Experiencing CT201

In an attempt to experience everything CT has to offer I resorted to basic googling to end up with 101 things to do in CT. I am pleasantly proudly pleased to report that I have already done some of the things recommended by the website; whether I get to do everything else is only a matter of time and availability.

Anyways, recommendation #11 was to visit Stardust restaurant in Rondebosch. Its closeish enough to student life for it to be visited often but far enough for you to go there with the explicit intention of dining out there.

Stardust’s specialty is that it’s a cheaper version of Madame Zingara. Instead of R400 a head you are looking at an average of around R100. But you can still expect good food and a performance by the theatrical waiters in a chic restaurant.

Now here are the differences. Madame Z’s was sold out when I went there. Stardust had only 3 tables taken. Madame Z’s gave us an entertaining performance in between our meals. Stardust decided that 3 tables were not worth giving a performance for. Madame Z’s speciality was steak in chocolate chilli sauce. Stardust has a range of recommendations but no specialities.

So maybe I was expecting a lot, comparing Stardust to Madame Z’s. But besides the great Mediterranean food, the disappointing non-performance is not an incentive for me to go back. But there is one exception – their service (but only if u push for the service).

Here is the story. My waiter didn’t bring me my doggy bag and I was told towards the end of the evening that they had thrown the food away. Now I am not pointing fingers; that is not why I am writing this. Instead, its because after several exchanges and my insistence in speaking to the manager, they said they would give me a half portion of what I ordered. This half portion comes after I was first told there was nothing they could do as the food was already thrown away, then I was offered a side dish (only veg options available.. Hmm.. veg vs my seafood that was thrown away? No brainer!). After declining both options as well as the dessert they were willing to offer, we finally settled.

And it is only because of the final agreement that I am willing to consider going back to Stardust – if they can guarantee a performance!