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- We had brunch at Alto234 on the 57th floor of the Leonardo in Sandton, the tallest building in Africa.
- Joburg weather was on its worst behaviour, but the cocktails made up for it.
- The cinnamon milk tart remains unforgettable.
- For more lifestyle news, go to the News24 Life front page.
Johannesburg weather can be unforgiving, and it knows how to interrupt a good time. On this particular day, arguably one of the coldest mornings this winter, the weather was on its worst behaviour.
"Friend, wear the warmest coat you have," I begged my friend, who was my date. We had plans to grab brunch at Alto234 on the 57th floor of the Leonardo in Sandton, the tallest building in Africa.
The bar's name is derived from the Latin word for height (Alto), and 234 represents its height in metres.
Brunch, including mimosas, is currently the trendiest ritual for us Joburgers. And if you know me, where there is champagne, you won't have to ask me twice.
Upon arrival, just before getting out of the car, the manager at the bar called with a friendly reminder to bring something warm. I appreciated the courtesy call, but it made me nervous, feeling like we were heading to a butcher's freezer.
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I was conflicted for a moment, not knowing whether to ask for coffee to be warm or a glass of "champers", before going up to the windy floor. "Yoh!" I found myself saying in shock once we stepped out of the elevator on the 57th floor.
My worries suddenly multiplied, and I even questioned if my wig would betray me and fly off or if the wind had snatched it away like thieves in the Joburg CBD. It was cold, but the enthusiast in me was committed to the process.
Seconds later, I spotted a Moët mini-vending machine on my right, and my heart smiled. Champagne does that to me. Our waiter ushered us to our seats, where we took in the breathtaking view of Johannesburg. Before we could get comfortable, we stood in awe of how beautiful it looked, and how small the other Sandton buildings looked from up there.
We were handed two blankets each while our waiter switched on the heater, ensuring we were comfortable. My BFF and I soon adjusted to the temperature and started catching up over the brunch menu. It costs R645 per person, while entrance to the bar is R300 each and half price for children between 2- 12 years old.
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We ordered savoury and sweet brunch offerings from the menu, while toasting to our Sunday brunch. What stood out was the harissa chicken thighs with candied bacon, and the delicious lentil and black bean chilli roll.
On the sweet side, the cinnamon milk tart and blueberry scone had my heart. When the food came, the small portions had my stomach growling. "Is that all?" I politely asked the waiter, who laughed as he nodded. I enjoyed the savoury bits. I just wish there were more or that the portions were bigger, especially at that price.
But regardless of the cravings, the cocktails at the bar made up for it. What's poppin' and over the edge, to be specific, while immersed in the bar's design inspired by three frameworks - the architectural style of the building, Johannesburg's apartheid and mining history, and its rich vegetation.
I wish this experience could have happened in the summer, where there would be no blankets or heaters keeping us warm.
