But for the past few weeks many Georgians have felt bereft, not only of their favourite rose, but also of their favourite daily bread.
The reason? The Rose on York Restaurant is in the process of relocating, albeit just across the road to a premises right behind the George Tourism Buro in York Street.
Since the end of April, a double-storey house that used to be student accommodation, has been a hive of building activity as the managers, chefs, barmen and waiters of The Rose traded the tools of their culinary trade for that of the building industry.
Sandra Harris, who heads up this family business, says when the building and decorating teams are finished with the transformation, The Rose will boast a fresh bloom and blush with which to entice all the social butterflies and other food lovers in the Garden Route.
"It's a lovely venue nestling between two Italian restaurants and we have quite a few new creations on the menu, but don't worry, our old favourites will remain. We will have a downstairs and upstairs section with the upstairs venue being a bit more informal, including a bar and lounge area." Harris hopes to re-open The Rose Restaurant's doors in the first half of June. She says parking will be no problem as access from a parking area in Cathedral Street will also be available in the evening.
Harris, who studied ballet in Cape Town, has run a dance studio with her mother, farmed with mushrooms, garlic, instant lawn and corn and has run an events and catering venue near Bromberg. She believes that catering runs in her family's blood. "We all have a heart for the game. This is what we want to do and I believe if you do something you want to do and love, clients can see, and in our case, taste and enjoy, the results."
Meanwhile, until the re-launch of George's favourite Rose, the Harris and Neethling families' loyal followers wait patiently, but expectantly to once again spend some quality time at one of the most popular restaurants in the area.
As Russian-born writer, Emma Goldman said: "I'd rather have roses on my table than diamonds on my neck."
The new Rose in the making. From left: Sandra Harris (chief); Asley Harris (deputy chief); Heyn Neethling (chief chef); Tia Neethling (deputy chef); Dirk Neethling (chief Jack of all trades); Ryan Harris (chief chef two) and Michaela Ousley (chief waiter). Sitting, from left are: Chris Augusteyn and Chris Neethling (both deputy chief waiters). Photos: Ilse Schoonraad
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