Local Entrepreneur Opens Upmarket 3-Storey Restaurant in Khayelitsha
Cape Town has no shortage of upmarket hangouts — the Camps Bay strip alone offers seemingly endless options for well heeled socialites to indulge in the good life. But 32-year-old Khayelitsha local, Siphelo Jalivane wasn’t interested in opening yet another inner-city or sea-side hangout. For Jalivane it was all about bringing a little bit of luxury back to his neighbourhood. While Khayelitsha might not be the first place that springs to mind when you utter the word luxury, that is quickly changing. Swanky multi-level bars, entertainment venues and nightclubs are springing up across the sprawling neighbourhood, and the latest luxury addition, The Milk Restaurant and Bar, further proves that there are big things happening in the township.
With humbling beginnings selling chicken on the sidewalk, Jalivane has indeed evolved as a local entrepreneur. Supporting his vision of uplifting and empowering the youth in Khayelitsha, the staff of over 50 people at The Milk are all young professionals from the township — including the chef team.
The brand new three-storey hangout, is indeed impressive and is sure to draw crowds from within the township and beyond. The space features an impressive restaurant, lifestyle lounge and champagne bar all under one three-floor roof. Take your pick of a chilled seat in the ground floor restaurant or party like its nobody’s business upstairs in the lounges with a glass of Veuve in hand.
The champagne and lifestyle bars — meant for social gatherings and a good time — boast a vast variety of drinks including Krone, Pongracz, Veuve Clicquot and Moët & Chandon to sip on, as well as an extensive list of local beers, ciders and a cocktail menu. While the lounge and bar are more of a groove space, revellers can also curb their hunger with the bar and lounge tapas menu. A wide selection of small plate options are available to match with your drink of choice as you wind down with a group of friends in the relaxing lounge-style setting.
Hungry customers looking for a bite to eat can head to the restaurant headed up by Top Chef SA runner-up and private chef Ayabonga Gope. Dinners can enjoy a mouthwatering menu including dishes like saucy, finger-licking chicken wings, a classic spaghetti bolognese, rump steak, chicken cordon bleu, or a full Continental breakfast if you’re there on time. Finish off with a classic banana split, peach melba or chocolate brownies with ice cream and chocolate straws.
The Milk Restaurant and Bar is open 7 days a week from 10:00 to 23:00.
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