Alvi’s Drift

I think Doppio Zero is the longest surviving restaurant in the Southdowns Shopping Centre. It is a charming farm-style centre but we have seen a few restaurants come and go over the years. I fondly remember Barn 54 with a magnificent view and The Publican with its gin bar.

I neglect to make a reservation, but I know we will get a table, perhaps not the best. Soon a couple behind us leaves and we seize our moment. Feeling rather pleased with ourselves we select the Alvi’s Drift 221 Special Cuvee Blend as our wine for the evening. My interest was piqued and I find this wine has a story to it. Albertus Viljoen Van Der Merwe, “Alvi”, was the 221st Springbok Rugby player. In 1928 he scored the first try in history against the All Blacks on African soil.

While we ponder this for a while our waiter comes to enquire about our food order. We skip starters and decide to share the large Bellissimo Pizza on a carb-friendly base. With outstanding food, wine, and company, the evening drifts by. We discuss the relevant topics of the day, plan our weekend, and dream about our future. Later the waiter returns with the dessert menu. I cannot find anything worthy of the calories. I do suggest to Amanda that the waiter catch the Woolies before it closes and get me a chocolate, she smiles and orders a coffee. I find our wine is available by the glass and choose to have that instead.

As the other patrons leave the din inside subsides. Reluctantly we get the bill. We slowly make our way to our car parked underneath a River Bushwillow. A parking attendant waits patiently for us and bids us a good evening. We head home feeling satisfied.