The Bag Lady

This week The Bag Lady shopped at Biggie Best and popped into Pinch of Thyme in Tulip Garden Centre.

October 30, 2016

Julie Maule 3 minutes read

Seven weeks…and counting, and looking around the shops you’ll be hard pushed to buy any Christmas gifts under R100 this year! I think useful gifts will be very much on readers’ wish lists, with clothing being quite high on the list. Teens love new clothes and adults too and with clothing prices escalating I think an item of clothing will be very well received.

I’ve checked out quite a few stores this past week and even T-shirts are retailing over R100. You won’t find many other tops/blouses under R350, dresses (you can buy the little cotton sleeveless dresses at Woolworths for R250 upwards) are over R450 and trousers about the same with jackets over R700. Shoes are also becoming pricey and most range from R399 to R800. Being well dressed these days is going to cost, so look out for styles which won’t date and rather invest in a few really well-made, well-cut items which will last for a few seasons.

Introducing Biggie Best

Have you visited the “new” Biggie Best at Mall of the South, rooftop, opposite Mythos restaurant? What a beautiful shop, managed by Rochelle le Roux who is also an interior decorator and can assist you with consultations and quotes as well as offering you a full decorating service. The store is stocked with gorgeous furnishings, including couches, wing back chairs, beds and bed heads, light fittings, soft furnishings (cushions with feather inners) and crockery and glass wear. I always used to be a fan of Biggie Best way back when it was all about floral fabric but now the fabrics are bang up to date in gorgeous colours, creams, rose pinks, blues, greens and peach tones. It’s open from Monday to Saturday from 09:00 to 19:00 and Sunday from 09:00 to 17:00. A definite ‘must shop’. Phone 010 003 8693.

Take ‘thyme’ out

Owned by Clinton Basel and Kleon Papadakis, Pinch of Thyme situated in Tulip Garden Centre, (previously Leeways) Rifle Range Road, Haddon, has had a revamp and is looking, well, good enough to eat!

I love the way it’s super-hot outside but because the whole garden area is shaded, a gentle breeze still makes you feel relaxed enough to sit a while and enjoy a delicious breakfast, lunch and coffee and cakes. The food has a Mediterranean flavour but you can still buy all your favourites, burgers, chicken schnitzel, salads, Lebanese pies, pregos, as well as other tasty options, and on a Sunday there’s a full carvery. Fully licensed, unlimited Wi-Fi and children eat free as long as parents are eating and drinking. Dads won’t miss out on the sport either as there’s a TV screen. When the heat is on, you can enjoy a Summer Crushes drink, so refreshing or go all out and try a delectable cocktail.

This is a real family restaurant with a fabulous safe play area. There’s a childminder who is always there to keep a watchful eye on your little ones, while you can relax and enjoy your meal, and, apart from the play area which will keep them amused, on weekends either Minnie Mouse, Sponge Bob or Barney will be there to entertain them on and off and treasure hunts are organised. Just the thing for busy kiddies!

Available for private parties (children’s birthdays, kitchen teas, baby showers, and all décor can be provided). Open every day from 08:30 to 17:00 (kitchen closes at 16:30). It’s a wonderful family restaurant to spend ‘thyme’, enjoying super hospitality, delicious food and great prices. Phone 011 434 3246 for bookings.