Written by: Hennie Fisher
Whatever your season and the reason for you being single on Valentine’s, do not despair. We’ve got a fun challenge for you: Treat yourself to a Valentine’s dinner for one! Before you think we’ve gone completely mad, here us out. These are some of our favourites for dining by yourself and with good reason.
Modern Tailors
What could be more enjoyable than to dine at a restaurant that resembles the inside of a Cirque de Soleil tent?
Modern Tailors in Groenkloof is delightfully colourful and playful but in a serious, grown-up way. All the tables are well placed, but if you are given a choice, choose one by the window or on the balcony.
Their Pani Puris - those crispy traditional Indian street food bites - are served in portions of five with choices such as chickpea masala with garlic almond pickle and Kachumber; yellow potato, garlic almond pickle, Kachumber, and date and tamarind chutney; or chicken Tikka/Put-Put chutney and Kachumber. It’s divine!
The food at Modern Tailors is elegant and feels modern yet authentic with depth of flavour. Treat yourself to a solo date night by splurging on a prawn Madras, which originates from Chennai and is served as a spicy tomato, tamarind, curry leaf, garlic and ginger prawn curry.
Website: www.moderntailors.co.za
Burger Bistro
In addition to the flagship Burger Bistro in Villieria, the brand has two other Pretoria stores - one in Clubview and one in Montana. Their location in Pierneef Street is open and airy, with a Volkswagen Beetle bonnet mounted against the furthest wall.
Being single on Valentine’s Day is reason enough to treat yourself to a serving of Burger Bistro’s chicken wings - something people always rave about. You can order three, six or twelve, and they come with a choice of honey/soy Prego or hot dipping sauces.
Of course, you can also have a little slider as a starter - the sour cream and guacamole slider is especially good. For mains, go all out with a Real McCoy burger.
There are also many traditional burgers to choose from, but being single on Valentine’s calls for bold moves, so we suggest trying the Marilyn Monroe, served with melted brie and strawberry, balsamic and black pepper jam. And, since it’s all about spoiling yourself, don’t you dare leave without one of the best milkshakes in town!
Website: www.burgerbistro.co.za
Zest Bistro
Sidney Cousins and his wife Anchen remain at the helm of this delightful independent restaurant, which recently moved from The Club centre to Kiepersol House at 153 Rigel Ave, Waterkloof Ridge.
Chef Sidney continues to produce classic food in a modern, small-restaurant way. For instance, think confit of pork belly, cleverly made into something new by marrying it with Chinese five-spice and serving it with an Asian slaw.
Zest is an ideal place for a dinner date with yourself, particularly now that they are a little more off the beaten track.
Website: zestbistro.co.za
Blu Saffron
Blu Saffron’s many different dining spaces are what makes it so appealing for dining solo if you are single on Valentine’s this year. From their wonderful bar area - where one can’t feel lonely even if you tried – to the stunning veranda areas that allow you to gaze out over the golf course of the Pretoria Country Club. The dining areas are intimate and inviting and with the space lending itself to business meetings, lunch with friends and romantic dinners, you’d never feel out of place even whilst dining alone.
There is a delicious steak tartare on the menu, or try a classic beef fillet with green peppercorn sauce for your main course. Their traditional Crème Brûlée is some of the best we’ve had in town.
Facebook: blusaffron1
Elizabeth David viewed dining alone as a "blessedly liberating" opportunity for self-indulgence and simplicity. Her most famous work on this theme is the title essay of her 1984 collection, An Omelette and a Glass of Wine. She championed the idea that a single, high-quality dish - most notably a well-made omelette paired with a glass of wine - was a complete and sophisticated meal for one.
Being single on Valentine’s Day shouldn’t prevent you from enjoying a high-quality meal. Instead, see it as your “blessedly liberating” opportunity for self-indulgence and simplicity like David did.
