Monday, 4 March 2013

Restaurant Review: Thyme on Nicol

*Julia*

Thyme on Nicol

On Sunday the 3rd of March I went to Thyme on Nicol (where William Nicol intersects with Republic Road in the big Pick n Pay center) with my boyfriend and our mutual friend. I reviewed their breakfast, as that is what they are most popular for, but their lunch menu looks great too- light, fresh, lots of really unique options like salmon tartar served with crispy rye biscuits. 
Lots of bruschetta and sandwich options and salads. Also grills like steak rolls, pork spare ribs and a spatchcock chicken. Pasta, burgers, platters to share AND desserts: this place has it all.They also have a pretty good wine menu and all the usual alcoholic beverages like beer and ciders are also available.

The interior of the restaurant is bright and airy with a flare of modern decor. There is a range of seating options varying from normal tables to small elevated tables with bar stools. There is an incredible outdoor section which would be perfect for warmer weather. Also there is the Pick n Pay next door if you have any last minute grocery shopping to do.

Below I've written my review under some basic headings.

Vibe on a Sunday morning: 
cheerful, relaxed, full of people.

Breakfast Menu: 
huge range of options. Anything from a classic English breakfast, omelets, good choice of healthy breakfasts as well. 

Tried and Tested:
I ordered the scrumptious breakfast. It usually consists of ciabatta bread, 2 poached eggs, roasted tomatoes, black mushrooms and hollandaise sauce. However, as I am trying to be healthy, I asked for rye bread instead, no hollandaise sauce but I did add bacon. Asked for medium poached eggs. I was disappointed to find my eggs very over cooked and my tomatoes and mushrooms almost cold. Besides that it was a pretty satisfactory breakfast. My boy friend had a BBQ chicken quesadilla ( like a Mexican pizza made with fillings mushed between thin pieces of pita) which was very good. Our friend had their classic breakfast which was perfect - they did his eggs perfectly and everything else on his plate was delicious. 

Service: 
Good. Attentive and efficient.

Prices: 
Pretty reasonable. The Classic English breakfast including a 250g steak, eggs, mushrooms, tomato relish and toast is R65.00 
The Yummy Paw Paw breakfast including pawpaw with yoghurt, drizzled with honey and toasted but mix is R35.00 
I'd say it's a bit pricy on a student budget but definitely value for money if you feel like splurging as the food is good and the portions are big. 

General Observations: 
They serve Vida Cafe coffee as there is a Vida Cafe bar in the restaurant. Great coffee. They make a fantastic Lindt hot chocolate as well. 

Another thing that sets this place apart- there is also a sushi bar. Didn't try the sushi but it looked very good. 

Cute quote I saw on the menu
'strawberries are the angels of the earth, innocent and sweet with green leafy wings reaching heavenward.' - Jasmine Heiler. 
Couldn't agree more! 

Conclusion: 
Definitely worth a try, especially on a sunny Sunday morning when it's busy and filled with conversation and sunlight. Generally great food at a fairly reasonable price and fantastic coffee from Vida Cafe. 

Happy eating!
Jules 
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