Tasha’s Cafe website lists 13 locations — 12 in South Africa and one in Dubai — but the one I ate at in Melrose Arch, Johannesburg, has something extra that sets it apart from the others.

The trigger-happy Olympic athlete, Oscar Pistorius, shot a gun there in January, 2013, while dining with friends. By accident. The restaurant was crowded that day, according to news reports.

“A shot went off in the restaurant, then there was just complete silence,” a witness said in court testimony at the Pistorius trial.

Almost two years later, Tashas was crowded the day I ate there too, but by this time Pistorius was behind bars for shooting his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp.

Clearly the incident didn’t hurt Tashas business. There was a 20-minute wait for a table.

When we were seated, it was difficult to hear conversation at my table, what with background music adding to the general buzz of the place. The energy was great
though.

There was a lot to look at, from the cleverly artsy chandeliers made with knives, forks and spoons, to the table in the center of the restaurant stacked with delectable-looking meringues, muffins and cakes.

The clinetelle was also fun to look at — lots of well- dressed, beautiful people.

The menu was extensive and included breakfasts, yogurts, fish and meat dishes, salads, quesadillas and pastas.

The drinks menu was almost as large, and included such offerings as granitas (cucumber, apple and mint; and elderflower and pear) and Turkish delight cocktails.

Under the long list of coffees was this: an espresso-and-Nutella shot. There were artisanal beers and carafes of pineapple-ginger punch.

I ordered an avocado ritz salad with shrimp and avocado. This dish is sometimes served in half a large avocado and looks spectacular that way. Mine came with a few slices of avo, not the half, which was better for my diet.

Others at my table ordered fruit salad with yogurt and tramezzini — toasted pita with mozzarella.

The breakfast royale included poached eggs with asparagus spears or wilted spinach topped with light lemon sauce on seeded health bread or polenta toast.

The manager didn’t have time to talk to me when I asked about Tashas, and gave me a number to call at the head office.

The waiter was friendly and helpful. The Melrose Arch location is a great meeting place. It’s one of the most-hyped restaurant chains in Johannesburg, but the food is consistently fresh, according to online reviews.