HI All

The flight back from Sydney to Johannesburg on Qantas is a long but very comfortable journey flying into strong winds for up to 14 hours. On occasions in the past, we have gone as far south as the Antarctic to help the pilot reduce the effect of the Westerly winds. NB the Eastward bound flight takes just under 11 hours. 

So, I decided to stop over in Joburg last night to relax and catch up with my sister and husband. I booked into the Radisson Hotel some 10km away from OR Tambo, needing just one cold draught beer to calm me down for a good night’s sleep.

I woke up early, many hours later, jetlagged, and ravenous with Breakfast here being just R225 (US$12!). As a direct result of starting up our Nzira Travel Magazine, I have, over the past few years, been invited to stay at some of the fanciest lodges and hotels around Zimbabwe and South Africa. The breakfast today was, in my opinion, probably the best I’ve had in many years and felt very justified in asking for the head chef, Stan Jacobs, to come through so that I could compliment him and his staff on a job well done.

Layout, placement, and presentation are of paramount importance in such a setting, and I could not find fault in that roomy environment. I’m one of those folks who loves to start the day off with a bowl of hot porridge eaten the Scottish way by dipping each spoon into a separate mug of milk, thereby keeping the full flavour of the oats. Stan related to me how he used to work for a sister hotel chain in England, Park Plaza. On one occasion they entered (and won) a prestigious Scots Porridge competition with cream and various extras added for flavouring. The scrambled eggs, normally served at breakfasts, are generally pre-cooked and dry. The serving I had today was juicy with the correct, freshly cooked, yellow colouring to which I added a few slices of Salami and Cheese.

Then there was the Earl Grey tea poured into cast iron teapots that allowed the tea leaves time to be correctly infused into the hot water. On my third (!) visit to the presentation tables, I came across the gluten-free rice cakes and the freshly baked scones. Overall, probably the most I’ve eaten for my morning meal in many years. I would stay at this hotel next time just for the breakfast alone. Oh yes, and they have a 25-metre outdoor swimming pool there as well. Those of you in the hospitality industry should do yourself a favour and drop by at this Radisson Hotel for Breakfast sometime soon – even if its just for a few new ideas. Your fat tick, Mike G!