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65 on Main Restaurant in Cape Town
The newbie on the Green Point block: a stylish daytime spot to wine and dine
Everything about 65 on Main, the new Green Point eatery that opened in the streetside spot where the much-loved Miss K once sat, is a reflection of its instantly likeable owner, the young Whitney Wentzel.
From the feminine butterfly logo that mirrors her own metamorphosis in the hospitality industry to the simple, cream décor that captures her calm, controlled manner, the casual space personifies the determined 25-year-old in its every facet and feature.
And really, considering owning a restaurant has been a dream of Whitney’s since she was a young girl, it’s no wonder that when she was given the chance to turn this vision into a reality, she resolved to create a place that is so distinctly her.
Inspired by years spent watching her mother, an avid entertainer, wine and dine crowds, the fresh-faced local went on to gain skills at the Cape Town Hotel School’s Granger Bay campus and has since honed them at renowned institutions like the Taj Cape Town and Zimbali in Durban. But the desire she’d always had to be the captain of her own little venture soon became too strong to ignore, and so, in early August 2013, Whitney launched her cherished 65 on Main.
“We serve sexy food,” explains the spirited founder. “It’s the sort of food that bursts in your mouth, that puts a smile on your face from the minute you see it to the moment you’re done clearing your plate.”
The focus is firmly on fresh, free-range and organic produce, and passersby can make themselves at home amidst the warm ambience (there’s also free Wi-fi) and tuck into everything from an early-morning bite (think eggs benedict, a croque monsieur, flapjacks and more served all day every day) or tasty lunchtime sandwich to a satisfying dinner, sinful dessert or create-your-own tapas platter (complete with pita, dips, cheeses, chicken wings and other scrumptious morsels). Plus, while there are a number of meat and seafood options on the bill, like the popular Loin of Beef or Smoked Salmon with Salsa Verde, the menu also features a selection of vegan alternatives, such as a Cape Malay Lentil Curry, Chickpea and Lentil Salad, and vegetarian pasta (all meals are available as takeaways and can be delivered via Mr. Delivery).
Kiddies are catered for too with both a small children’s offering – it includes the usual suspects like chicken nuggets with fries and mac and cheese – and a play area at the back of the trendy eatery.
Strictly for the adults though, there are also Cuban cigars, a diverse array of quality local wines (Whitney’s favourites, of course), three Mzansi MCCs and three French Champagnes (Veuve Clicquot Brut, Veuve Clicquot Rosé and Moët & Chandon; all will be available by the glass soon). What’s more, the intimate café also mixes up a medley of heavenly classic and designer cocktails, like a Blue Margarita and Watermelon and Mint Daiquiri, that are priced at R65 for two after 12pm daily until the end of January 2014.
In other words, and as the restaurant’s catchphrase, “where food meets pleasure”, emphasises, customers are invited to derive as much enjoyment from their experience at 65 on Main as young Whitney did from piecing the place together.
Tip: In the future, 65 on Main will play host to lazy Sunday sessions and invite Capetonians eager to see out the weekend in style to relax on its streetside patio while DJs spin chilled-out tunes. Plus, on a different note, those hosting a function should keep the restaurant in mind – it’s open to catering for outside events.
The Bill: Prices at 65 on Main are very fair. Breakfasts go for between R20 and R58, tapas range from R8 to R35 an option, lunch dishes sit between R45 and R65, mains are priced from R52 to R130 and desserts average around R55. On the drinks side, cocktails will set you back between R34 and R60 (remember it’s two for R65 after 12pm daily), wines by the bottle range from R95 to R590, MCCs go for between R200 and R220 and Champagnes are all below R850 per bottle.
Opening Hours: Sunday – Wednesday: 7am – 5pm; Thursday – Saturday: 7am – 11pm (subject to change)
65 Main Road | Green Point | Cape Town | +27 (0) 21 439 9559
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Read about another Green Point newbie, Cabrito Bar in Cape Town.
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