The 7-course seafood tasting menu at Kyoto Sushi Garden made me appreciate the simplistic umami flavours of Japanese food.

By Chiara Turilli

It felt like we were at a show. As we walked into the restaurant, which was light in an authentic inviting warm hue. Our waiter, who just happened to be a food photographer, gestured to a quaint two-seater table giving us an entire display of the sushi bar and kitchen.

The curtains had opened, the waiter brought us some warm sake and guided us through the different flavour profiles we would experience.

Course 1 | Exotic sushi

Course 2 | Whole squid in its ink

Course 3 | Oyster tempura

Course 4 | Udon noodles in iced lime broth

Course 5 | Succulent lobster with a side of burnt butter

Course 6 | Trio of Japanese flavoured ice cream

The plates that stole the limelight were the Sea Urchin Uni, Succulent Lobster with a side of burnt butter and Miso Ice Cream.

MY FAVOURITES

Sea urchin uni | It felt like I was truly experiencing the flavour of the ocean. It also has a subtle pepperiness. The synergy of sushi rice, seaweed and a fresh slice of sea urchin was impeccable.

Succulent lobster with a side of burnt butter | I found great satisfaction of pulling out a hunk of the plump sweet lobster flesh and dipping it directly into the caramelized butter. The intense flavour of the masterfully prepared burnt butter made this dish.

Miso ice cream | To me, this was the Japanese version of salted caramel. This ice cream fed all my senses. It was creamy, salty, sweet and there was a hint of the malt at the end.

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Summer at The President Hotel is all about lazy days lounging by the pool and sipping on delicious cocktails with a slice of pizza in hand. Sounds pretty amazing right? Their new gourmet pizza menu boasts six pies topped with the freshest seasonal produce that caters for vegetarians and meat eaters alike!

By Ulisha Moodley

They’re offering:
1. President margarita with buffalo mozzarella, basil and sun blush tomatoes
2. Proscuitto, gorgonzola, rocket and figs
3. Slow roasted chicken, porcini mushrooms, mozzarella, and Peppadews
4. Oak-smoked salmon, capers, crème fraiche, arugula and avocado
5. Artichoke, wild mushrooms, sun blush tomatoes and olives
6. Pulled pork, blush peach compote, sesame and slaw

Gluten-free bases and takeaway options are both also available.

THE DETAILS

When: Monday – Sunday 12 PM – 10 PM (November – February); 12 PM – 9 PM (March – October)
Where: 4 Alexander Road, Bantry Bay, Cape Town
Reservations: thebase@presidenthotel; 021 434 8111
Website: presidenthotel.co.za

The post This just in! There’s a new gourmet pizza menu at The President Hotel appeared first on MyKitchen.

Cheesecake and wine pairings? SOLD! Eikendal has added this lovely option to their menu and we couldn’t be happier because enjoying the summer just got even more exciting!

By Ulisha Moodley

When it comes to cheesecake, you can look forward to wonderful zesty flavours, a rich berry delight, and a sultry salted caramel enchantment.

And as for the wine? The list will consist of Eikendal’s crisp Sauvignon Blanc, a Chardonnay blend, and the vineyard’s award-winning Janina Unwooded Chardonnay.

So what are you waiting for? This is one Cape Winelands indulgence you can’t afford to miss out on!

THE DETAILS

Where: Eikendal Vineyards, R44, Raithby, 7130
When: Tuesday – Sunday, 10 AM – 4:30 PM, October 2017 – April 2018
Price: R80 pp
Bookings: 021 855 1422; info@eikendal.co.za
Website: eikendal.com

The post Eikendal Vineyards swirls Cheesecake and Wine Pairings this summer appeared first on MyKitchen.

It was a pleasure to be able to leave the office a bit earlier than usual, and head to Camp’s Bay to sample the new, authentic Italian menu at Zenzero, beach view and the fresh ocean scent included!

By Roxy Greeff

Soda Design, in collaboration with Kove Collection MD Paul Kovensky, focused on a home-away-from-home decor style that is both comfy and elegant. As you step inside you are welcomed with neutral hues, raw, natural textures, and wall-to-wall bookshelves, to my aesthetic delight.

Chef Amber Deetlefs and her team have created a superb new menu featuring Italian contemporary originals for breakfast, lunch and dinner. ‘The updated menu reflects the inimitable spirit of the stunning location and la dolce vita – the typically Italian concept of living life to the fullest. Flavours are still punchy and robust, ingredients fresh, and helpings generous,’ she says.

We took our seats on the balcony, facing the sea, and picked up our menus. We challenge you not to drool over our personal favourites.

ANTIPASTI

Sicilian arancini
Bolognaise, fresh tomato sauce & Parmigiano-Reggiano

Gnocchi
Fresh tomato sauce, basil, baby spinach, pine nuts, torn mozzarella, sea salt & olive oil

PASTA

Spaghetti Piemontese
Roast chicken, spinach, sage, nutmeg & Parmigiano-Reggiano

SEAFOOD

Lemon sole
Herb butter, mint, basil, parsley, anchovies & capers

DOLCI

Frozen nougat
Cointreau, fresh citrus & olive oil sponge

White chocolate cheesecake
Sour cherries & vanilla ice cream

THE DETAILS

When: Monday-Sunday, 11 AM – 11 PM
Where: 2A Victoria Rd, Camps Bay, Cape Town, 8040
Reservations: 021 438 0007
Website: zenzerorestaurant.co.za

The post Zenzero relaunches with a contemporary European look and an Italian menu appeared first on MyKitchen.

When last have you had a lunch or dinner where you didn’t have to worry about anything except getting your food and enjoying it? Visit Chef’s Restaurant where their ever-changing set menu will change the way you think of dining out.

By Ulisha Moodley

Well, we have fantastic news for you. Chef’s restaurant will provide you with the most tantalising and scrumptious meals, cutting out all the usual middle-men involved. This means, no à la carte menus and no wait staff, just honest food served with a smile. Chef’s is a proudly ‘fast fine’ restaurant, a concept that makes the best of fast food and casual dining.

The set menu consists of three options, which change daily. There is always a vegetarian option, and the other two options are either meat, poultry or seafood, and a dessert. Still and sparkling water is on the house, there is a daily juice, beer is on tap and the wine list changes monthly.

So if you’re looking for an exciting no-fuss dining experience, Chef’s restaurant is definitely the place to visit.

THE DETAILS

When: Monday to Friday, 12 PM – 8:30 PM
Where: 81 St John’s Street, Gardens, Cape Town
Contact: +27 (0) 461 0368
Website: www.chefscapetown.co.za

The post Chef’s Restaurant, Cape Town appeared first on MyKitchen.

No matter the time of day, contemporary, eclectic dining is always available at Lily’s Restaurant, and at very reasonable prices as well. As soon as you walk through their doors, you are transported to a modern space filled with quirky details. You’ll probably discover something new every time you go back, and return you will.

By Roxy Greeff

Their breakfast menu boasts healthy juices, smoothies and a massive selection of artisanal herbal teas (much to my delight!) The food all encompasses classic brekkie options with an awesome twist. I’m loving their Not Another French Toast, which is made up of brioche fingers, maple-mascarpone sauce, cinnamon sugar, chocolate caramel sauce and sea salt cocoa nibs. I mean…yum! But if you are looking for something healthier, there is no shortage of options; they have everything from overnight oat bowls to wholesome things on toast (I loved the exotic mushrooms, garlic, shallots, thyme, Parmesan, goat’s cheese and poached egg on toast).

Their appetisers are really something to write home about, and are one of the highlights of the menu. I loved:

1. Broccoli Every Which Way – Tempura, charred and pickled broccoli, salad cream, toasted pine nuts and whipped goat’s milk cheese

2. Beets – Open beetroot parcel, pickled beetroot, goat’s cheese, pine nuts and balsamic reduction.

3. Quack eggs – A Scotch egg of shredded duck meat, coated in Panko crumbs and served with a radish aioli and baby leaf salad.

They have mains (and everything else) that are vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and dairy-free with their Buddha Bowl, Everything But The Sink Coconut Curry, Sesame Tuna, Lamb Popsicles and the Dirty Birdie burger.

Their dessert menu is also packed with flavour but three options really stood out for me:

1. Espresso Yourself – Molten lava cake, salted caramel and caffeine fix ice cream

2. Please Sir Can I Have S’More? – Chocolate pot de crème, peanut butter cookie crumble and marshmallow ice cream

3. Passion, No Cream – Coconut panna cotta, mango coulis, sesame wafer and a fruit salsa

I was especially impressed with dessert number 3. It’s vegan and that panna cotta (unmoulded even!) was perfect. And, with my palate used to rich winter offerings, that fruit salsa was beyond welcome, and is definitely something I will incorporate into more puds at home. Genius!

THE DETAILS

When: Daily 7:30 am –10 pm
Where: Shop 1, East-West Building, corner Beach Rd and Surrey Place, Mouille Point, Cape Town, 8005
Website: lilysrestaurant.co.za

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