The Star
Little spot
Joburg back to it's glory days
Trevor Pengelly
Tuesday 27 February 2007
One of the first signs that an area is in decline is the condition of the food shops. As the ability to attract the smart set declines, the restaurants close, hastening the departure of economic viability.
This happened to central Joburg where only a few places like The Rand Club and Harrison Street Bar were left. Even fast food shops were like gold nuggets and the safest was probably a Russian and chips from Jose on the corner of Rissik and Marshall; but the sign of quickening pace is the return of smart food shops.
As grime and poverty flee before renewal, and good food returns, those far sighted enough to take advantage of the opportunity are reaping a rich reward, and this process has only just begun. All these shops are bursting with life and vigour. First the Carlton Centre with all the usual food shops, and now the area from Gandhi Square west, down through the old mining houses dotted along Main Street, an attractive, safe and interesting walk, soon to be a tourist route reflecting on Joburg's mining past.
Tired of Rosebank, seen too much of Rivonia Boulevard and Greenside? Then come to Main Street where the finest looking Nando's is next to Cappello's with its trendy musical street vibe. You will be surprised.