Joburg's Best Cronuts

I've been dying to try a cronut ever since I heard the name. "Cronut?" I hear you say. Yup. Croissant, meet donut. Donut, croissant. Shake hands. Now merge and bring forth awesomeness to the world.

Of course, the invention of the cronut gave me the perfect excuse to taste all the cronuts in Joburg to find the best one - for research purposes, of course. Because I'm kind like that. Sadly, Joburg.co.za beat me to it, and named Junipa's cronuts Joburg's Choice. Since JD and I have the massive good fortune of living on the same street as Junipa's (Whaaat? Cronuts in walking distance?!) we wasted no time in getting down to the restaurant to try them. And we were disappointed.

No, it's not what you think. The cronuts weren't disappointing (although I can't imagine how something that is a hybrid croissant-donut could ever disappoint), what was disappointing was the LACK of cronuts. Apparently we weren't the only people to dash to Junipa's in search of this gooey goodness - the cronuts sell out within a few hours of being made every day. Which means, my seekers of the sweetness, that you either have to get there early or you have to place an order. We hastily put our names down for one chocolate and one caramel and went home to bask in our disappointment (Although, I might point out that there's a new Wakaberry that's opened next to Junipa's. So if you don't get a cronut, you can always drown your misery in froyo).

The next day JD went to pick up our order and reported that all other traces of cronuts were already sold out. This is serious business you guys. Thankfully, ours were safely boxed for us to om nom nom at our leisure. Which we did.

Now here's the hard part of this post - I have to portray to you some sense of how incredible these magical mixed-breed pastries tasted, and I fear that there just are not enough adjectives in the English language. Imagine a croissant in two layers. Now imagine that it's more donut-like - a little more oily. More tender. More melt-in-your-mouth. Now imagine that between the two layers is a layer of creamy, homemade custard. Finally, imagine chocolate or caramel sprinkled on top of all the layers. Now lie down and weep quietly at the magnificence of it all.

More than that, friends, I can't do. You absolutely have to try this for yourself. But you probably also need to pre-order. So pick up your celphone, because here's the number: 011 706 2387. You can also check out their website here. I promise, this will be the best R25 you spend all month.

PS Dear Junipa's, if you ever have too much stock that you need to get rid of, we live just down the road. Just saying.

Music + Views + Jozi = Randlords Balcony TV

I freaking love this city. I mean, I may have mentioned this a couple (of hundred) times, but seriously, Joburg makes me feel so alive. Never can I complain that there's nothing to do. Never are my tastebuds lacking for truly world-class culinary talents. Never have I been at a lack for entertainment, adrenaline, or downright silliness. But now, after this weekend, I can also say this: Joburg is freaking beautiful. You just have to look at it from the right angle.

For years, Randlords has been up there, above Jozi, boasting gorgeous photos on the internet. Available only to those attending a private function there. Which, sadly, has never been me. No more, good people of Joburg! Jozi's most exclusive venue just became accessible to everyone! 

That's right! Randlords has recently opened its doors (and daybeds, and mag-freaking-nificent views) for public events! And it's kicking it off with a bang by partnering with BalconyTV Johannesburg, the leading daily online viral music show that features bands and musicians performing on balconies around the world (and in Jozi). Seriously. Music AND views AND sundowners AND Joburg? It's as if the universe conspired to bring all my favorite things together!

Now, I'd done my research. I knew what to expect. I was totes prepared. Or so I thought. Randlords and Balcony TV absolutely BLEW. MY. MIND. I mean, I get excited about a lot of things (I am aware of this), but this event was truly off the charts. We were treated to performances by the Graeme Watkins Project and Lonehill Estate (pictures below!) against the backdrop of the Nelson Mandela Bridge. Like I said, it just doesn't get much better than this.

Naturally, I took seven thousand photos because I wanted the day to last forever, but I've cut them down to my favorites to share with you. So follow these instructions very closely:

1. Look at my amazing photographs
2. Freak out 
3. Follow Randlords and BalconyTV Johannesburg on Facebook
4. Give me a high five and buy me a drink at their next event (thanks in advance, you lovely person, you!) 

For more info on Randlords and BalconyTV, check out their websites (Randlords and BalconyTV Johannesburg) follow them on Facebook  (Randlords and BalconyTV Johannesburg) and Twitter  (Randlords and BalconyTV). And, of course, let me know what you think (or comment on how many times I used the word "freaking" in one post)!

This is the ladies bathroom. The bathroom. I kid you not.

Graeme Watkins rocking the roof!

Piza e Vino: Two pizzas, two wines, one R99 price!

What?! Yes, Piza e Vino make dinner out happen for just R99 for two! Any Monday or Tuesday, you can get 2 small pizzas and 2 glasses of wine for the insanely low price of just R99. Since I’m a sucker for a great deal (And pizza. And wine.) we decided to give date night pizza a bash – and we were not disappointed. Not only is Piza e Vino an utterly gorgeous restaurant, but the pizza is just to die for. Add romantic mood lighting, stylish decor and the lovely haze of  two glasses of wine, and this could be one of the best date nights ever!

As you can see, we were so excited to tuck in that we forgot to take photos until our curiosity had been (at least partly) sated. Can I get a "yum"?

I went for the Krazy Nut! pizza (almonds, pinenuts, basil pesto, gorgonzola, and finished with orange zest) while Jeffers had the Cool Runnings pizza (jalapenos, free range chicken, peppadew, aioli, basil and pesto). With such exciting pizzas on offer, it was difficult to choose! Check out their menu.

As if that wasn't enough, we also got a Turkish Delight Martini (Smirnoff Triple Distilled vodka, shaken Rose Petal extracts & Swiss White Chocolate extracts. Served in a chilled Martini glass & garnished with a piece of Turkish Delite). Check out their wine and cocktail menu here.

We spent the rest of the night savoring every bite and soaking in the atmosphere. I highly recommend that you take advantage of this amazing deal! You won't regret it, you have my word. Read more here. Thanks Piza e Vino, we'll be back!

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