That constant chill in the air makes it official: summer is over. That means no more light clothing, lazy afternoons on the beach or outdoor activities. But don’t despair, Autumn brings its own set of great things, the best of which is great hearty food.
There is something so immensely satisfying about having good warm food in your belly, especially on a cold day! Chef Stephen Mandes of Mondiall Kitchen and Bar at the V&A Waterfront, has crafted a delightful autumn menu filled with wonderful dishes to help give you that wonderful feeling during the colder season. He has just joined Mondiall after being the chef/proprietor of La Vierge restaurant and as a winner of Ultimate Braai Master (season 3), you know you are going to get incredible food.
The Mondiall Autumn menu includes their signature fish tacos and famous Wagyu Cheese Burger, which are delicious no matter what the season. Whether you are in the mood for a glorious three course meal or just mains, there are plenty of wonderful dishes to choose from that are full of flavour.
There is a whole range of delightful starters, but some of our recommendations include the Shellfish Bisque, Smoked Goats Cheese Parcel and Crispy Ham Hock. The bisque is absolute perfection. It’s not too rich, but still tasty and indulgent. The goats cheese parcel is filled with strong flavour that is wonderfully balanced with caramelized onion and root vegetables. The ham hock is just delicious, you can tell that you are eating great quality meat.
For mains you are spoiled for choice. There is a great range seafood and meat dishes to choose from, a pasta/risotto of the day for when you are in desperate need of those carbs, and Chicken Ballantine that looks exquisite. On the day we tried the menu, it was a nice 23 degrees out, making it the perfect day for fish. We opted for the seafood plate that comes with fresh line fish, prawns, mussels, fragrant rice, side salad and peri-peri and lemon butter sauces.
The best feature were the prawns, they were big, beautiful and full of flavour. The owner, Patrick Symington, informed us that Mondiall imports wild prawns from Argentina, and that is what makes them so delicious. The sauces were incredible and were the perfect complement to the meal. You would think that this is far too much food on one plate, but the portion was perfect for one and left you satisfied rather than uncomfortably full.
Dessert was a dream. We got to try three very different desserts, namely the Banana Split, Salted Chocolate Tart and a blue cheese concoction that was just divine. The banana split is not your normal sliced banana served with ice-cream and cream, it is a caramelised banana in puff pastry with macadamia nuts and ice cream and it’s heavenly. If that’s too sweet, the salted chocolate tart is a good alternative, but honestly the blue cheese dessert was a firm favourite. It’s obviously an acquired taste, but if you are a fan of blue cheese it will blow your mind!
So if you are feeling a little blue because summer is gone, head over to Mondiall and comfort yourself with delicious dishes from the Autumn menu. You will feel warmer towards the season afterwards.
OF NOTE
When Monday – Sunday 10 am – 10 pm
Where 18 Alfred Mall, V&A Waterfront
Cost According to menu
Contact +27 21 418 3003, [email protected], www.mondiall.co.za
Photography courtesy Claire Gunn, Annzra Denita and Mondiall Kitchen and Bar