This week we bring you news of a new restaurant in Joburg's swishy Melrose Arch, and sadly report on some recent restaurant closures in Cape Town.  Also, we're still on the hunt for the country's most popular curry restaurants. Have you voted for your favourite yet?
	The search is still on for SA's favourite curry restaurants - vote now.
	New restaurant in Joburg: Mangiare
	Recent restaurant closures
	Win an Alchemy of Gold brandy tasting kit
The Mother City is bracing herself for a massive storm this weekend, and forecasters predict a rather chilly 16 degrees for Johannesburg. Heat up at one of these cosy venues with fireplaces: Cape Town: Greens on Park Jonkershuis Poplars Rioja Johannesburg and Pretoria: Browns La Rustica Die Werf

There is nothing quite like a tot of brandy to warm your soul, especially on these recent chilly nights. Well, to tell you the truth, mine was actually at 10am yesterday morning. I was hosted by Alchemy of Gold as I learnt the art of appreciating a selection of fine brandies.

There are many different aspects to tasting brandy – like the flavours, colours and smells you need to look out for. From golden amber with pear aromas and coffee and almond tones, to rich gold full of hazelnuts and silky chocolate. Though it is in true South African style, drinking brandy isn’t just about brandy and Coke (although I must confess I do love one now and then). Brandy can be enjoyed as a cocktail infused with granadilla, berries, honey and basil.

I had a chance to do a bit of mixing myself and made quite a tasty brandy smoothie using Klipdrift Gold, vanilla, cream and chocolate. It was really good and could be an indulgent after-breakfast treat – at the weekend! I can’t help thinking of the brandy and Coke ice cream I once tasted and it’s got me yearning to make a good old-fashioned brandy tart again.

We’ve had a tremendous response to the Best of Seafood spots in our eatout.co.za poll, and those results will be on the Eat Out website at the end of May, as a digital magazine.

Our next themed poll is Best of Curry, so let us know where your favourite bunny chows, rotis and curries can be found.

Happy eating

Abigail
Eat Out Editor