Page 38 - Ballito Info Guide 2025
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S ENTERTAINMENT
CREATE, EAT,
PLAY & SHOP
Burnedale Farm, a farm transformed into a beautiful In high school, I always had the desire to one day
venue where you can be inspired, get creative, shop have my own restaurant; even going as far as saying
for unique things, pamper yourself at the spa and enjoy that when I would retire at the age of 40, I would then
a meal while children have endless fun at the farmyard open one up….. studies and work took me into Human
or jungle gym. Resources; marriage and children kept me busy, and
the joy of food was magnified with making and creating
Lesley Downham meals for my own kids and wanting to pass on those
"From a very young age, I always used to sit with my memories to my kids. I got to live my restaurant dreams
mom and bake delicious treats and cakes for our when I left Human Resources behind and joined my
weekly Sunday after-church tea. The best part of it then husband when he was offered the opportunity
though was getting to lick the leftover batter in the bowl to join a successful franchise group; that lead me to
and thats about as far as my baking journey went. meeting Les and her husband and not only did I learn
about the industry, I once again got to experience the
Little did I know that many years later the baking connection between food and family.
bug would bite and I started baking from home for
customers while looking after my little boy. After many Trials and changes happened over the years and
years in the hospitality industry and running numerous through them I found that there is another element
restaurants for others an offer came through for me to of creation with regards to flavours and that is with
be a partner and owner of the now Burnedale Bistro cocktails; the meshing of different flavours and colours
Umhlali. and even the densities of the liquids can be quite
magical, and something I hope to be able to share with
It was a very interesting journey to venture on with many our customers at Burnedale.
challenges and growth that came with it and I am very
lucky to have a husband who owns restaurants as my Food, friendship, family and flavour are elements of my
biggest support pillar and mentor. He is a remarkable own experiences and journey and things I hope each
human and I learn so much from him daily and has of our guests in turn get to feel when they dine with us.
been my biggest motivation to get where I am today. We value each guest that joins us and strive to make
sure that their experience is amazing; that all may leave
What's special about our Bistro is the family and having tasted our main ingredient: Love.
team factor we have, we are always striving to give
the best service and quality to our guests who visit. Kiddies' Birthdays
The best part for me, when we have launched a new Kiddies' birthdays should be a celebration, we know its
menu item, is to watch a guest's reaction when they tough so leave it all up to our team to cater and serve
tuck into a delicious creation and to see the responses your guests while you entertain and celebrate good
on their faces, it's a very rewarding thing to be able times, c'mon!
to give guests an amazing experience from start to
finish. I love being creative and giving the wow factor Private Functions & Events
to everything we do here. We love what we do and love Looking to host a private event?
to share that with all we have the honour of serving at Our venue is peaceful and quaint and perfect for a
our special Bistro." small intimate wedding or baby shower for your loved
one or friend. We cater and deliver the best for your
Megan Pestana special day.
Food has always been a part of my life; growing up in a
“foodie” family with both home cooks and professional Platter Orders
chefs, every core memory I have, involved a meal. I was Looking to host an event outside of Burnedale? Our
always in the kitchen with my mom or gran, helping and kitchen is ready and waiting for your platter order to
watching them create something special and chatting enjoy with your friends and family.
about things; with my gran there was always a family
take or two thrown in, to keep me entertained. Editorial supplied by Burnedale Bistro
36 | BURNEDALE BISTRO
