We seem to have been eating at The Oyster Box Hotel quite a lot recently, so decided that before we leave here, we should pay a visit to our second favourite restaurant, ‘The Sugar Club’ at the Beverly Hills Hotel, right next door.
We haven’t been there for a couple of years, but have great memories of live music, a great menu which always included a divine Lobster Bisque, and their ‘pièce de résistance, Crêpes Suzette made and flambéed at the table by the Maître d’. I was so looking forward to ordering both these dishes.
When hubby phoned to book for Friday evening, he asked if there would be live music, and after being told that they only have it on Saturdays now, he changed the booking accordingly, and stipulated that we would like a table near the piano.
I have played this piano a couple of times as a stand in for the regular pianist, but alas, this time no musician turned up. We hoped he was just running late, but as the evening wore on, it was obvious that there would be no live music. The Lobster Bisque had also disappeared from the menu, so we both settled for fresh pear and gorgonzola salad with crispy proscuitto. It was delicious.
Although the food was excellent, the usual ambience was sadly missing. The lady on the desk asked us if everything was to our liking, so I confessed that I was really disappointed about the music. She apologised, and said that the previous evening they’d had a really good duo who played and sang until 10-30pm. I said that if we hadn’t been told that there was only music on a Saturday, we would have been there to enjoy it. After our main course, we ordered dessert, and whilst we were waiting, Tony the chef appeared, and came over for a chat.
After we’d exchanged life histories, he also apologised for the lack of live music, and said that to recompense us, our desserts would be on the house. That did cheer us up somewhat. What a nice gesture! He said that they’d changed the menu the previous weekend, so I missed out on the Crêpes Suzette by a few days. I compromised with this ‘White Chocolate Sphere’, and every spoonful was absolutely heavenly. You know when you really want something to never end? Well this was one of those times.
Tony had disappeared in the direction of the bar, and soon returned with two glasses of Moët et Chandon, which was another nice touch.
Salut!
On the way out, we noticed in the foyer, that there was a huge bottle on display, so I’m sure that our two tipples didn’t even make a dent.
I really wouldn’t have minded taking a few of these orchids home with me, though.
This is our last weekend living here in Umhlanga. End of an era really, and it’s only fitting that it should end with a celebration. Tomorrow we’ll be off up the hill for BiL’s 60th Birthday lunch. So much eating going on. Last night we were at a dinner party with friends, and on Sunday evening we’ve booked at ‘Angelo’s’, our favourite Italian restaurant ever. Better to go out with a bang than a whimper; don’t you agree?
Wishing you all a great weekend, and don’t eat too much. 🙂
anotherdayinparadise 
Pulling up roots is noet easy, but can be turned into a delight. Happy replanting.
Thanks so much, newsy. 🙂
Pity about the music. But their thoughtful extras must have made up for it. You do say goodbye in style Sylvia 🙂
Thanks, Madhu. Yes the gorgeous free desserts did make up for the lack of music. 🙂
Times are changing and the attempt to refresh memories is often lacking. Still, nice people tried to make that goodbye more memorable for you. I miss seeing you by the piano Sylvia. Were you tempted to give your musical exit?
Thanks, Paula. No I wasn’t tempted to give a free recital. I was there to eat and chat. 🙂
🙂
So wonderful to still be creating memories as you prepare to leave. 🙂
Yes it is, RoSy. Tomorrow we leave here, but part of my heart will stay behind. 🙂
Thought the night didn’t go completely as planned, I do think it speaks volumes about the establishment that they responded so quickly to your comments. Tony, the chef, did try to make amends and it sounds like your evening ended on a high note. That dessert would heal many wounds. 🙂
Yes, that dessert was a perfect consolation prize. 🙂
Ahh…sorry about the let-downs Sylvia, but even though you didn’t get the dishes you hoped for what you did have looks and sounds absolutely delicious. Nice touch with the bubbly too, love the happy pics! That is annoying about the music though. Still, you can leave with happy memories as you look forward to your new start. I don’t blame you getting in all your favourite dining before you leave and I hope you had a wonderful time at every one, and birthday celebrations too! Sounds like the perfect weekend 🙂 xx
Thanks so much, Sherri. Yes, we did have a wonderful weekend, with lots of great food and fun family times too. 🙂 xx
😀
Though it didn’t go as originally planned, I think all’s well that ends well. Especially ending with that dessert! Yum!
P. S. I was expecting to read that you took over on the piano! Did the thought cross your mind?
😀
Yes, the dessert absolutely scrumptious, Gemma. No, I didn’t for one moment think about getting on that piano stool. I was a paying guest, and didn’t need to sing or play for my supper. 🙂
I see your point. Their loss. 😉
It sounds like your ending an era in style with wonderful food and friends. Now it will be on to a new adventure and a new home waiting for you to fix and make your own.
Thanks, Karen. Yes, a new adventure beckons, so “off with the old and on with the new!” 🙂
Such a wonderful evening… love the white grand piano… 🙂
Yes it was, and the piano looks more lovely than it actually sounds. I remember that when I played it, it needed tuning. 🙂
mmm mm and mmm – there is a lot of eating going on – looks like a great place and while I do not like lobster all that much – I enjoy lobster bisque if it is made right – and even if you did not have any – at least you had some “Moët et Chandon” – and funny but I was just thinking about the first time I tried this – it was in the early 1990’s when I worked at a comedy club – and guess what? They had the jumbo bottles on display too – like in your photo –
anyhow, best wishes at the b-day lunch – and I like your heart necklace.
Definitely too much deliciousness going on in my life at the moment, Yvette. Thanks for your comment about my necklace. It was an anniversary present from hubby. It’s called a ‘journey pendant’ because the diamonds are set in a graduated sequence mirroring how love grows over time. 🙂
That was a lovely gesture ad. Your last weekend there, but also a happy new start. I am so grateful for the internet ad, otherwise I would be very sad to not have you as a bloggy friend ❤
Thanks so much, Hopestar. Yes, I’m also happy that we can always keep in touch. We’ve been ‘together’ a long time. 🙂 xx
❤
A wonderful way to end this era, Sylvia. Food and time with friends help. Sorry there was no music. Right now, I am eating my way around Paris and I am sure to gain weight. 🙂
Oh, how wonderful, Lynne! Love French cuisine. Enjoy. 🙂 xx
I hope you’re enjoying your final weekend there!
Thanks so much. Yes, I am. 🙂
All that amazing food and drink and still looking slim and lovely, Sylvia. How do you do it?
I do my best to strike a happy medium, Carol. Today at BiL’s 60th, there were so many delicious temptations. I just couldn’t resist. I think that if I was ever going to put on weight, it would have happened before now, so fingers crossed. 😀
Send some thin vibes my way Sylvia. Am battling spare tyre since leaving my own kitchen in June. 😂
Sending thin vibes your way, Carol. Don’t eat them. 🙂
Hahaha! 😄
What a dreamy place! It reminds me in a sense of some of the romantic hotels in Havana, Cuba.
It is a very grand old hotel. It’s in need of a bit of refurbishment now, as I’m sure the ones in Havana are. 🙂
This post touched my heart … I enjoyed your text so much … And of course your photos …
I must say, you are a stunning woman in so many ways … And you and Hubby ended this era with style … Even if it did not turned out to be the way you have been looking forward to at the restaurant …
A new era is starting now … Looking forward to follow it …
Hugs to you … // Maria 🙂
Thanks so much for your lovely comment, Maria. Yes, the evening did turn out fine after all, and it also gave me a story to tell. I’m excited about our new era. Off with the old and on with the new. 🙂 Hugs to you and Yarri. xx
Savor your last weekend Sylvia. 🙂
I am doing just that, LuAnn. The 60th party was such a lot of fun today. 🙂
Sounds like a nice sendoff, you should have jumped in and played a couple tunes. Have a great rest of the weekend..:-)
Yes, it was a pleasant evening. I kept quiet about the fact that had played there a few times in the past. I was there to eat, not to entertain the other diners. 🙂
What a great evening, Sylvia. Pity about the live music, but the staff seemed very friendly and down-to-earth. I supposed that more than made up for it. I love that pan-fire shot – that flame is humongous!
Yes it was a lovely evening, Mabel. I agree that the flame is rather huge. He was extremely generous with the Grand Marnier. 🙂
I have been away for a few weeks in the Scottish Highlands – in and out of WIFI! Great to be back and read your posts. 🙂
That sounds like a wonderful trip, Rebecca. Nice to see you pop up here again. xx 🙂
The story has a little of sadness of leaving. Especially, something was missing (music) as well. The desserts on the house and the drinks that felt better 🙂
Thanks, YC. Yes, the free desserts and champagne certainly perked up the occasion. 🙂
I was sure that you were going to tell us that they asked you to get up from your lovely dinner and play the piano for your meal. But no… a free dessert, and again I just wonder, wonder, wonder where you put it all? Do you take a bite, and hide the rest under the table cloth? Do you send the calories across the internet to flow from my keyboard into my tummy? hmmmmm. And I thought we were good friends! ;|
I’ll let you into my secret, Marsha……….I have hollow legs. 😀 Seriously though, I think I just have lucky genes. I’m so glad I take after my mom’s side of the family. My dad was slim, but his sisters were huge.
My dad was downright skinny, but Mom, not so much. The women on both sides are plump to huge. I’m lucky to be pleasantly plump. I was skinny, though until I was 45 or so. So plumpish is still frustrating when I used to have hollow legs. My legs filled in! 🙂 Now my stomach has filled in. I’m still waiting… 🙂
Far too much information, Marsha. 😀
sorry! You can delete it. It’s not a “big” deal! 🙂
It sounds like you’ll eat enough for me Sylvia, enjoy 🙂
I think I did, Gilly. Too much deliciousness today. 🙂
What a beautiful environment to eat in. Such a pity you missed the live music.
Thanks, Colline. Yes it is a lovely restaurant, and the desserts and champagne were good compensation for the lack of music. 🙂
Wunderschön wünsche ein gutes Wochenende lieber Gruß Gislinde
Thanks so much, Gislinde. Happy weekend to you. xx 🙂
A happy ending music or not, so wonderful (so wonderful captures too) – best wishes… 🙂
Thanks, Drake. Yes, a very happy ending. 🙂
Wish you a lot of pleasure this last days.
Thanks, Marylou. 🙂
Wishing you all the very best on this your final weekend. Definitely celebrate every moment and I look forward to tales from your next chapter.
Thanks, Sue. The weekend is going really well, apart from some sad goodbyes to loved ones, for a while.
I am sure it is hard to say goodbye. Wishing you all the best and sending a hug across the miles.
Thanks, Sue. That hug is so welcome. xx
🙂
Best wishes.
Thanks so much, Cathy. 🙂
Scrolling down reading, I thought you were going to play the piano! This post would had been awful if not for those seriously, seriously very scrumptious food. 😉 Time for lunch for me. See yah!
The evening did turn out rather well after all, Rommel. 🙂
Fantastic celebration Sylvia, enjoy it! 🙂 Amazing photos! Have a great weekend too.
Thanks so much, DellaAnna. The evening turned out well in the end. 🙂
another wonderful celebration sans music, Sylvia! best wishes for the future! 🙂
Thanks so much, Lola. 🙂
Ah, yes, but you have the music of love!!!! What a romantic celebration, Sylvia! 🙂 xx
Yes, that’s so true, Marina. 🙂 xx
I’m getting a bittersweet feeling here as you pile on memories to take with you into your next chapter. But your heron awaits your return! 😀
Thanks for reminding me of Mr GBH, Gunta. Yes, there have been a lot of ‘au revoirs’ lately.
Very nice pictures, looked like a great celebration! 🙂
Do you do much travelling – have you been to S.America?
Hope all is well, great blog you have here!
Thanks, Zach. Yes, we do travel quite a lot, and have definitely been to South America. We did a round the world trip which took in Brazil, Bolivia and Peru. Machu Picchu is one of the most awesome places I’ve ever visited.
Looks suitably posh Sylvia! 🙂
Very suitably, Adrian. 😀
Started reading with misgiving, but I’m glad it turned out to be another memorable meal. (In a good way.)
Thanks, El G. I sometimes think that my blog seems to be all about meals I have eaten. Hopefully I’ll soon be back to the birds in Florida. 🙂
The food looks divine. I’m alway saying.. after this weekend, after this trip, after.. that’s when eating will return to normal. Challenging! Happy and safe travels.
Thanks so much for the good wishes, Lisa. Yes, not much chance of cutting down on the calories just yet. We go up to our daughter’s in Johannesburg next week. She cooks like a dream, and I know she also has a few restaurant visits lined up too. *sigh*
Don’t eat too much, she says while shoveling it in, just shoveling it in! But then there is nothing like shoveling it in at hotels, just shoveling it in. To misquote someone who messed up boats or something.
Have an hilarious weekend and the rest of the week.
Thanks, kragenhai. If we’re on the same wavelength, I will tell you that I was Toad in the school production, not Mr Rat. 😀
Oh la la…this is the way to go.
The only way, Laurie. 🙂
Happy new beginnings, Sylvia. 🙂
Thanks so much, Imelda. 🙂