There are so many things I love about Johannesburg – the New York City of Southern Africa.  I have spent the last eight and half weeks “re-establishing” myself – my friendships, my family connections, and very importantly, my relationships with the shopping malls, restaurants and cocktail bars I lost touch with whilst away from “the Highveld”.

I thought I had truly missed the restaurants and bars, but it seems they have perhaps missed me more than I had thought.  Whilst walking through a shopping center last week, past what is still one of my favourite bars, one of the waiters popped out and said loudly – “oh hi, you are back!”  I was beyond flattered at his unbelievably good memory – astounding.  Later the same day, I met some girlfriends for dinner at what used to be my favourite restaurant, and still is, and the manager came out and said hello like my long lost friend.  Less than 48 hours later, I was out for a working lunch and two waiters came up to the table to say hello.  Now the question is – are these people all extraordinarily friendly, or, am I a too familiar face to them?  I fear the latter may be true.

At what point do you decide to venture out of your comfort zone of restaurants and bars, and in to “unknown territory” and possible enemy fire and an unknown menu?  Is it a good thing you are recognized and greeted in a licensed establishment, or is it a sign that you need to spend more time at home watching Desperate Housewives?  Being in the hospitality industry myself, surely it is a very good thing to show my support of the hospitality establishments that exist out there that I love so much – surely this is what one could term “good hospitality karma”?

As if that was not enough – I frequent a delightful Café in a delightful center – I have my favourite table (“the star table” – what else? Nothing like delusions of grandeur) and I have my favourite meal.  After what was a tough day in the office, I went to the Café to reward myself with my favourite favourite.  I sat down and in front of me arrived my freshly squeezed orange juice (my attempt at fruit consumption other than grapes in wine) and my best – chicken salad with Parmesan slices.  I looked at the waitress in astonishment and said “how did you guess?” – her reply – “Philippa, you never have anything else” – wow, she even knew my NAME!!  I was delighted!

The question of course, remains – given new beginnings and putting the past to rest – is now a good time to break free of old moulds, to try out new menus and establishments, or, is it best to remain where you feel comforted, where you are known on some level, where you have your favourite table, meal, drink of choice, and where there is a familiar face who greets you by name?  In this ridiculously fast-paced world, should we not extend our friendships to those who dote on us with frequency – in restaurants, bars and similar establishments?  Surely the circle of camaraderie can be widened to include these special individuals who take care of us in their own way?

My view, after much thought on the subject, is a simple one.  There should be no limit to the number of good people one allows into one’s life; so for now, and into the foreseeable future, I will continue to enjoy my favourite table, my favourite fruit juice, and my most favourite salad.