Jozi is abuzz with food festivals in September and foodies are totally spoilt for choice. We attended the Taste of Joburg this weekend, and I really wish we could have stayed longer (or gone again)! There were so many amazing restaurants to sample, chilled sparkling wines and Sauvignon Blancs to be gulped and producers stalls to be visited that one day simply is not enough. Not to mention the live demonstrations and performers that add to the vibe.
The weather cleared up and people were sipping chilled drinks under large umbrellas until we were forced to leave as the next session was about to start. Here are some of the dishes we tried and briefly what we thought of them:
Bellagio: Sashimi style Scottish Salmon, with a variety of shoots, ginger and garlic chips and a citrus dressing. *Loved the garlic chips.
DW eleven – 13: Steak Tartar hand chopped beef, capers, gherkins, onions, spicy mayo and Bloody Mary sorbet. *Very flavoursome and interesting contrast offered by the sorbet.
Piccolo Mondo: Lamb shoulder with fried butternut Gnocchi, braising vegetables and a pinotage onion marmalade. & Crunchy prawn and ricotta pasta ‘pillows’ served on wild mushrooms with a smoked salmon Champagne cream. *Lamb was perfect but the pasta pillows where a bit bland, mushrooms were tasty.
roots @ Forum Homini: Self saucing Malva pudding, homemade ginger ice cream and kumquat preserve. *AMAZING Served with a cute tube of custard, this was one of the standout dishes.
Sel et Poivre & Le Petit Sel: Belgian ‘Moule-frites’ (mussels & fries) *Yum, totally moreish!
The Saxon: Parma ham-wrapped terrine of Foie Gras ‘farmer style’, served with warm brioche. & Rocky Road, honey and rose water ice cream, chocolate brownie, praline and homemade marshmallow. *Terrine was rich and delicious & Dessert was a playfull plate of goodness and textures.
Taste of Joburg really is a showcase for the best that Joburg has to offer, and a great platform for restaurants to introduce their food philosophies to people that wouldn’t necessarily have known about them. It’s quite expensive (R60 entrance and between R20 – R40 for a small portion) but the chefs use great ingredients so it’s definitely worth it.
Great festival – will be back next year!
Click here for the full menu.
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