Most of the restaurant reviews in this blog first appeared as articles in the South African national weekly newspaper the Mail & Guardian (www.mg.co.za).
Unless otherwise stated, all restaurant reviews are based on at least three experiences at an establishment with at least one (often several) other guests to obtain a good sampling of the menu.
In the case of the older and more established Cape Town restaurants, most reviews are based on regular visits over several years.
All meals are paid for in full and no freebies are accepted.
In a few rare instances, when I have been the guest at a special menu launch or event held at the restaurant this is clearly stated.
The restaurant does not receive advance notice. Reservations are as a rule made in someone else’s name.
Usually I do not complain about poor service at a restaurant when reviewing, but I will return a bad dish. One is always on one’s best manners. This means the restaurant may be deprived of an opportunity to put things right, but in general I feel it favours a more objective assessment not to become embroiled in a conflict. Some people who complain about poor service in places I have praised, very often provoke such reactions through their own poor and unreasonable behaviour.
