Why? You just have to read part 2 to find out. *wink*
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Now, Bloemfontein is dry. No, like, I'm serious. So damn dry. In every way. It's only in Bloem that you really learn to appreciate water. Water is the greatest gift from God, never forget that. And you know what else is a great gift from God? Jagerbombs!
Of all shots, Jagerbombs have a special place in my heart. So does Bloemfontein. In this amalgamation of a travel guide, things to do list and travel diary (And alcohol guide?), I'm going to give you my insider look into some cities and towns I've recently visited in South Africa. First of all, is the city of roses, Bloemfontein.
I for one have no idea why it's called the city of roses. That nickname makes me picture romantic dates where Bae takes me to a spot overlooking the city skyline and picks me roses from the side of the road. Nah fam, that hasn't happened even once! In all my time in Bloem, I've never seen a goddamn rose. What Bloem does have an abundance of though, is Spur restaurants. I swear there's a Spur every 500 meters. It should really be called City of Spurs.
PLACES TO EAT LIKE A SAVAGE
I've been fortunate enough to try most of the restaurants in town (Cook? Never, in what world do students cook.) Here are some that stood out for me.
These are my date night picks:
- LONGHORN GRILL : I first came across Longhorn Grill on the Best of Bloem website. They were on fire, winning 2 awards - best steak restaurant and best restaurant for a business lunch. Obviously I wanna try the best of the best so I made a reservation. I had the rump steak with the grill house special topping. THE BEST STREAK EVER. Dayyyym. (http://www.longhorngrill.co.za)
- NEW YORK RESTAURANT : I was driving through second avenue one night and this mega fancy looking place caught my eye. Now I like living that boujee life as much as the next girl so I made a mental note to come back here when I'm wearing an instagram worthy outfit and have the perfect cat eye. On one such date night I made my way to New York Restaurant. That ambiance though. The place is absolutely stunning and I would definitely recommend it to anyone celebrating an anniversary. Romantic AF. (http://newyorkrestaurant.co.za/)
- AVANTI : The first time I went to Avanti was a freezing cold day in winter last year. I wore my uggs and like 247 layers of clothes and the way I was craving pasta yo. I wasn't going to cook it myself obviously, so I tried out Avanti on 2nd Avenue. First of all, the service I got there was ah-may-zing and I probably ended up going there over 5 times soon after. Their chicken ravioli tastes like it's been made by the pasta Gods! (http://www.avantirestaurant.co.za)
These are my casual dining picks:
There are SO MANY awesome, casual restaurants in town. A few of my favorites include: The LBow Room restaurant in Langenhoven Park (http://thelbowroom.co.za), Rocomama's in Langenhoven Park (www.rocomamas.com/restaurant/bloemfontein/langenhoven-park), and EuroCaffe at Mimosa Mall (http://www.eurocaffe.co.za).
Some honorary mentions would be Kyber, the Indian restaurant at Brandwag centre, and the Asian restaurant at Windmill Casino (I forgot the name, oops). AND of course Spur, because Bloem has so many of them and they all are pretty damn awesome.
TIP: The wifi struggle is so real and pretty much all these places have wifi so ASK FOR THAT WIFI PASSWORD, BOO.
That covers food, now what about drinks? JAGERBOMBS! JK. There are lots of cute cafes and places to get milkshakes around town.
My favorite of all these places is Bobs Peanut Butter Shack. Whether you're craving a jalapeño and chocolate milkshake, a salted caramel popcorn milkshake or even a coffee and bacon milkshake, Bobs has it all! Tbh I'm slightly addicted to Bobs and even did the milkshake challenge (16 milkshakes in 3 months). The actual place is so unique and just too cute!
If you're all for that fit life, Kauai in Loch Logan Waterfront is the place to be. If you're Team Coffee, Amici also in Loch Logan Waterfront will satisfy all your caffeinated desires (And they have the best Chai Latte's in town!). And if you're all alcohol all day everyday, Goose and Hound in Universitas will make you happy (It's also so close to campus! Midday shots, anyone?).
Sigh. There we have it, a complete guide to all my favorite restaurants in Bloemfontein (What can I say, I'm a bit of a foodie). So go fought into the world (Into town?) and eat like a goddamn savage.
Next week it'll be all about things to do in, places to go to and some of my favorite moments in the City of Roses (Most of which included Jagerbomb *wink*). Tune in next week!
Next week it'll be all about things to do in, places to go to and some of my favorite moments in the City of Roses (Most of which included Jagerbomb *wink*). Tune in next week!
Haha, I love the bit about the City of Roses and City of Spurs. I do wonder why it's called the City of Roses.
ReplyDeleteI have never been to Bloem but I would like to explore it some day. I really want to try the coffee in a cone though! I am also reading GirlBoss too, yay!
ReplyDeletex Rivania | The Glam Unicorn
Bloemfontein was known for its rose gardens. There was one behind the waterfront, Oliewnhuis and Orchid house was also full of roses at some time. But due to the lack of rain, everything pretty much dried up and died. Anywaaaay, I love this post, can't wait to try some of them out too! I have to agree with you about Bob's, its absolutely one of my favorite milkshake joints! Thanks Asha, can't wait to read part 2 !!
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