MWEB WiFi High Street

Whether we like it or not, technology has taken over our lives, more often than not we will revert to our phones or computers for something or the other. Mobile devices have come along way from just making phone calls, with a host of social applications and high resolution camera's, a phone isn't merely a phone now a days, people want to share their moments, keep in contact and browse the internet on the go but data prices in SA have been steep, although there have been decreases in the pricing, it really isn't on par with the rest of the world. 

Hence a trip to a coffee shop or restaurant now won't only be decided upon if the coffee or food is good but if they offer free WiFi. On average, coffee shops offer 20mb per person which is hardly enough to update your Facebook status, instagram your food, post a selfie of you and your bestie to twitter and check in on Foursquare. Fear not though, MWEB have come to the rescue by introducing "WiFi High Street", in a first, MWEB have chosen streets around the country that have a big social hub and offered them good quality, high speed, uncapped WiFi! The initiative was launch two weeks back on Durban's iconic Florida Road. Speaking at the launch, MWEB's General Manger, Nathier Kasu said "Florida Road is a great place to demonstrate the possibilities that high-speed WiFi enables. We've created a Wifi zone, rather than a WiFi hotspot, to deliver superior experience to users, wherever they may be on the high street"

What is a WiFi Zone?

WiFi hotspots tend to be a single access points, with limited capacity and scalability as new users join the network, and a poorer overall performance. By contrast, a WiFi zone features multiple access points, meshed together in a single indoor or outdoor environment with more resilient infrastructure and powerful backhaul- with the result being consistent, fast internet access. 

I was skeptical about it but since the launch I have visited Florida Road many times and tested it out, even though I am not an MWEB client, obtaining a username and password was dead simple and within seconds I was connected and ready to go. This really is a great initiative from MWEB and with more of these WiFi Zones planned for SA, it can only make things better for us. 

Spiga D'oro Durban North

I'm going to start off by saying that I'm not a food critic but I do like good food and Spiga D'oro, otherwise simply known as Spiga to many of their patrons is sort of an institution of good Italian food in Durban. If you follow me on twitter, you would know this is one of my favourite places to have a meal with friends, in fact we regard ourselves as "Spiga Royalty" since almost everyone that works there knows us (and are probably tired of seeing our faces). The restaurant is synonymous to the Florida Road district and one can say it is a landmark of such for the area, hence when I got an invite to attend a special dinner at the new branch in Durban North, it did feel a bit strange to head out to my favourite Italian eatery but in an opposite direction to the vibrant night life and buzz that goes along with that part of Morningside.

The new branch as stated before is located in Durban North on Mackuertan Avenue, it is also quite a popular spot for the area with many other restaurants and bars located on the strip but unlike Florida Road which tends to attract the, younger crowd, this part of town is a tad bit more laid back and easy with the more middle aged/ family people. The first thing I noticed when I entered the new restaurant was the amount of space there was compared to the original branch, granted on Florida Road they are tight for space, given the design of the structure they're in but with this new establishment, the open design is very welcomed and the the roof with exposed trusses giving the spot a greater volume which adds to the roominess. 

The menu's are more or less the same as the other branch which has everyone's favourites but after chatting to owner Marco Santoniccolo, he explained to us the broader scheme of things. They have installed a wood fire over, in which they intend of doing daily meal specials such as oven cooked meat dishes apart from oven baked pizza's and pasta's. They also plan on catering for every part of the day with proposed coffee bar/ bakery that opens in the early mornings to serve the early risers, coffee and a selection of the favourite breads or pastries. A little later in the day the sandwich bar opens that will serve a wide variety of sandwiches and rolls. At 11am the main restaurant will open for business for sit in dinning, there are a licensed alcohol vendor and have a fully stocked bar which serve Heineken on tap!

The purpose for our invite was to give honest feedback on the premises, during our time there, the one thing that stood out for me was how relaxed the atmosphere was. We're so used to the fast paced and loud hustle that goes along with Florida Road, this dinning experience on the other hand was so peaceful that one didn't have to raise their voice during conversation. But getting back to the important part, the food! We indulged on a full 3 course meal of starter bruschetta, a wonderful seafood marinara pizza and chocolate volcano for dessert. All bearing the same standards that one associates with Spiga D'oro to go along with the same friendly service that we are accustomed to. 

On the whole, the place has potential to make itself a landmark of the area like its sister branch has done in Morningside. It's a different concept but still offers the same great food and service but with a more family orientated atmosphere. I'd like to thank Marco, Sergio, Karla and the team for the invite and wish them everything of the best for the new premises, we'll be sure to frequent this one as well so the new staff can get to know the members of the "Spiga Royalty" ;)