A Taste of South Africa

We were told about an authentic South African restaurant in Van Nuys that we should try. It was started by 4 South African friends who missed their traditional foods and a place to watch Rugby. So far, we have been there twice and it is great! It's a sports bar who mostly shows the Rugby games from around the world, but right now they are opening early to show all of the 2010 FIFA World Cup games. 

For our first visit there, we wanted to be sure and try the most authentic food that we would also be able to find in South Africa. We had a really nice waitress who we told about our upcoming trip. She helped us make some good food choices. We started with the Beef Samosas. Doug ordered the Vasco Da Gama's Peri-Peri Chicken Livers - Chicken livers sautéed in Peri-Peri sauce, served with fresh baked bread roll. I ordered the Freestate Braai pack - The Springbok Signature Dish – Homemade boerewors (South African sausage), two succulent lamb chops and a 5 ounce Filet Mignon with Springbok Steak Fries and small side salad – a real treat for the meat lover. We ended up sharing everything. It was a lot of food!!! Everything was really good!

We also wanted to try some traditional drinks - Doug ordered the Springbok Ale. I am not a big beer drinker, so I asked the waitress about a South African cocktail. She walked away to ask about it and came back to say "The owner over there wants to buy you guys 2 Springbok shots." It was green and minty, made with Creme de Menthe, Amaretto, and Kahlua. 

Everyone there was so nice and we looked forward to going back again. We decided to return to watch the South African soccer team, Bafana Bafana, play against Uruguay. We got to the bar around 10:15 for the 11:30 game and we were lucky enough to get 2 seats at the bar since all of the tables were already taken. By the time the game started, the place was packed with South Africans and other local soccer fans. We met some really great people over the next 3 hours. Eugene, who is from Soweto, talked to us about some places we should be sure to visit (I loved his thick accent). We also met a different owner, Robin, who told us that we will be sure to "have a crack" while we are there. It is like saying that we will have an awesome time! Doug and I were saying that for the next few days!! After another round of Springbok Ales for Doug and another Springbok shot for me, I jokingly asked if they sell the shot glasses. I wanted to have one for my collection. To our surprise, he said that we could have them for free!! 

Even though Bafana Bafana lost to Uruguay 3 - 0, the people were still so proud to watch their team play in their home country. Everyone is so nice and really excited for us to be traveling there. 

Doug & Dena