LUCKY BEAN

BEST FOR Fun nights in Melville with generous portions of SA comfort food. FOOD To start, South African snoek baked with whole apricots or ostrich bobotie frikkadels offer local flavour. A vegan burger is on the main menu as is boerwors, umnqusho (samp and sugar beans) and an ostrich burger. These hearty dishes need to be followed by dessert. Options include Maroela malva, consisting of Amarula cream; a warm chocpot, which is a muscadel and coconut cream with vanilla shortbread; and soft, caramel sandwiches. DRINKS The offering showcases local craft from boutique producers: Hope on Hopkin’s Salt River Gin, Tomatin whisky, Dog & Fig ale, and a wide selection of wine including Gabriëlskloof ‘The Blend’ from Bot River. SERVICE Warm, patient and inviting. AMBIENCE At night, a large tree glows with fairylights while a bookseller pushes his cart past the outdoor tables. Lucky Bean treads the tightrope between being overtly touristy and embracing local fare. (TM)