The Societi Bistro boys keep getting it right, first with Societi Bistro in Cape Town’s City Bowl, then Societi Brasserie in Tokai, and now Josephine’s Cookhouse. Sticking to their trusted formula of simple unpretentious food and décor, the opening of Josie’s little more than a month ago, tucked in the 200-year-old Josephine’s Mill in Newlands, is a boon for Southern Suburbs diners after an informal but delicious night out.
Having now visited Josie’s twice, I’m gradually working my way through the small menu that is dominated by wood-fired pizzas made on sourdough bases and simple fresh pastas.
If you’re after something rich, I suggest you kick off with the cheese and cauliflower soufflé starter (R40) or, my favourite, the baked semolina gnocchi with a decadent sage and burnt butter sauce (R48, but also available as a main). Otherwise try the roasted bone marrow on grilled sourdough (R38) or the crispy squid with aioli (R47), two of the most popular dishes on the menu.
The spicy sausage spaghetti (R85) my husband assured me was excellent. Carnivores will be thrilled with the lamb chops and bean salad (R110) or rib-eye with basil and garlic butter (R110 for 200g or R168 for 400g), which I’ve coveted from afar. I am yet to try a pizza, but plan on giving the smoked mozzarella, olives and anchovies (R85) pizza a go on my next visit.
If I haven’t already made your decision-making difficult enough, there’s the blackboard specials menu to distract you, usually with a soup of the day and a selection of mains like skirt steak with chips and pork shoulder with potato dauphinoise and applesauce.
The dessert selection is limited to just four options, including a traditional tiramisu (R40), but there’s always something to tempt on the blackboard.
Regulars of Caveau at the Mill, previous occupants of the same space at the mill, will be glad to see a punchy, quality wine list with the likes of Springfield Whole Berry Cabernet Sauvignon (R220), a trusty Kleine Zalze Bush Vine Chenin (R88), Paul Cluver Riesling (R124) and Hartenberg’s new Doorkeeper Shiraz (R138).
The ambience is casual and tables by the fire are perfect for winter nights, although in summer I’d book a table outside overlooking the Liesbeek River. Maybe I’m getting old, but my only gripe is the terrible acoustics. On both nights out we were a table of two in a full, noisy restaurant and we had to fight to be heard. But then if you’re keen for a night out with a group of mates, the jovial vibe is perfect.
Josephine’s Cookhouse
Josephine’s Cookhouse is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Tel: 021 686 1437
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.josephinescookhouse.co.za
Twitter: @josiescookhouse
