South African vegetarian in SF-a review

FogCityGal wrote:
>
> Had dinner recently at Joubert's, which bills itself as "specializing in
> vegetarian food with a taste of South Africa".  Located at 4115 Judah St. at
> 46th Ave.  Dinner Wed. thru Sunday.  Phone 415-753-5448.
>
> Don't have any comparison with other South African food, but their vegetarian
> stuff was excellent, I thought.
>
> Some samples:
> * Vegetarian Salisbury steak
> * Malay-style baked banana in curried peanut sauce.
> * Nut cutlet of baked black eyed peas and crushed peanuts, almonds and
> sunflower seeds.
> * Curried loaf of brown lentils, apricots and peanuts (which is what I had, and
> it was quite tasty).
>
> All entrees are accompanied by a bean dish of the day, and mixed veggies of the
> day.
>
> Excellent desserts (DO try the banana pudding!), and an interesting wine list
> of South African wines.
>
> About South African cuisine, here's what their menu says:  "There is no single
> South African cuisine.  When the Dutch settled at the Cape of Good Hope in
> 1652, their job was to grow European vegetables for the ships going to the
> Dutch East Indies.  In 1688 the French Huguenots arrived bringing grape
> cuttings for wine and their Provencal cuisine.  The Dutch then imported Malay
> slaves and their East Indies cuisine.  When the British took over the colony in
> 1815, many Indians came to South Africa with their cuisine."
>
> Pleasant guitar music the night I was there; original art on the walls is for
> sale.  The waiter told me reservations are highly recommended for weekends,
> less so for weeknights.
>
> Menu and wine list at their web site:  http://home.earthlink.net/~joubert
>
> I have no connection with this restaurant other than as a single-time patron,
> but I was excited enough about its differentness and pleased enough with the
> service that I wanted to report it to other foodies.
>
> Nancy
My wife and I have been going to this original restaurant nearly since it opened (1996).  We can't think of a more pleasant, creative and genuine dining experience.  We most recently were there on Oct 3. Chef/co-owner Patrick is a real treat and the rest of the staff/co-owners, the same.  As for the wine list, S.A wines are coming into their own and the S.A. original wine, Pinotage is a real experience in red wine.  It's a cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsault (or Hermitage in some guides).  The Bayview by Longridge is a perfect example of its type, more weight than Pinot, but more refined than Hermitage.  Finally, although vegetarian, most carnivores can do well here, sinve there are some meat analogs and hefty flavors (and portions!).  You will never leave Joubert's hungry.

Walter