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This year, the Piccolo Mondo in Sandton is hosting Gourmet Nights for foodies and there’s still time left for you to book. Sandton’s Piccolo Mondo doesn’t really need the “hard-sell” in order to pull in fans of fine dining.
The Michaelangelo’s stylish restaurant that sits just a small distance away from the hotel’s impressive lobby certainly looks the part. Its ornate tables and booths look lavish enough and the serene atmosphere peppered with piano music makes the whole dining experience feel gorgeously intimate.
To be honest, the restaurant could probably get away with a lot on looks alone. The fact that it doesn’t – that it offers not only a superb menu filled with elegant, yet lip-smacking fare but also one of the best all-day breakfasts in the city – makes it truly special.
Not keen to rest on its laurels, though, the Legacy Hotel restaurant is now offering a monthly Gourmet Evening in which patrons are treated to a fantastic five-course meal, each plate paired with Oneiric wines, specially curated by representatives from some of South Africa’s most famous and best-loved vineyards.
The night I was lucky enough to sample the fare it was partnered with wines from the Bellingham Homestead Range and the Bellingham The Bernard Series, wines that vinophiles will be aware are rich on the nose and with a rather silky finish.
On arrival, I and my fellow diners sampled a crisp Chardonnay that complimented the first course marvellously; a Dijon mustard and cider glazed pork belly, horseradish and leek fricassee, peas and maple jus. This was fol- lowed by venison and rooibos jelly, chakalaka frikkadel and leaf dressing. A fruity Bellingham Shiraz set the taste buds tingling nicely.
After a cosmpolitan palette cleanser, we tucked into a tomato lamb bredie with chorizo, lamb, bacon and white bean puree paired with a sumptuous small barrel SMV. A cheeseboard and mocha pudding followed and I have to confess, dear reader, that at this stage I was enjoying myself too much to take notes.
But as has been mentioned, for a restaurant as grand as the Piccolo Mondo, one never becomes overwhelmed by the surroundings. The entire evening is very relaxed, and with vineyard representatives on hand, wine lovers and novices can learn more about blends, varietals and classics from the experts at their table.
The menu and vineyard partners change each Gourmet Night at the Piccolo Mondo and this week sees Mont du Toit take centre stage.
Contact 011-282-7000 for more information.