The Bay Leaf

posted : 2010-06-22 at 03:26:45

One Friday evening, my wife and I were part of a large group which descended on The Bay Leaf restaurant in Bluewater Bay. 

Situated at the Bluewater Shopping Centre in Claude Crescent, The Bay Leaf is sectioned quite uniquely within the Bay Superette convenience store. As such, the atmosphere is very friendly and relaxed. No drinks licence means you have the option of either bringing your own (corkage fee of R20), or strolling across the shop to the off-licence and picking out something from the vast selection housed in the fridges. 

With an emphasis on providing great value, decor is sparse and seating arrangements are limited to patio-style wooden benches. But as it was the food we were there for, our group soon rearranged the furniture for maximum effect!

The menu boasts a wide selection, from spare ribs to T-bones, lamb chops, steak and Prego rolls – most meats with chips or salad or both! For the seafood fans there is calamari, grilled line fish, hake and prawns, again with chips or salad. There are also options on beef or chicken burgers and (traditional or hot) whole, half or quarter chickens. The best value for money are the Family Combo Meals (enough for a family of 4) – especially the spare ribs, chicken and chips at just R110! 

I opted for the T-bone and my wife had the calamari - both with chips and salad. After ordering I popped across to the off-licence for a few beverages at a price I paid with a smile. As our meals started to arrive, there were excited expressions of delight from all present as we first beheld the generosity of the portions – ribs being by far the most popular choice! 

As the evening got louder, it was evident that all were enjoying their ample meals and the good company. Once the plates were cleared and instructions for doggy bags given, the dessert tray was brought around for us to choose from a tempting selection of cheesecakes and chocolate mousses. We rounded off our evening with a good cup of coffee, settled our R150 bill for the two of us (including tip, excluding drinks) and wondered how soon we could return... 

The Bay Leaf also offers its meals as takeaways, has a daily Homemade Meals option, serves a full roast Sunday lunch and offers breakfast every day until 11a.m. Contact your host, Maria Pereira, on: 041 466 2109