Dining at Clico – an unforgettable experience

Dinner at Clico Guesthouse is Jeanette Schwegman’s favourite time of the day.

At dinner she can spend time mingling with and learning more about her guests. She can also showcase Clico’s most prized ingredient: chef Sean Ackermann’s delectable cuisine.

“We laugh, chat, I get to know guests and put on the music they’d like to hear,” says Jeanette. “It’s almost like eating in your own dining room, but you don’t have to do a thing. It’s comfortable, relaxed … it’s a wonderful experience!”

Clico doesn’t only cater for in-house guests – anyone keen for a great meal is welcome.

There’s nothing quite like having an aperitif in the garden, then moving into the dining room with its comfy chairs. Sean will serve you a three-course meal with wine matched with each course and then you can retire to the lounge to end the evening with a brandy.

Because Clico’s fine dining goes hand in hand with its comfortable and luxurious accommodation, often Johannesburg residents who have come to eat at Clico end up staying the night.

Who can resist the fact that a few steps away from the dining room is the luxurious comfort of a Clico room? Instead of having to get in your car and go home, you can dive into one of Clico’s welcoming beds and sleep peacefully, knowing you will wake up to a delicious breakfast the next morning.

One Johannesburg couple decided to sleep over at Clico after having a meal and the next day said that they felt like they’d been on holiday! Another couple said: “It was really great not to have to drive after dinner. Everyone at Clico makes you feel so special. I’d love to do it again.”

Time and again, guests at Clico have complimented Jeanette and Sean on their dining experience. One former guest said of dining at Clico: “Sean’s style of cooking is café-style, good-quality, well-presented food that men and women can enjoy together. At the end of the day, you want to have a delicious, memorable meal that satisfies your eyes and your belly – that’s what you get at Clico!”

An international guest recently described Sean as “the best kitchen ‘DJ’ I’ve ever met.”

Sean says that a deep understanding of guests’ needs and wants is what sets Clico apart from other establishments. “I think it’s an integral and essential part of our service, that human interaction. That it’s not just a sit-down-and-get-food-served-to-you kind of place. We’re unique.”

Sean also enjoys interacting with guests. “I take a hands-on approach. I explain the meals to guests, and I explain food and wine matches. I do chat with the guests from time to time, but of course, some people just want to be left alone!”

Clico’s fine dining goes hand in hand with its accommodation, which Jeanette and Sean have both carefully created to ensure that a comfortable, luxurious environment awaits guests after their meals.

Clico would like to offer weary travellers and hard workers a special treat this Worker’s Day long weekend. Retreat from life’s stresses by indulging in our special running from May 1 to May 4.

Clico Guesthouse is the ideal haven for people wanting to get away from the burdens of work and everyday life. Let us take care of all your needs as you feel the stress melt away in our beautifully decorated rooms, tranquil garden and relaxed dining area

Contact Clico to book your Worker’s Day long weekend at a special rate of R1720 per night for two sharing, including dinner, bed and breakfast (excluding drinks). Feel free to stay for one night, or for the weekend.

If you are going away for the weekend, why not spend the night at Clico before you leave? A night at Clico will offer you a relaxing, luxurious start to your trip.

Phone Clico Guesthouse on +27 11 252 3300 to make your booking. Then sit back and take advantage of freedom from work to indulge yourself!

There’s no need to retreat from life this winter and bow to the cold! Clico Guesthouse believes in celebrating life all year round, and is pleased to announce its “Christmas in July” special, stretching over June 27 and 28 and July 4, 5 and 6.

Feel free to stay for one night, or for the weekend. Contact Clico to book for Christmas in July at a special rate of R1720 per night for two sharing, including dinner, bed and breakfast (excluding drinks).

Relax next to the fire, sip a glass of red wine and taste our delicious food as you indulge in your own private festive season.

Some of the delectable “Christmas in July” dishes created by inventive chef Sean Ackermann, using seasonal fresh ingredients, will include: glazed gammon and cranberry sauce, casseroles such as mutton and Guinness stew with soda bread, oxtail in red wine with creamed mash and rack of lamb. Sinful winter desserts, including banana butterscotch sticky pudding and chocolate soufflés, will also be sure to delight guests’ palates.

“Christmas in July” is bound to be an unforgettable experience for guests, and we recommend that you book early to avoid disappointment. Surprise your partner with a mid-year “Christmas” gift, and reconnect while celebrating with festive cheer at Clico.

Clico Guesthouse named among top South African retreats

Clico Guesthouse is proud to announce its inclusion once again in The Portfolio Collection, a listing of South Africa’s and Swaziland’s highest-quality accommodation establishments.

The Portfolio Collection reviews establishments with the highest standards in mind. Establishments are also chosen for their “ambience, atmosphere and warm hospitality.” Says the website, “Portfolio's philosophy of ‘Pride in Personal Service’ is the spirit of the Collection, reflecting a friendly attitude, warm ambience and unique atmosphere that are the hallmarks of Portfolio.”

The Portfolio Collection 2008 consists of three guides, the “Country Places, City and Safari Collection”, the “Retreats Collection” and the “Bed and Breakfast Collection.”

Clico Guesthouse is described in the “Retreats Collection” as a “chic, boutique guest house set in tranquil gardens with mature trees in the leafy suburb of Rosebank.” Clico’s architecture, décor and services are praised.

“An engaging mix of old and new with antique inlaid-wood side tables from Morocco, custom-made comfortable couches and modern whimsical sculptures by Anton Smit. Stylish bedrooms have extra-length beds and luxurious contemporary bathrooms; one is open-plan. One self-catering room. All have balconies or patios and ground floor areas are wheelchair accessible. Delicious cuisine prepared by in-house chef, also for outside guests by arrangement. Cosy convivial lounge with honesty bar. Pool. WiFi and business services. Private functions and intimate weddings.”

Owner Jeanette Schwegman is pleased that Clico has been included in 2008’s Portfolio Collection. Says Jeanette: “It is a real honour and achievement to have been accepted into the Retreats Portfolio for the second year running. The Portfolio brand is well established in the travel industry both locally and internationally. Being published along with the best of the best gives us great exposure to world tourism. The criteria for acceptance into Portfolio are extremely high, so the inspection process also requires that we maintain very high standards.”

Clico a media darling!

Clico Guesthouse appeared in several publications in February and March 2008, including Elle, Indwe (SA Express), Blue Train magazine, Intiem/Intimate and Cleo.

In a Valentine’s Day special for Blue Train magazine, writer Jacqueline Cochrane recommends Clico for couples unable to leave Johannesburg over this special weekend. “If you and your partner are stuck in the urban jungle, never fear!” writes Cochrane. “Guests at Clico Guesthouse in Rosebank, Johannesburg leave this elegant establishment feeling as though they’ve truly escaped the hassles of city living.”