunch I had remarkable. Considering you are paying R65 for your salad bowl before you add ingredients like Chicken (R30) or Salmon (R45) or Feta (R15) I thought it could have been better. The salads are well presented but like so many places, the greens take up 80% of the volume and you’re left paying R150 and not feeling entirely full. You have a choice of only 11 toppings while I think they could have a far larger range. Considering the health conscious population Jackson’s target, their salads should be their signature dishes. The juice I ordered (Health Guru- Apple Wheatgrass & Ginger R36) was tasty – I will give them another try for a breakfast.
