Get out your dancing shoes and head to Salvatore in Honeydew Village for a night of cocktails and a mix of Italian and Portuguese cuisine. This upmarket venue has been going strong since 1994 and is a great place for couples to visit if they want to have a drink, a bite and a spin on the dance floor. With a menu that includes pizza, pasta, chicken, fish, grills and vegetarian dishes, not even the fussiest eater should have a problem finding something to munch on. They offer dinner and dancing on Saturdays, when you can enjoy a mix of live music and a DJ who plays songs you will probably like. Honeydew Village is on John Vorster Road, Weltevreden Park. Booking is essential - 011 675 5800.
Without a shadow of a doubt, the Grill Shop at Rock Cottage has to be one of the finest eateries on the Western side of the N1 and is also one to consider if you want a relaxed, yet romantic atmosphere. There is an outside deck where you can enjoy sundowners and a cigar room should you wish to enjoy a Cuban. The menu is extensive and you will battle to find an item you won’t enjoy. My recommendation? Start with creamy chicken livers or delectable mussel pot and head to a main course of mouth-watering chicken cordon bleu. The Grill Shop is a large eatery but can fill up over the weekends. Booking in advance is advisable - 011 794 6489.
The Joburg Promusica Theatre in Florida Park, Roodepoort has a number of delightful productions that will be staged in the coming months. Up-coming shows include The Wizard Of Fu, a South African adaptation of The Wizard of Oz, where a whirlwind leaves Dorothy displaced from her hometown of Kroonstad. Another show worth making a note of is Beautiful Piano, where Rocco De Villiers will take audiences on a musical journey with songs as diverse as Memory from Cats and a medley of classic from 70’s super-group, ABBA. Visit www.promusica.co.za for show and booking information.
If you prefer the idea of “Date afternoon” to “Date night” or would rather do something that takes you outdoors, why not pack a picnic basket (with a bottle of wine, of course) and spend a lazy day with your loved one at the Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden Poortview, Roodepoort? The Garden is home to a magnificent waterfall and a breeding pair of Verreaux’s Eagles. There is a nature reserve with trails and footpaths should you wish to venture out and attempt to spot small antelope or identify some (or all if you are patient and have the time) of the 220 species of bird. Please note that the Garden has a “carry in, carry out” policy towards litter which means you need to take your own litter out when you leave. As it is a nature reserve, no pets are allowed. There is a coffee shop on the premises if you decide to eat out rather than pack your own snacks.
If you have a sense of adventure want to try something a little different for “Date night,” you can always try indoor climbing. Wonderwall in Kya Sands have equipment to rent, guides on hand, a range of climbing walls with varying degrees of difficulty and pub on site where you can unwind with a drink afterwards. Gear rental is fairly inexpensive and if you and your significant other decide it’s an activity you enjoy as a couple, there are climbing courses and preferential rates for members. Visit them at www.wonderwall.co.za
