So I’ve been wanting to check this joint out for yonks, ever since I spotted the rather intriguing name last year…But,as you may well know, being a parent often means some serious NASA–level communication and co-ordination with your “village” (if they’re available) to make date-night happen. (I ain’t even kidding). So about three weeks ago when our open-air cinema plans fell through, but we still had a secured babysitter for the night, we grabbed at the opportunity to finally pop in at the hot and fine, Jackal& Hide.
From the moment you enter from atop the stairs, you’re immediately struck by the old world décor and the somewhat decadant settings. The décor is surprisingly Victorian, and totally starts to drive home that Jackal & Hyde vibe, especially when you find your head bobbing to stellar house beats that were pumping that night. But seriously, right down to the candles, I was totally crushing on the décor.
Jackal & Hide essentially has three sections : indoor , semi-indoor, and outdoor. The indoor has a warm and cosy vibe where you could have a romantic or private dinner. Or even enjoy the fireplace for a super romantic cosy dinner or awesome winter hangout or large celebration spot with all the buds.
Outdoor area is situated on the spacious balcony, that has gorgeous views of Table Mountain –perrrrfect for catching a sundowner. Or three. (Disclaimer: You may not catch the actual sunset here, but as Simon(management), and I joked over the phone, it’d be more like the shadows moving over your head.) But honestly, it wouldn’t matter, Jackal & Hide has such an ultra cool vibe about it, that makes it a definite sundowner hot spot that you simply need to add to your to do list.
But I digress…The outdoor is split into two sections, one side covered by a bedouin tent, and the other without – meaning you can enjoy the sun or the beautiful summer evening air. (Yes, autumn has only just arrived and I’m already pining for the summer!)The semi-indoor section is a bit of both worlds, where you get to enjoy the fresh air and gorg views of Table Mountain, but you are also nicely protected from the weather, and get to enjoy the cosy vibes of indoor. I have to stress,though, indoor has seriously low light,making your surrounds highly atmospheric – perfect for smoozing-up your date…Not so perfect for photo ops, hence my poor quality pix.(sorry guys)
But don’t let all my talk of “romantic”, and “chilled out” fool you. Jackal & Hide has its name for a reason! Over weekends, apparently this little puppy busts out into full Hyde mode! Sick beats, beautiful people packing it to the rafters, and a wicked party vibe takes over. Not to mention a few live performances too! So, if that’s what you’re looking for, Saturdays and Fridays are your ticket!
We kicked off with some drinky-drinks (How else does one kick it off, anyways?) I went for a Moscow Mule cocktail (R52),which certainly had a lovely little kick in the flavour department. Mikey started off with a standard parent life-line drink: coffee, that was served so elegantly, followed by his ol’ faithful beer.
I would’ve gone with anther Moscow Mule, just because it was that enoyable, but my curiousity got the better of me and I went with a Santa Rosalina(R54). Sorry, I enjoyed that waaaay to fast to even remember to take any pix. ‘Nuf said.
For starters I went with the Prawn Tempura (R55). The prawn itself wasn’t bad, although, honestly speaking, it was not out of this world. Even the sauces served along with it, were a bit on the bland side.
Mike’s Duck spring rolls(R70), however, went down so well, he didn’t even share it with me! I mean, slow roasted duck, with shitake mushrooms, redwine pudding and herbed cream cheese? Well, hello! How is that not going to be good?!Im still in shock and disbelief about him not sharing, though.
According to him, he, however, did not score so lucky with his Prime rib (+/-R140). A slight disappointment for him, as he was really looking forward to some good red meat.
My Patagonian calamari dish (R80) faired a little better than his choice though. It was pan-fried and not tough at all, with just enough flavour to keep me satisfied. The accompanying fried gorgonzola & pear salad, however, was pretty delicious! And as a non-salad person in general, that salad was certainly helping me cross over into the light! In fact, I would actually order that meal again, just for that salad! However, I’ve got to be straight, with the exception of the salad, the food generally was pretty average.
However, there is no doubting that Jackal & Hide has excellent service and hospitality. From the telephone booking, to our friendly, ever-so-patient and helpful waitress,who would give her personal recommendations, to the personal touch from Simon – they could do no wrong. All the staff were pretty laid back in their demeanour, making our time there very easy-going, yet still remained fast and efficient.
Unfortunately, there was no time for dessert, as shocking as that still is to me, but such is life when you live it on the babysitter’s clock. So we may very well totally need a do-over just for that. In fact, their killer cocktail menu – oh mein goht(!)- is still calling my name. Loudly! So, clearly, we can’t wait for round two!(and three and four?)
What you need to know:
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• Phone:+27 21 424 1020
- • Address: 108 Kloof street, Gardens
- •Twitter: @Jackalhide1
- •Facebook: www.facebook.com/Jackal.and.Hide
- • Email: whatsup@thejackalandhide.com
- • Trading hours:Tuesday to Saturday 4pm – 2am
So whether you’re looking for an ambient dinner with a funky vibe, maybe even a fireplace, or whether a wicked night out is what you crave, or maybe even a bit of both, then Jackal & Hide has your number!
And for those moms and dads, who are looking for that happy medium of a fun night or just a chilled out vibey dinner, go check them out weeknights, or over the weekend before 10pm – before the debaucherous fun begins.
All in all, with average meals, excellent service, phenomonal cocktails and funky vibe,I was pretty pleased with our experience there. Definitely keen to go back – if not for everything I’ve already mentioned above, then to at least get better photos! Hope to see you there!x
In my current life , I totally need a HIDE night!!!Looking gorgeous Mamatrax!!!
Why thanks, Faz! You’re far too kind. X
PS. Totally feel you on the Hide vibe…although there may not be enough coffee in the world to get me through it! ;p