La Vie en Rose by any other name would smell as sweet as this brilliant new addition to the Jozi restaurant scene proves.

La Vie en Rose

‘A magic spell you cast, this is la vie en rose,’ sang Edith Piaf in her signature song, La Vie en Rose. ‘When you kiss me heaven sighs, And tho I close my eyes, I see la vie en rose.’

These lines come to me as I sit in one of the most beautiful gardens in Johannesburg. Here, in Illovo, is another bit of magic that has only been open for a week; La Vie en Rose. I know there is busyness around, but in this glorious setting I could be in the countryside – I even imagine a hint of the Mediterranean on the breeze.

I think there can be nothing more perfect, but there is – the food. Dishes, with names from pink roses, are beyond superb. They will set the benchmark for all similar type eateries.

Rose Theme

 The rose theme was the idea of young food wiz Rony Ezerzer, who opened La Vie en Rose together with old restaurant hand Yanky Woolf (in pink shirt, of course). Her parents are from Morocco, though she was born in Israel and moved to South Africa when she was five.

From when Rony can remember she watched her mother in the kitchen adding that touch of love to food. This for her is the essential ingredient. Piaf would have been please, because when asked what advice she would give to women, she replied, ‘Love.’

Yanky has been in the business for 22 years. He has been involved in restaurants in Johannesburg and Cape Town, though he prefers the energy of Jozi. It shows in the crisp, friendly service.

The Menu

 The menu was put together by Rony, and is brought to the plate by chef Morne Minne (which, incidentally, means love). The presentation is a work of art completed with pink rose petals. It almost seems like sacrilege to tuck in. But I do, after a grind of pink salt. It does not disappoint. I can taste the love.

For breakfast there are he normal offerings, but I suggest the exotic creations. There is September Morn of two poached eggs atop chargrilled asparagus spears and toast seasoned with crushed black pepper and lemon zest dressing. And Silver Lining of cherry mozzarella balls marinated in caper oil and served on toasted seed loaf blooming with lightly roasted rosa tomatoes, caper-berries and fresh basil.

Most Unusual Day

For lunch there is an array of salads, light meals, sandwiches, wraps, burgers and pastas. As Rony is a vegetarian, there is a wide selection of these options available. Among these are Most Unusual Day, which is a riot of smoked salmon, avo, rocket, watercress and baby spinach featuring strawberries, cashew nut brittle and balsamic reduction. And Chic; a glorious mix of penne and wild mushrooms pan fried in garlic and crème fraiche with crushed walnuts.

Then there are the heavenly desserts with names like Tickled Pink and First Kiss and a range of cakes for the sweeter tooth.   

Heart & Soul

They are open seven days a week for breakfast and lunch. They do not have a liquor licence yet so you are welcome to bring your own wine or champagne. Why not pink? La Vie en Rose is a café style restaurant with prices comparable to others in this category. But the setting and food is incomparable.

‘Give your heart and soul to me, And life will always be. La vie en rose.’