Life Grand Cafe
The most convenient hangout for us at night is the V & A Waterfront. As it has so much to offer regardless of what you are looking for. On a recent Friday evening, we were looking to try out a new place for supper and stumbled upon the Life Grand Café. The Life Grand Café is ideally situated across the harbor providing spectacular views of the ocean, ships and the like. We chose to be seated in the upper deck affording us better views of the waterfront.
The Life Grand Café has sophisticated décor and upon entering the venue you feel its charm. And it is as if you have been transported to a quaint café in a European city, Italy perhaps.
Drinks
We enquired from our waiter, Shane, as to what he would suggest we have to drink as there was such a large drinks menu. He suggested that we try the Cucumber & Apple Mojito as well as the Wild Berry Mojito. Both of these are twists on the classic mojito. These drinks were both thirst-quenching and flavoursome. They were also quite large and lasted us throughout the meal.
Mains
The food menu available is extensive, they offer items from pasta, pizza, salads, sandwiches to sushi and grilled chicken. There were so many choices, it was difficult to pick only one. In the end, I chose the Lamb cutlets which were accompanied by scallion baby potatoes and roasted vegetables. My lamb was cooked flawlessly, and it was juicy and succulent. The baby potatoes provided the precise softness coupled with the crunchiness of the roasted vegetables. It was an overall complimentary meal with a range of textures and tastes. The lamb cutlets cost R198.00 and consisted of five lamb pieces. The portion size was quite large and very satisfying.
My husband chose the seared tuna, which was served rare in a tomato elderflower gazpacho with olive, edamame, cucumber and a yuzu salsa verde. The tuna was fresh, and it was lightly seared on the outside and rare on the inside. It was delectable and full of flavour. The various vegetables delivered the crisp factor and together with the smooth tart salsa verde, it was the ideal accompaniment. This salsa verde was made using yuzu, which is a citrus fruit of Japanese origin and is similar in flavour to a grapefruit. The seared tuna cost R172.00 and comprised of a large portion of fish as well as sides.
A clear indicator of the deliciousness of a meal is empty plates. Both my husband as well as myself had finished everything on our plates.
Dessert
Finally, it was onto dessert and I ordered the vanilla bean crème brulee with fruit. The crème brulee was divine, it was creamy with a prominent vanilla flavour but not too sweet, just the perfect balance. The crème brulee had that signature top. And the sound of the cracking with my spoon was evidence enough that it was prepared the right way. In full disclosure, I believe that I finished this dessert in about five minutes. Yes, I know that should be some sort of world record (Guiness Book of World Records maybe, where do I sign up). However, I just could not help myself and I cannot stress enough how good this was. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Service
Shane, our waiter provided us with outstanding service. He was knowledgeable, friendly and eager to assist, which is sometimes lacking in the food service business. Shane told us that he had also moved to Cape Town recently from Johannesburg. We exchanged pleasant banter about the differences we have experienced in living in these two contrasting cities in South Africa. He also offered us words of advice as to new places to visit in Cape Town. Shane also informed us that this is not the only Life Grand Café, and that they have two other venues. One is located in the Mall of Africa, Johannesburg while another is situated at Waterfall Corner, Johannesburg.
Recommendation
The Life Grand Café provides you with a complete experience. It has brilliant service, spectacular food coupled with a classic charming ambience. What more can you ask for from a restaurant. And considering they have other locations, there isn’t a reason you shouldn’t give them a try.
I would love to hear if you have tried them out, how did you find it? And the crème brulee, was I right or was I right?
If you liked this, why don’t you check out my post on my dining experience at Two Oceans Restaurant at the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve.
Life Grand Café Contact Details:
Tel: +27 21 205 1902
Website: https://www.waterfront.co.za/food_and_drinks/life-grand-cafe/