On a recent visit to Johannesburg I tried out a few spots and enjoyed every one of them.  Staying close to Sandton City makes everything so much easier.  The choice of where to eat, drink and meet friends are just about endless.

My first dinner was at the Greek restaurant, Pappas on the Square.  Nelson Mandela Square, Sandton.  Big portions of moussaka served with sides of pita bread, taramasalata, tzatziki and humus.  Close your eyes and you might hear the mediterranean waves rolling in.

Second night I met up with a new found cousin.  Yes, family has its surprises!  It took us a while to connect but we couldn’t find a more fitting place than Tashas Cafe.  Again on Mandela Square this setting is African luxury at the end of a hard day’s work.  Even more so with a glass of Graham Beck bubbles.

Next night we were off to Urban Tree. Situated in Kramerville this vibey banqueting and party venue is a short drive from the Sandton Convention Centre.  We were entertained by the DRUMBOTS – roaming LED Drummers – and other artists while drinking Spier Sauvignon Blanc.

My last night in Johannesburg needed a special celebration. Listed as one of South Africa’s swankiest hotels the Four Seasons Hotel Westcliff did just fine.  Only 20 minutes from my place in Sandton The Westcliff is situated high on a hill above the Johannesburg Zoo. It offers a panoramic view with the Joburg Skyline in the distance.  You can’t imagine that eGoli is this green.  In fitting style we had a glass of South Africa’s finest bubbles – Hemel-en-Aarde’s Domaine des Dieux Claudia Méthode Cap Classique.

Pushing the limits I had to try one more place.  I met Louis Roux on a plane and heard about his Pablo House and the restaurant Pablo Eggs-Go-Bar.  The Pablo Collection offers inspirational spaces and I had to tick this off my Joburg.  How does green or red shakshuka with a Bloody Mary sound for Monday Motivation in Mellville?  It worked perfectly.