The Bar
Writing this review and looking at the images of the bar at the Tin Goose Restaurant, started to conjure up memories of Casablanca (1942), which is one of the most iconic movies ever made, well, at least according to my husband. I have personally never seen it…at least not yet.
Now that I think of it, why didn’t I get a photo of me at the bar with a whiskey in one hand and a cigar in the other?! The bar at the Tin Goose Restaurant was the perfect setting, with its elegance and charm. And yes, the cigars had already been arranged.
“Here’s Looking At You, Kid” – Humphrey Bogart – Casablanca
The lighting at the bar and in the restaurant caught our attention, even before it was dark enough to really take effect. It was around 2pm when we got there, but as the afternoon progressed into evening, the lighting created a totally different atmosphere. And when coupled with some relaxing background music, this created a very nice ambience.
The bar has a very impressive selection of drinks, from your favourite whiskeys to signature wines and of course, being the cocktail lover I am, I had to try a few varieties. As I watched the barman, I noticed how much care and attention to detail was given to create each individual cocktail. One of our family members is pregnant, so she got to enjoy the virgin cocktails.
The Lounge
The leather lounge between the bar and the restaurant is not only very tasteful as décor but also serves as the practical purpose of creating a more relaxed and sociable environment. And yes, it works for both adults and kids. During the long time we were there, it was inevitable that the kids would grow restless sitting at the dinner table. So Kayden and his cousin took full advantage of this and made themselves comfortable on the couches. Each with his own Apple device, they proceeded to make full use of the free Wi-Fi as well.
Dining out should be an experience…..and should not be confined to the dinner table. And a place to relax between drinks and meals or after meals makes world of difference.
The Dining Area
The dining area, also aviator themed, makes a serious design statement with all its lighting and décor. Its truly unique, and that is probably what appeals to me the most.
There is also additional seating with TV screens available, a chance for those avid sports enthusiasts that want to quickly check-up the latest scores. Or perhaps a place for the kiddies to get together and mingle. The design is such that it does need to limit itself to one specific purpose, and that is another of the small design choices that seem to make a huge difference.
Weather permitting, you could choose to have your meal in the elegant indoor settings, or even beside the beautiful and inviting pool. Why not start at the pool with some starters, a few drinks or cocktails?
Honestly, if I had not heard about the Aviator Hotel and Tin Goose Restaurant from a trustworthy source, I would have probably not even considered it. It’s like a pearl in an oyster….very hard to locate, yet so precious and beautiful.
I am so glad that we celebrated hubby’s birthday here and so was he and the rest of the family. We didn’t just eat and drink, we had a wonderful experience with quality time spent together on his special day.
When a place looks and feels this good, surely the food must be good too, right? Good is an understatement.
Apologies for the photo quality – I was taking photos for the purpose of the memory, didn’t plan on doing a review at that stage.
Starters:
Authentic clay-oven pizza’s, prawn rissoles, buffalo wings and ribs – there was nothing that I could fault on the menu. I don’t eat buffalo wings, so I didn’t end up trying that. But everything else was up for grabs and I took one for the team to bring this review to you. The starters were beautifully presented and absolutely divine.
Main (Buffet):
Prawns, Lamb Curry, Creamy Chicken and mushroom, savoury rice, baked potatoes, roasted veggies.
Even before even looking at the buffet, my senses were stimulated by the smell of prawns, smothered in garlic and butter and grilled to absolute perfection. Is prawns an aphrodisiac or not? if not, it should be!
There are very few places where I would choose to order a curry, so I was a bit sceptical at first. But judging from the looks, it seemed to be more in line what how we cook at home, so I took the plunge and tried it out.
All I can say is that the lamb curry from the Tin Goose Restaurant has earned a place on the top of my list. So much so that I was craving for the same curry for a few days after that. Dare I say that it tasted better than my own cooking? Not that I consider myself a great cook, but that’s meant as a compliment.
Seriously, I am cuckoos about this curry. Chef Walter has amazed me with his talent for both Eastern and Western meals.
Dessert:
There were a variety of desserts, including birthday cake. After overindulging myself previously, there was little room left for dessert. I did, however, sample a few desserts…again solely for the purpose of this blog, the things I do for my readers…
The strawberry dessert seemed to be the favourite at our table. For those of us who are caffeine lovers, the cappuccinos and coffee after dessert hit the spot perfectly.
The Service:
The service from the team, from the time we walked in up to the time we left, was warm, friendly and very hospitable.
From the manager on duty, Larry, to our waitress, Felicia, they were accommodating to our every request. What’s more important is that they always served us courteously and with a smile. And for that, my gratitude and appreciation goes out to all the staff and the management, for outstanding service.
GIVEAWAY
Valentine’s Lunch/Dinner Voucher valued at R600!
The Tin Goose Restaurant is a little piece of heaven, and I think it should be experienced and enjoyed by others. With that being said, I have partnered with the Tin Goose Restaurant to give 1 lucky reader the opportunity to win a Valentines Voucher to the value of R600!
All you have to do to enter is respond to the following in the comments section below:
Convince me in more than 2 sentences, why you want to have a romantic lunch/dinner at The Tin Goose Restaurant. (visit the social media pages for some inspiration in addition to my review) The winner will be selected based on effort and creativity…it is a Valentine’s Voucher, so feel free to make it romantic and/or poetic 😉
AND
Show us some love on one or more of any of these platforms below: (I will be checking)
Facebook: @tingoosejhb @peanutgallery247 @TheAviatorHotelJNB
Twitter: @AviatorHotelJhb @nicolasubben
Instagram: @tingoosejhb @nicolasubben @aviatorhoteljnb
Hashtags: #TinGooseJhb #PeanutGallery247 #AviatorHotelJhb
When sharing this post on social media, tag Peanut Gallery 247, the Tin Goose Restaurant and The Aviator Hotel for extra entries, using the handles mentioned above. (Shares must be public and must be following the above profiles on whichever platform you enter)
Websites for more information:
Peanut Gallery 247: www.peanutgallery247.com
The Aviator Hotel: www.theaviator.co.za
Tin Goose Restaurant: www.tingoose.co.za (under development)
T’s and C’s
- This giveaway is open to residents of Gauteng only and/or anyone else who is able to get to the restaurant at their own cost, should they reside outside Gauteng
- The prize is not transferable nor exchangeable for cash
- Competition ends at midnight on the 31st of January 2019
- The voucher limit is R600, any additional costs are for the expense of the winner
- The winner will be announced on my Facebook Page and will have 48 working hours to contact me, failing to do so will result in an alternate winner being chosen
- The voucher can be used on any day in February 2019
Would love to win this for my brother and his wife who resently lost their baby due to a miscarriage and was informed to emediatly try again as they aren’t that young anymore. So this will be an amazing opportunity for them to bond again an who knows… maybe there will be a little luck for a baby.
Bf and I recently moved in together
Its been a little rough as we’re adjusting to each other.
This would be an awesome way to celebrate our first valentines as an official couple
Moving in can be a challenging time for some, more than others. But it’s a milestone and I am sure you will look back and laugh off whatever is rough right now. Good luck! And all the best living together.
i have been going through a lot in my personal life and i feel i deserve a break. I want to spoil my partner.
I”m sorry to hear this Taswald. Can’t be nice especially at the start of the year. Thank you for your entry and I hope that things will get better soon. Good luck!
I would love to win and treat my hardworking husband to an amazing dinner treat. He’s working away from home and come home once a month so we hardly don’t even have time for a night out
I am sure your husband appreciates all the things you do for him when he does come home. It’s so lovely that you would like to treat him to dinner. Good luck Faziela.
I would love to win this prize to surprise my husband with a romantic dinner. Being parents of 2 busy boys we hardly ever get time to hold hands or even catch up as the kids demand my constant attention which often leaves my husband feeling very sidelined. The way to my husbands heart is definitely through his stomach 😁
It’s amazing and shocking how time flies when you become a parent. The responsibilities at times do affect our routines. I think it’s great that you are aware of this and that is the first step to making some changes to do something about it…after all…mummy and daddy time is important…very important. No one wants to or enjoys feeling sidelined. Good luck Kirsty!
My husband has been working constant evening shifts until midnight from November last year, he is so tired over weekends that he wants to do nothing. This will fall smack bang into when things go back to normal and I would love to spoil him for Valentines day with this amazing treat. He works so hard and needs a good break
I am really enjoying seeing the ladies, like yourself Stacy, entering this competition because you want to spoil your hard working and deserved husband. At the same time I can’t help but wonder why not as many men enter such competitions – well not on my blog anyway. I hope that your hubby will enjoy all you have planned for him when he returns. Good luck!
I know my hubby will love this. He is such a huge fan of aviation and planes what better way to treat him with the things he love and that delicious menu wow im allready hungry. Amazing blog couldnt have said it better myself. Crossing fingers and toes to be able to suprise him
Fingers AND TOES….lol Desire! Any aviation fan will appreciate this aviator themed Hotel and restaurant – it’s really something different compared to the usual. Good luck!
#TinGooseJhb #PeanutGallery247 #AviatorHotelJhb I would love to win this amazing gift not only because the food looks absoltely devine but it is the month of love after all and my boyfriend will be returning home in a weeks time after working away for 8 months and what better way to welcome him back than an amazingly romantic dinner at a posh establishment
8 months…oh what a long time. Im sure you’re eagerly awaiting his return. Does he have any favourite food dishes by any chance? Good luck 🍀
Food looks amazing but I love attentive SMILING waiters… reminds me of the lovely people back in India.
Virgin cocktails, it would be for me too.
Great write up Nics.
Looks like a winner all round.
Just like how you’re craving to go back to India, I am STILL craving that lamb curry from the Tin Goose Restaurant- I’m gonna have to go back soon! Fortunately they’re not as far as India 😁😆
Btw, when I was pregnant, I enjoyed the virgin cocktails and it’s perfect for this heatwave
Thank you Kavitha 🤗
Lamb curry is always a winner. I never seem to be satisfied so. I always make my own. Will think laterally and be more receptive in future. So glad its cooler now. My poor hair had taken a beating!
#TinGooseJhb #PeanutGallery247 #AviatorHotelJhb Would love to win this for my niece. Married for a while and trying for a baby this would be the perfect day for them. Looking at them they always have love in their eyes for each other, go the extra mile for each other, family and their pets are the most important to them. This is for an amazing and ever so loving couple.
Experiencing far off and wondrous places around the world is on everyone’s bucket list. We are so focused on that, we
sometimes lose sight of whats right in front of us.
Why not focus on experience the wonders and beauty that Mzanzi has to offer!
And what better place to start than The Tin Goose Restaurant……so close to home yet so idyllic and distinctive.
Would love the opportunity to share an evening here with my significant other.
Azor, well said! I agree. I have made it my goal this year to personally experience more of what our beautiful city and country has to offer. Good luck
With this being mine and my partners second Valentines Day as a couple, but the first one we actually get to spend together. I would love to wine and dine him. We are both lovers of food and great cocktails so this place sounds great! I honestly couldn’t imagine anything better than snuggling up to my person on a lovely leather lounge with a glass of wine after over indulging on prawns and curry 😁😍❤
I hope that you will spend many more amazing and special Valentines Days together. Thanks for your entry and best of luck to you 🙂
Oh my, what an astonishly beautiful Restaurant. The dishes Look delicious. I will definitely try it on my next visit to Jhb. Thanks for sharing with us dear Nicole.
I wish I knew about it before your visit, would have surely taken you there but yes, there’s always a next time. The food was incredibly delicious so it’s my pleasure to share 😊