What an amazing discovery on Thursday night at the Calisto’s in the freshly constructed New Market Mall in  Alberton, where the race track used to be.

Great service, friendly staff and authentic Portuguese cuisine created by a chef filled with passion.

We were greeted with Champagne Sangria, refreshing and tasty and great for cooling off after a long drive, and wasted no time ordering our starters, as we were all ravenous. The chicken livers, beef trinchado, garlic snails and tempura prawns, accompanied by freshly baked rolls left no doubt that this would be a fantastically awesome gastronomical evening.

For mains I selected a fillet steak, medium rare with salad. The steak was done to perfection, soft as butter and melted in my mouth. The rest of the group ordered a variety of items such as prawns, seafood platters, espetada’s and steaks – and no one was disappointed with the quality or quantities.

Great to also meet the very passionate chef, who clearly loves what she does – and it shows.

Moving on to the pudding was also an experience that needs to be related – from Italian kisses, to malva pudding, ice cream and even a staple favourite peppermint crisp tart, the ooh’s and aah’s of appreciation were unanimous. Freshly made espresso’s and cappucino’s followed, and we had to admit afterwards that we may have overeaten slightly.

Will certainly return to this great restaurant – if you stay in the south, or are in the area, I highly recommend a pop in. They have specials nights and half price drinks evenings – so do yourself a favour and visit www.calistos.co.za