THE management may have changed, but some things stay the same: the Singing Fig's justly famous oxtail, marinated in red wine and whisky, is still on the menu, as are the aubergine cannelloni, fig ice cream and chocolate truffle tart.

A People's Choice winner on the Eat Out magazine's website, the Singing Fig began the (all-too-brief) Norwood restaurant upgrade more than a decade ago, with a combination of fine food and elegant décor: a pumpkin-coloured interior, fantastic art nouveau-style metal chandeliers and a sense of space.

Most restaurants have moved on, but the Singing Fig remains, about a kilometre north of the Grant Avenue strip. Popular are lamb shank braised in white wine and duck a l'orange, in orange and Van der Hum sauce, as well as Scottish salmon interlaid with sushi ginger, served with a wasabi mousse.

Starters run from R29 to R39, main dishes from R75 for linefish to R119 for prawns, and desserts are about R25.

44 The Avenue, Norwood
Telephone: 011 728 2434
Hours: Lunch Sunday-Friday 12 -2.30pm; dinner Monday-Saturday 6-10pm