What had happened was that we all wanted to share a meal but had trouble choosing the appropriate option. So, we settled upon the half baby chicken with a salad and polenta fries. We added a mushroom risotto just in case the meal didn’t satisfy us enough. Before the waiter placed our meals on the table, I jokingly remarked that our chicken is probably as small as a quail. In all honesty, I should’ve not spoken. The waiter placed our order on the table. We all looked to each in confusion. I genuinely believed we were about to receive more chicken pieces but the waiter said, “enjoy” and left. They weren’t kidding when they said ‘half a baby chicken’. I have really small hands but the chicken was smaller than it. It was about the size of a thigh of a regular chicken, maybe even smaller. The problem was that we were supposed to split this between six people. Luckily, we did order two portions. However, it was still proven to be difficult to split it between three people. What made the situation worse was that the meal alone had cost two hundred and ten rands. Even a millionaire, would question the price. You would hope the flavours of the dish would save it. You’d be wrong as well. The chicken was above average and the side salad saved the dish. The risotto was pretty decent though. We were quite disappointed in our choice of meals but it had not deterred us from enjoying the evening.

As the elevator opens, the restaurant greets you with a subtle warmth. There is a very Instagram-able ‘library’ to the right and the rest of the restaurant to the left. As being a member of ‘Designer Hotels’, the interior design is immaculate. The mixture of bronze, copper and gold with a hint of greenery drizzled throughout the space is sensational. The tables are tiled with blue artwork painted on it. The tables across from the bar were plush green leather. You can feel the luxury of the hotel down to its cutlery.

Gorgeous George’s menu changes throughout the day offering different meals at different times. One of my friends remarked that she completely enjoyed the breakfast menu. During the evening, we were greeted with two forms of selections, ‘Small plates’ and ‘Big plates’. Our waiter explained that you usually order two small plates, or one big plate to create a meal of one. The small plates, which could consist of a variety of meals such as the famous spicy lamb ribs, Korean fried chicken salad and more. The Big plates consisted of a variety of dishes such as duck, chicken, fish and beef. One plate averaging between one hundred and twenty to one hundred and fifty rands. Although we were all students, it wouldn’t have mattered at all. However, once we received our meal the general sense of disappointment was apparent across all of our faces.

If I had to recommend any place in Cape Town, it would be Gorgeous George. It has this alluring factor that can instantly charm any individual. From the moment you first step through the giant glass doors into the jade coloured lobby, you’re suddenly transported into an alternative reality. As you take an elevator to the ‘Gigi Rooftop’ on the sixth floor, the surrounding environment is dark yet enticing.

The second time I visited the hotel was on my 21st birthday. I pre-booked a table for six via the app ‘Dine Plan’. I had to pay a deposit for my booking which was one hundred rands per person attending. As stated earlier, the vibe of the restaurant was slightly different. It was dark and moody and populated with a variety of people. My group and I were placed at the largest table in the restaurant. We were seated in wicker chairs and a table too low to cross our legs. The lighting above us originated from a sculpture of multiple black desk lamps fused into each other. We were also joined by a collection of artwork that portrayed medieval pregnant women with unassuming expressions. We all ordered a variety of alcohol amongst us with me seemingly selecting the most superior drink. The drinks menu is split into a diverse range of options. The cocktail menu was split into signature and regular options. I ordered a drink called ‘The Garden Route’. I thought it would be fitting as I’m always travelling up and down the route. I can only describe the drink as walking across a warm field on a hot summers day as a warm breeze passes over my face. The taste of coriander was a highlight of the drink.

In sum, Gorgeous George is an excellent space to explore. The interior design is stunning, the signature cocktails curated by mixologist, Jody Rahme is divine and certain selections of the menu are jewels. The Gorgeous George Hotel will remain my number one recommendation in Cape Town.

I had the privilege of visiting Gorgeous George twice. Once during the afternoon on a Monday and again on a Sunday night for dinner. The vibe ( and consequently the menu) is crucially different depending on the time of day. During the afternoon, I spent a few hours relaxing with my parents after a spent day of touring. We were greeted with excellent service by the young waiter who was thoughtful and charismatic. My parents had wine while I soaked up the atmosphere. After a while, my father was quite peckish and ordered the Spicy lamb ribs. It is quite a renown dish as it was mentioned in the Inside Guide. My father thoroughly enjoyed too.

I hear summ.