Flames

Flames Restaurant is located at Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff. Whether you are brunching in the day or dining at night, it has the most breathtaking views of Johannesburg. You can see the Rosebank and Sandton skyline on your left, Forest Town in front of you, and Parktown to your right. If you are fortunate enough, you might even catch a glimpse of the Elephant in his enclosure at the Zoo.

Upon arriving we are chauffeured from the main reception up the hill to a waiting elevator that takes us to the rooftop terrace. Our hosts welcome us with cocktails and show us to the best table in the house.

After taking photos, our waiter presents us with the food and drinks menus. They have an extensive list of the finest selection of wines and champagnes available. With some careful consideration, we select the 2019 Thelema Merlot. A bold wine with flavours of black fruit and hints of chocolate. Smooth and soft on the palate.

We discuss our upcoming Cape Town trip and cannot wait to get away and do a reset. As we converse the bread service arrives. Warm soft buns and breadsticks served with compound butter and a hummus-based mousse. Delicious.

While perusing the menu we noticed the South African cheese selection. Not all restaurants have cheese on their list of options. Even though it is in the dessert section we do rather enjoy it as a starter with the Merlot.

At some point, we decide on our main courses and give our options to the waiter. Amanda has the braaied Argentinian prawns served with Saffron Pilaf rice and a Lemon Beurre Blanc sauce. I go with the Chalmar 28-day aged 550g T-Bone, served with braaied root vegetables and duck fat potato fries.

The mood is exquisite, with jazzy lounge music in the background, and flickering lights far down below. Fine wine, excellent food, and wonderful company. A fantastic evening rounded off with our favourite: two decaf americanos and pouring cream. Thank you Flames and Four Seasons, we hope to see you soon when the Jacarandas are in bloom.