Orinoco

I visited this little Latin American restaurant with friends for lunch today, it's called Orinoco run by Migdalia Bellorin a Venezuelan beauty. I drive past it often and have always wanted to try it so when my friend mentioned he went to chef school with the owner, it created the perfect opportunity to sample some Latin American food for lunch on my off day.

The interior feels like you are entering Migdalia's own house, she welcomes you with her rich accent and you feel very comfortable in this colourful cafe' style restaurant.

The authentic decor also whisks you back to memories of over seas travel and makes you want to book your next trip, it seems Mexico has influenced her greatly in the menu and the knick knacks found garnishing the interior.

I started off with a fresh juice, I chose the Caribbean and I would happily go back just for this, fresh, perfectly balanced thirst quenching juice, I make my own at home and even this one impressed me. On the table to nibble on is bread, marinated olives and two chili sauces all amazing, well seasoned and you can buy some to take home.

For starters we had Empanada's a traditional dish which is basically bread wrapped around a filling of meat or cheese, they are R20 each and served with guacamole and pico de gallo (tomato and onion salsa). Definitely a new addiction for me from now on.

For mains we all went with the pulled pork burrito, I did not have cheese in mine but it was so fresh and you can tell everything is home made from the burrito wrapper made with Corn masa to the slow braised pork inside, even the salad had juicy slow roasted cherry tomatoes on top. 

There is a chalk board of daily specials and a dessert menu which we had no space for today.
They are open 10am - 6pm Tuesday and Wednesday, 10am - 10pm Thursday and Friday, 6pm - 12am on Saturdays. Total bill for three people was R375.

Orinoco
17 Bree street, corner of Prestwich and Bree street
021 - 418 45 44

Pictures and article Copyright by Tamsyn Wells