Food is a big part of The Glen Shopping Centre and whether you enjoy a leisurely lunch or dinner, a quick bite to eat or food on the go, there’s literally something for everyone.

Ocean Basket and Mugg and Bean offer relaxing restaurants where you can meet up with family and friends and enjoy their superb offerings. Both are licensed.

Wimpy, Texamo Spur, Panarottis and RocoMamas are all ideal family restaurants, good value for money and perfect for youngsters. Then there’s Mochachos, with its Mexican flair and Anat.

For the not so hungry but definitely sweet, you can’t miss Chateaux Gateaux and Krispy Kreme. Mugg and Bean also offer an express coffee shop.

Coming soon is Milky Lane, Paul’s Homemade Ice Cream and Simply Asia.

What are you waiting for? Get to the Glen and savour the flavour.

Three months ago Blooms and Balloons opened its doors in Aspen Lakes.

Aspen Village was chosen as the perfect location as it is a small, exclusive shopping centre with lots of room for development. The centre also complements the atmosphere which the business is trying to create.

The public has embraced the business because of the quality of products stocked as well as the way they pay very close attention to customer services and products, and by ensuring that their customers get the best value for their budget.

They stock their products from three of SA’s most renowned companies, their balloons are eco-friendly and they have very competitive pricing to offer.

The business has a talented and qualified florist who does the most beautiful arrangements. The store is closed on Monday to restock their products to avoid customer disappointment. Keep an eye out for their fresh flowers and herbs which are coming soon.

“After 20 years of devoting my time to other things, I decided that I would run with my dreams and open my own business.

“I enjoying working with people and learning their cultures and entertainment needs. I have undergone the necessary training to ensure that my business is professional and a success,” said Louise Maino, owner of Blooms and Balloons.

• Information supplied by Blooms and Balloons founder Louise Maino.

Turning 50 this year, Howard Matheson started his Panorama Flea Market dream at the age of 22 and it has been 28 years since the market was opened to the South.

Since June 30, 1990, the market has been well frequented by millions of people to shop and enjoy live entertainment and bring their little ones for loads of fun at the children’s fun house.

Howard said that over the years the market has done exceptionally well though it would perform much better on a larger space as his team is currently looking for a new and bigger home for the market.

“If we had more space for the market, we would incorporate a circus and other bigger fun activities to bring more life to the market,” Howard said.

Panorama Flea market is a one-stop shop where residents can get very unique ornaments from tarantula spiders, wedding dresses, the best shawarmas, soccer jerseys and affordable hairdressing facilities.

As Howard puts it: trading at the market is a great entrepreneurial engagement that has seen most traders successfully sponsor their children’s school bills right up to university.

“Currently we have trader’s children that have also joined the bandwagon and are now trading in the market too,” added Howard.

A hands-on approach, dedication and directly getting involved with marketers have seen Panorama Flea Market register several successes as Howard has managed to create a personal relationship with most of the traders.

“The people in the South have been amazing in the past years and what we appreciate more about these people is that they are real and will tell you the good and the bad to your face. The South has always been very good to me hence one of the reasons I will not close this market, its dear to the heart,” he said.

Over the years Panorama Flea Market has been well engaged in community activities, including charity works and blood drives, to assist the community.

PLAN your outings at your one-stop premier entertainment destination in Jozi – Gold Reef City. There is so much happening and they have something for everyone.

Visit the trendy Vigour & Verve or The Back O’ The Moon restaurants for their fantastic daily deals that are easy on the pocket and a delight on the palate. Looking to take in a show? The Barnyard Theatre always has exhilarating shows lined up.

You can also catch the latest blockbusters at the only Victorian train stationed themed movie complex in the country.

The Raj’s spicy special – Keep the chill away and spoil the family with this hot offer. Buy two bunny chows and get the cheaper one at half price. Spur is keeping Monday’s classic – What would Mondays be without a Spur burger? Thankfully, the marriage of Mondays and Spur burgers is still going strong.

And then, don’t forget the theme park where you can feel like a child again and enjoy a day of endless thrills with over 30 adventure rides, 12 restaurants and fast foods and Jump City.

VISIT the Weekend Market at Uncle Charlie’s, corner of Nasrec and Rifle Range roads, Ridgeway for fun and family outings.

Owner Paulo Calistos said the Weekend Market is safe and secure offering a variety of good and tasty food, best children entertainment in Johannesburg, live bands, beautiful beer gardens, flea market stalls, go-karting and face painting.

“We are going to open Water Park this September,” he said.

The market is open every Saturday and Sunday as well as public holidays from 9am to 5pm. Book your stall now by sending an email to info@weekendmarketjhb.co.za or call 082 497 7218.

STEELEDALE Shopping Centre has been one of the convenience centres in the South for more than 40 years.

It is a one-stop centre where you can find most of the essentials and services at your doorstep. Rene Facrie, centre manager at Steeledale Shopping Centre, said there is exciting news coming this October.

“The centre is under redevelopment and new shops are on the way. KFC will be our new outlet this October. Steeledale Shopping Centre will be more than a convenience centre, it will be a centre where you can get almost everything you want,” she said.

A restaurant which has stood the test of time, Calisto’s Portuguese Restaurant, opened in Turffontein in 1992 and moved to Gillview in 2010.

Owned by Jorge Calisto and managed by Breeze Meyer, Calisto’s has a character and ambiance hard to match. A family restaurant which offers fantastic value for money as well as top-notch food, you’ll feel right at home and will be welcomed with open arms by the friendly and professional staff.

“Every single person is treated like family and our waiters, a few who have been with us since Calisto’s inception, will go out of their way to make your dining experience the best. During the winter months we have log fires burning too,” said Meyer.

Couple this with delicious food, ranging from superbly cooked steaks, tasty chicken, sublime seafood and other mouth-watering food, you won’t go wrong here. Not forgetting the fantastic business lunch deals and evening specials. Then enjoy a cigar and brandy afterward in the cosy cigar lounge, a perfect way to end off a wonderful evening.

The restaurant also offers a safe and secure play area for children from two to 12 years old, where there’s always a childminder on duty.

A private function venue for about 100 guests is available for parties, including birthdays, baby showers, engagements and year-end functions.

In 1992 Jorge Calisto opened Calisto’s Portuguese Restaurant in Turffontein where he manufactured all his own sauces, spices and marinades on a small scale.

Already from the early days, the Calisto’s table peri-peri was a huge hit. Over and above the growing popularity of the restaurant, chilli lovers from all corners of Gauteng would come in to take home with them a tub of the irresistible ‘Portuguese Jam’.

In 2010, after enjoying nearly two decades of hard work and the following success, Jorge was approached with the concept to franchise Calisto’s. With the excitement of a new vision, he began Senhora Sauce Kitchen, or affectionately known as The Sauce Kitchen, where he began manufacturing sauces for the franchises to ensure a standardised product was used.

In 2012 Jorge purchased a small house behind his restaurant which was converted into a sauce ‘factory’. This is where Jorge spent countless hours and sleepless nights, honing and perfecting his sauce craft. Four years later, Senhora Sauce Kitchen had outgrown the small make-shift facility and a factory was purchased. The Sauce Kitchen has grown from strength to strength, with new lines being introduced regularly, as well as a spice range.

“There has been significant overseas interest in our sauces and it is our ambition to cater for both local and international markets. We believe our products to be the very best of the very finest available, made with love and passion and we hope to explore the retail sector on a larger scale. With a product range of such outstanding appeal, there is no reason why the Senhora sauces can’t become a must-have item in every fridge in South Africa, and who knows, maybe even the world,” said Jorge.

Phone 011 024 1643 for more information.

THE Cake Whizz is a family owned business started by George and Raylene Thomas. They want to transform the community through the inspiration of baking.

They specialise in home-baked supply and their co-business is novelty cakes, prepared cakes and making customs cake. So you need a cake for your special occasion? Look no further. The Cake Whizz is ready to create your designer cake and while you are there, you can pick up some helium balloons to complement your occasion. Or maybe you’re just looking to indulge your sweet tooth; they have a range of prepared sweet things that you and your family can enjoy. And not forgetting the home-baking supplies that you can pick up.

The Cake Whizz is situated at 18 Crownwood Road, Ormonde, inside Ormonde Shopping Centre, Shop E18. They can be contacted on 083 651 8859 or www.thecakewhizz.co.za