Don’t you hate call sales-agents? I really do. Especially when they are as convincing and persistent as the one from the Taste of Taj group. She called me on a referral from a colleague offering me this “amazing deal” where I can become an “elite” Taste of Taj member which entitled me to a free night stay at the Taj in Cape Town and 50% off meals at Mint and the Bombay Brasserie. She wore me down and eventually I accepted (I’m too weak). I mean, who goes to hotels that are 20 minutes away from their houses?
I decided to use my free night on my birthday weekend in August. The coupons included a free back, neck and shoulder massage at the Jiva spa as well. I decided to go all out: Dinner at the Bombay Brasserie, Breakfast at Mint and spa time.
We checked in at about 4 pm. Check- in was swift and we went up to our “standard room”.
I’m only one type of snob, and that’s a bathroom snob. I’m not too bothered about much else. This room set-up seems to be the standard 5-star setup, with the large window to the bathroom and a bath and shower. The bathroom had lovely granite tops and a large bath and shower. A little extra feature was that there is a speaker in the bathroom connected to the TV so that you can watch TV while relaxing in the bath. I found it odd but also clever.
The bedroom was quite spacious, not huge. There was no view from our room. Everything about the room was good enough and comfortable. I know that the decor is supposed to be inspired by the rich colours of India – but I found the browns very dull and dated and I certainly would not have chosen such a busy carpet if I had been doing the decor (not that I am an authority on the matter). The curtains also let a lot of light into the room early in the morning so it is quite an annoyance if you have trouble sleeping in a light environment like I do.
I enjoyed that the pool and saunas are open 24 hours. The pool, although heated, was not warm enough for winter. The staff were very accommodating when we requested a late check-out.
The Bombay Brasserie
I’ve only been to the Bombay Brasserie once before. I really love this restaurant (very subjective, I know). It is such a classy restaurant and yet, not snobbish at all. If you frequent Cape Town’s “nicer” restaurants, you would be well aware of the tendency of the staff to be ostentatious. At the Bombay Brasserie, the staff really make you feel special.
It’s a small, intimate restaurant with lovely decor. We had the lamb shank mains and fish curry. The food was absolutely delicious. In between courses, they serve palate cleansers (pictured below) which on that day was passion fruit sorbet from a steaming pot.
They even served us a complimentary dessert because it was my birthday. To top it all off, the chef approaches every table to find out if you’re happy with your meal. The staff is definitely the highlight of this restaurant.
The average meal for 2 people at this restaurant is in the region of R600 which is pricey. Being a Taste of Taj member, I got 50% off the entire meal which makes cost about the same as a Spur meal for 2.
I had a wonderful birthday thanks to the people of the Bombay Brasserie. So for once I am going to admit that I don’t hate the sales-person this time. Hell, I may even renew my membership next year. And I wasn’t even paid to write this review!
– Imaan
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