Mantra is all about charm

Mantra is all about charm

Ten years ago it was really difficult to find a good Indian restaurant in Jozi that had ambience and was relatively full. Red tablecloths, heavy draperies, dark wooden furniture and a sombre vibe prevailed. The trend seemed to be that takeaways did really well, but restaurants stood empty while having to pay hefty rents which inevitably led to closure.

Enter (thankfully) The Raj, Karma and Sahib - they made dining at Indian restaurants popular. Some fly by nights followed suit including one of my favourites which sadly didn't make it - Indigo in what is now known as the Verdi Centre on Beyers Naudé.

These days Jo'burgers have a choice of really good Indian restaurants including the above-mentioned and others like Sitar in the Cresta Centre (as a regular patron there, I feel another blog coming on...)

When Mantra opened in 2009, I was drawn to the quirky, colourful décor, patrons spilling onto the pavement and wondered what a Melville-like restaurant was doing in Parktown North.

I am a regular patron now, in winter lounging on the couches in the window booths, which are strewn with sequinned scatter cushions, enjoying the delicious Chilean red wine and the cosy atmosphere, or becoming one of the patrons that has spilled onto the pavement, watching twilight turn to evening and tucking into chicken madras.

I have always been enamoured by Mantra from the very friendly waiters who never make you feel rushed, to the management, always behind the scenes and very patient with patrons inevitably enjoying their dining so much that they stay longer than operating hours (that includes me and my crowd). The menu is really well priced, especially for Jozi with mains less than R100.

Last night I indulged in a really good paneer tikka masala, plain naan and the obligatory red wine from Chile, while my companion enjoyed the chicken version. The menu includes vegetarian, lamb, chicken, fish and prawn options.

It was a Monday night, and we arrived at 7pm anticipating that Mantra would close early - that's when the photo included in this post was taken. By 7.30pm there were several tables of patrons, including a few large tables, the Indian music was soothing in the background and the candlelit venue turned on its charm once more.


Address: No 17, 4th Avenue,
Parktown North,
Johannesburg,
2193.
Tel: 011 023 0632

Emmarentia - understated Jo'burg gem

Emmarentia Dam is an escape to the 'countryside' in the middle of Jozi. Dog lovers, families, watersport enthusiasts, oldies and young lovers alike frequent this beautiful park with its green expanses, forested walks, streams and of course, the dam. It is well maintained, patrolled and safe and often plays host to outdoor music concerts and performances.

Meanwhile the suburb of Emmarentia has quietly been reinventing itself. While a buzzing Greenside battles residents' complaints of noise and traffic congestion and a dishevelled-looking Melville awaits a long-promised rejuventaion, this unassuming neighbourhood boasts a charming little hub on Barry Hertzog that evokes a village feel where your local butcher, fishmonger, doctor and grocer can be found alongside Victoria Bean Café, Loads of Living and the Fresh Earth Food Store (read: health, wellness and foodie emporium).

And with a revamped Checkers around the corner, this modern-day market square offers busy Jo'burgers a one-stop-shop, followed by a welcome break over a chai latte or glass of vino, a bite of lunch or afternoon cappuccinos in the winter sun. Why battle the malls and the crowds when you are sure to find everything you need here on your Saturday errand run and more?

I'll be featuring some of my favourite, tried and tested Emmarentia spots on this blog.