The sun ducked and as we stepped out of the hotel to be welcomed by the beautiful garden, monkeys swinging in the trees at a distance and a striking peacock parading around, a gust of wind stopped us dead in our tracks. We considered it but decided to get seated inside. A cosy corner was our safe haven for the afternoon. Drones of what seemed like guests attending an international conference at the GICC occupied space alongside us indoors while a good number went outside to network and enjoy the views. We got a tea and cappuccino to warm up as a start and got so comfortable it took a while to finally order. We must have sent our pleasant waitress back twice, she was very patient with us, which I appreciated. The restaurant feels safe and private, a good choice for business interactions or intimate hang out sessions.
The menu is quite diverse and very appealing. One thing The Fig Tree has always been renowned for is their pizza, making that one of our obvious selections. The pizza is made in the outdoor oven that is build next to the bar in plain sight of everyone who sits outside. The kids can also appreciate pizza being made as they swing on the playground. I believe seeing food being made before you, makes one feel involved or included in the process. We ordered the FIG TREE SUPREME, and it did not disappoint. Straight out of the oven, was a perfect base, not too thin and not too thick, baked to precision.
The toppings married so well adding any extra seasoning or sauce felt like one would be messing with perfection. Pizza is always a great choice because it can be had as family meal with milkshakes with the kids, while pairing it with a wine makes it perfect for an outing with the girls or date night. When I hosted Tumi Morake and Ndumiso Lindi for a comedy show held at the GICC a few years ago, I remember this amazing salad Tumi ordered, an Asian Chicken Salad. I ordered one sometime after that but ate it in a rush and didn’t really allow for the flavours to resonate with me. I looked forward to ordering one and really sitting with it. Unfortunately the Asian Salad has since been discontinued, and I got a CHEF JAYA’S CHICKEN & BACON SALAD. With the shortage of vegetables, it is a little nerve-wrecking ordering salad, and I commend those who are able to do their best to ensure that all ingredients are found and they deliver on their promise.
This salad ticked all the boxes, it was colourful and very aesthetically pleasing as all the elements brought on texture, colour and most importantly flavour. It is a generous portion perfect for a warm summer’s day or a chilly day. My guest got the KELS THREE RIB & SIX WINGS COMBO and those are two of my favourite meats. We shared the platter and she took hers to go as she had errands to run. At this point it had been hours of great conversation and great nibbles. I loved the wings off the bat, they were not greasy though fried and were very tasty.
The one fault my guest shared, which I could corroborate, was that not all wings were evenly cooked most likely due to their size. I made a discovery. Grand Palm has a house Gin! How exciting is that!? They are the only hotel I know locally that thus far can offer guests something that personal. From them, to the guest with love. They have two types. I have had the honour of having the one, it has hints of fruitiness and floral notes and is smooth. Kick start your weekend with us at Fig Tree from 6pm, lots of specials and prizes up for grabs. Swipe and win competition (minimum P250 spend) Cocktail and bucket specials Buy double tickets for the 70s and 80s party at P600 (Normal price P700) Entertainment by your favorite DJ Lefatshe
