Editorial Festive Wishes

This month we're earlier, hoping to catch readers who might be going away.  If we're already too late for you, sorry! –Read us in the New Year.  Speaking of which,

If you celebrate Christmas, Chanukah, ChriFSMas, Yule, Holidays, Mawlid an-Nabi, the Solstice, the Festive Season, Kwanzaa, or the New Year: Have a Great Time, and stay safe!

In fact, "Best Wishes" to all, and "Best Witches" to the Wiccans.

Odd Jobs

"Ignorami": People whose brains are made of folded paper --Sue de Groot, "The Pedant Class", Sunday Times, 19 June.

Rivonia Oriental City Revisited

We recently revisited Rivonia Oriental City.  Things have noticeably got worse.  Parking, long free, is now also uncontrolled, with the booms just standing open.  The lift next to the parking and the mall entrance is out of order.  Inside, the number of empty shops can only be described as carnage (see Cleared for Departure below).  The Slug and Lettuce Restaurant, which we left in disgust –never to return– because of the smoke and management's attitude thereto, has, probably deservedly, died.  It has been replaced by a middle-Eastern restaurant named Shaam.  Whether pronounced "Sham" or "Shame", it did not bode well, and they were unable to give us even a telephone number!

Even Truworths has given up the fight.  Of the original shops when Rivonia Square became Oriental City, only the Post Office remains.  Oh, and the Planet Fitness gym upstairs.

However, the centre is fighting back with new developments: "The Lofts" at Oriental City, a sectional title development of 95 Units from R855,600 including VAT (no transfer duty). It claims to have an option for guaranteed 2-year rental, lifestyle amenities, and gym access, with occupation end 2016. The other fun installation is Superkart Indoor Go-Kart Racing, in the Level 1 (bottom) parking. They have racing options from R80 (5 min) to R270 (20 min), party packages, team building and other activities.

New on the Block, Movers and Shakers  Back to top

• Fego Caffé has become Cafeum Diem, Shop 09, Lower Level in Morning Glen Mall – Directly outside Pick 'n Pay: beverages, light meals, snacks and desserts. Supervised kiddies play park.
• Lindsay Saker has become Hatfield VW Rivonia, Central in Rivonia Area Shops – Large Volkswagen dealer and workshop, opposite Rivonia Square on 9th Avenue and 337 Rivonia Boulevard. Used Volkswagen MasterCars.
• Nedbank Woodmead & ATMs, Shop 19, South Wing in Woodmead Retail Park – branch moved from Morning Glen Mall and opened on 1 December 2016. Open Mon & Fri 08:30-16:00, Tue-Thu 09:00-16:00, Sat 08:30-12:00.
• WOW Junction, Shop 09, Ground in Rivonia Village – Electronics, gadgets, accessories, leather brands, decor and exclusive crockery. Everything is good quality and good value for money.
• Triumph Bra Outlet Woodmead, Shop 72, North Wing in Woodmead Retail Park – Lingerie Shop: Branded brassieres and panties.
• Kingsleys Laundromat & Dry Cleaners, Shop G16, Upper Level in The Square Sunninghill – Laundry and dry cleaning. Open daily including 08:00-15:00 on Sundays.
• Bamboo Thai, Upper Level in The Square Sunninghill – Take away, restaurant. Thai, Chinese, sushi. Catering for private functions and office parties. Open every day 10:30-20:30.
• Domino's Pizza Sunninghill, Upper Level in The Square Sunninghill – Wide variety of pizzas: Three choices of bases, many standard pizzas or design your own; drinks and dips. Free delivery in 30 minutes. Open 10:00-22:00 every day.
• Superkart Racing Indoor GoKarting, Lower Level in Rivonia Oriental City – In Level 1 (bottom) parking. Open Tues-Fri 12:00-19:00, Sat 10:00-19:00, Sun & Holidays 11:00-17:00. Menu of racing options from R80 (5 min) to R270 (20 min), party packages, team building.
• Shaam, GA01, Restaurant in Rivonia Oriental City – Arabian food. Syrian cuisine. Shawarma. Kebabs. "Arabian braai". Halal. Replaced The Slug and Lettuce.
• Nail Stop Bar, Shop GB12, Ground in Rivonia Oriental City – Handbags and luggage.
• Cell Stop, Shop GC05, Ground in Rivonia Oriental City – Cell phone and computer sales, repairs, accessories. Water damage, screen problems, all hardware and software. LG, Samsung, Blackberry, etc.
• Kelitina Spa Health Club & Beauty Salon, Shop GC01, Ground in Rivonia Oriental City – Face care, nanometre steam room, body slimming, cupping (for putative weight loss), professional nail bar, hairdressing.
• Pei Light House, Shop GB10, Ground in Rivonia Oriental City – Lights and chandeliers.
• Décor Studio, Shop GB01/02, Ground in Rivonia Oriental City – Make up curtains and blinds. Do upholstery. Wall paper, furniture, lighting, flooring, other interior décor accessories.
• May Omo Kitchen, Shop GB03, Ground in Rivonia Oriental City – African foods.
• May Omo, Shop GB04, Ground in Rivonia Oriental City – African and English ladieswear.
• Portable Shades of Beauty, Shop 15, Upstairs in 90° on Rivonia – Hair and Beauty Salon. Open every day 08:00-21:00.
• Luigi's Ristorante has become Danilo's Ristorante Italiano in Riverclub Shopping Centre – Restaurant: Italian cuisine and warm Italian hospitality.

Restaurant Reviews by Judith Back to top

***** Danilo's, Riverclub Shopping Centre, 17 Poplar Avenue, River Club

Not been into Riverside for a long time and found that Luigi's restaurant has been replaced by Danilo's.  The menu is pricey but the results were excellent.  The fish and chips arrived with really crispy chips! This was a first and appreciated by my companion.  The Gooseberry Sauvignon Blanc was excellent and well priced.  Ice was freely available on a very hot day.  My Calamari Siciliana was wonderful.  Can recommend highly.

Contact Details for Danilo's Ristorante Italiano.

Funny Language, English...

The rich and famous of Gujarat?

–That must be the Gujarati glitterati!

Cleared for Departure:  Back to top

• The Slug and Lettuce, GA01 in Rivonia Oriental City – cor. Rivonia Boulevard and Ninth Street. Restaurant, upscale Pub & social café in the flavour of a London pub, with smoky atmosphere to match.
• Truworths and Truworths Man, Shop GB09 in Rivonia Oriental City – Ladies' and Men's Fashion, and some wearable clothes.
• Funky Fish, Shop 76 in Woodmead Retail Park – Specialized gifts. Fashion accessories, teddy bears, kids accessories, slippers, winter socks. Was in North Wing.
• Sandton Video, Shop 2 in Riverclub Shopping Centre – Video hire
• Evolved Mind and Body Worx, Shop 3 in Riverclub Shopping Centre – Personal life coach. Sports massage, treatment for cycling and running, whole body treatment. Reflexology. Pedicures.
• Neda Hair and Beauty in 90° on Rivonia – Threading, hair treatment, hair colour, hairstyling: hair cut, blow dry, ladies' styling; skin and body treatments, massage, ear candle.
• Scooters Pizza in The Square Sunninghill – Pizza, pizone, subs, combos, desserts, soft drinks.
• Happy Valley Chinese Restaurant in The Square Sunninghill – Lestaulant and Take-Away. Soup, spling lolls, plawn with flied lice, chicken, beef, pork, duck, fish, chow mein flied noodles, vegetalian, Thai foods, Japanese menu, sushi.
• JJ Gift, Shop GC06 in Rivonia Oriental City – Chinese Jewellery Shop.
• JJ Bridal , Shop GB10 in Rivonia Oriental City – Very Chinese bridal shop. No English spoken, but money talks.
• Exclusive Men's Clothing, Shop GE01-02 in Rivonia Oriental City.
• Little Sheep Supermarket, Shop GB10 in Rivonia Oriental City – Chinese Supermarket, not much English spoken.
• Little Sheep Restaurant, Shop GA03 in Rivonia Oriental City – "the joy of sharing" a Chinese hotpot may not be appreciated by all Westerners.
• Milan's Italy, Shop GB12 in Rivonia Oriental City – Handbags and jewellery.
• Tall $wagger.com, Shop GB13 in Rivonia Oriental City – Local Hip Hop Shop: Men's clothes, hats, tops, shoes.
• Issue, Shop GB15B in Rivonia Oriental City – Ladieswear. Chinese Sports Clothing Store. Next to the Slug and Lettuce.
• Bestwish Home, Shop GB01-02 in Rivonia Oriental City – Bedding, Furniture. Opposite Slug and Lettuce.
• Immense Sky Trading, Shop L02 in Rivonia Oriental City – Dresses, toys, games, balls, party hats, headphones.
• Chic Fashion, Shop L15 in Rivonia Oriental City – men's and ladies bags and shoes.
• Yin Ying Fashion, Shop L24 in Rivonia Oriental City – Ladies fashion and shoes.
• Babe & Baby, Shop L09 in Rivonia Oriental City – Fashion retail: Ballet dresses for little girls, ladies' fashion.
• Happy Toys, Shop L05 in Rivonia Oriental City – (Not toys) Cosmetics and accessories.
• TAC Discounters, Shop GE06-12 in Rivonia Oriental City – Wholesale prices on dry foodstuffs, kitchenware, handbags, appliances, electronic equipment, and much more.
• Beyond, Shop GC19-20 in Rivonia Oriental City – Ladies' and men's shoes,  Inside TAC Discounters.
• Evening Dress Shop, Shop GC21 in Rivonia Oriental City – Fashion. Inside TAC Discounters.
• Lashas Hair Salon, Shop L06 in Rivonia Oriental City – Relaxers, highlights, weave, colour, cutting, braids, dreadlocks, treatment, nails, haircuts.
• Boutique Alice Fashion, Shop GC10A in Rivonia Oriental City – Ladies' fashion & accessories.
• Top Hair, Shop GC07 in Rivonia Oriental City – Chinese hair piece/wigs & accessories.
• Cell Point Cellular, Shop GC05 in Rivonia Oriental City – Cell phone and computer sales, repairs, accessories. Water damage, screen problems, all hardware and software.
• Much Better Gift, Shop GC01 in Rivonia Oriental City – Chinese Variety Store. Fashion, Shoes, Jewellery & Accessories, cosmetics, gifts, toys.
• Omci Exclusive Boutique, Shop GE13 in Rivonia Oriental City – Women's (and some men's) fashion & accessories.
• A-Florist, Shop GB07-08 in Rivonia Oriental City – artificial flowers, home decorations, garden decorations, decorations for party and functions, engagement, bridal shower and wedding gifts.
• Kiki, Shop GC09 in Rivonia Oriental City – Slinky ladies' clothes. Shoes.
• Austin's Barrow in Rivonia Oriental City – Mobile stall outside the Post Office. Slimming tablets, green tea, herbal tea, games, laser displays.
• Tariq's Barrow in Rivonia Oriental City – Mobile stall outside Chinese Supermarket. Cell phone accessories and repairs.
• 简 尚 Style, Shop L08 in Rivonia Oriental City – Chinese Ladies' fashion.

Bred and Butter   

Julius says he is fed up being made the escape goat for the government's flailings.

Fireworks Again

According to Johannesburg municipal regulations (Chapter 3) Fireworks are allowed from 23:00 to 01:00 on New Years Eve and from 19:00 to 22:00 on New Years Day, Christmas Eve and the Day of Goodwill, inter alia. These regressive regulations allow inconsiderate residents to terrorise animals and other residents.

Apart from lobbying to have fireworks banned again, there is something you can do. The municipal regulations also say: 30. (1) Unless so authorised in terms of section 33, no person may use fireworks – (a) within 500 metres of any ... petrol depot or petrol station. With Google Maps, right-clicking and using the "Measure distance" feature, you can check if an offenders' property is within 500 m of your local petrol station. If it is, you can call JMPD if they let off fireworks.

Overheard at the Checkout

"I have kleptomania.  It's a sickness."

"Are you taking anything for it?"