Every once in a while parents need to leave the little ones with a babysitter and head out for a night of fun in Johannesburg. Bond repayments, car problems and neighbours with noisy pets all take their toll and sometimes one just needs to leave it all behind for a while. The problem is, once you start a family and spend your Friday nights at eateries that have jungle gyms, you lose touch with entertainment that is geared towards older folks who want to enjoy themselves sans children.
One of the more obvious choices for live entertainment is Gold Reef City Casino in Ormonde. While parents are probably familiar with the Theme Park, there are two theatres at Gold Reef – The Lyric Theatre and The Globe Theatre. The Lyric Theatre will host a number of top live entertainers in the coming months – John Vlismas, Barry Hilton, Prime Circle, Beatlemania, Karen Zoid and Vusi Mahlasela while Radical Magic, a show filled with amazing feats and illusion, runs until early October at The Globe.
There are not too many establishments that offer a dinner-dance evening in Johannesburg, luckily, one of the more popular ones is in the leafy suburb of Linmeyer. Navio’s Cellar is known by locals for two things – outstanding Portuguese cuisine and fun dance evenings on the weekends. They play music you can sing along to (and will no doubt after a few glasses of wine) and offer an unpretentious night out for older folks who would like to let off a little steam. You’ll find Navio’s Cellar on the corner of Johan Meyer and South Rand Road Linmeyer. Booking a table is advisable - 011 435-0105.
Though it is heading towards the east, another option for older folks needing to unwind is the Boma in New Redruth, Alberton. The Boma has a restaurant that serves an amazing buffet – from delectable prawns to Ostrich Bredie, guests will find something to munch on before heading over to the theatre where various tribute shows and live performances from poplar local artists take place. Booking is advisable for both meals at the restaurant and show in Johannesburg - www.bomaalberton.co.za.
If you don’t mind taking a drive a little further south to the small town of Walkerville, you can enjoy a night of uproarious stand-up comedy at the Canterbury Country Restaurant. Once a month acts such as Chris Forest, Malcolm Ferreira and Dave Levinsohn make their way to this laid back eatery for a night of no-holds barred laughs. The show attracts visitors from as far a field as Parys. Book a table to avoid disappointment (and also to avoid being forced to take the only seats available, usually in the front row) - 011 949 1343.
Do something different and have Date Morning rather than Date Night and stop at Rietvlei Farm, just outside Mulbarton, where you can enjoy a spot of mountain biking. Wendell Bole, a former Springbok cyclist, has done a brilliant job of maintaining the trails which cater for beginners and experts alike. Wendell and his team also rent bicycles should you not have your own. Be sure to pay attention to the trail markings – if you are a “newbie” you might want to avoid the advanced trails (this is a mistake you make only once). After a gentle cycle round the grounds you can also enjoy a romantic picnic by the waters edge. Visit Rietvlei Farm online - www.rietvleilifestylecentre.co.za