Back in my element at the Tygervalley Waterfront Buena Vista Social Club, fingers lightly gripping the subtly shaped stem of my martini glass, gazing into its cosmopolitan depths. Ten minutes earlier, upon my arrival, the barrister urgently pushed the menu into my fingers – with desperation in his eyes (flicking back and forth to the digitised wall clock) he informed me that there were ten minutes left of Happy Hour and ALL cocktails were R25. Panic set in immediately – such good fortune could not go unfulfilled! I pried open the sticky menu and amongst the Cuban themed meals I found the battery of cocktails! Having only expected to find a few similarly themed options I was happy to find that I had the choice of 27 different cocktails, priced between R29 and R80 but mostly around R39 when not Happy Hour. This also included their House cocktail, the Buena Vista Especial (R48) made with Bacardi rum, Southern Comfort, Disaronno Amaretto, Pimms, orange juice and a smattering of grenadine. But if this means nothing to you then perhaps, like me, you go for Ye Olde Faithful – the Cosmo. It was also made with the classic cranberry juice and squeeze of lemon, Skyy Vodka and triple sec. As tasty as it was – the cranberry juice dominated and my Cosmo could have been mistaken for something that comes in a colourful juice box. Shortly after I received my cocktail, like a jealous child, I spotted someone else’s – something tropical and tangy in a tall glass with half a fruit basket displayed along its edges… and I wanted it.
As for the Social Café, I love the look. It’s grunge, it’s quirky, and it’s got antique furniture to ground it. One thing I didn’t like, however this seems to happen in restaurants all over South Africa, the smoker’s lounge was enviably more social and ‘café’ than the non-smoker’s area. With decadent looking antique armchairs arranged in social circles and the brick fireplace as the centrepiece – I almost considered picking up the dirty habit just for the perks! As for the general vibe of the café it is definitely socially centred and with Happy Hour price cuts like that it will definitely appeal to your purse. But if you like the grunge theme but prefer it not to refer to the state of the menus and the smudged glasses then perhaps try the Waterfront one.
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