GET LUCKY AT HUSSAR GRILL GRANDWEST

Going to GrandWest Casino and Entertainment World is always a bit of a gamble – if you’ll excuse the pun. My secret guilty pleasure is going to one of the many restaurants within the casino complex, having a great meal, and then hitting the roulette tables to try win back whatever I had spent on the meal. I’m not always successful, but it always makes for a great night out.

As soon as I heard that the Hussar Grill, Cape Town’s legendary steak house restaurant chain, had opened its doors in GrandWest, I knew another trip to the casino was on the cards – yes, there are going to be a lot of these.

Hussar Grill GrandWest is situated just behind Jackson Hall, where the old Squires used to be found. I was pleased to see the restaurant has enjoyed a slight facelift since its transformation, but still maintains the décor theme seen at Hussar Grill branches all over the Cape. From the comfortable booths to the crisp white table cloths adorned with tall wine glasses (that are just waiting to be filled), you know you’re in a Hussar Grill as soon as you walk through the doors.

My dining partner and I were quickly shown to a table in the centre of the spacious dining area, with a clear view of the magnificent corner bar. We ordered a glass of wine each and munched on the delicious homemade sweet potato chips, biltong and olives while studying the grill room’s extensive menu. For starters I opted for a Prawn Cocktail and Fresh Avo (R68), dressed in homemade Marie Rose sauce and served on a bed of baby greens. My partner chose the Large Black Mushroom (R59), which was topped with spinach and feta cheese and then grilled. Both were divine, but the mushroom left my tastebuds tantalised and eager to get stuck into some meat.

From choice cuts of rump, sirloin and t-bone, to house specialities such as the Chateaubriand, we were almost lost in the variety on offer to hungry carnivores. So much so, in fact, that I’d have liked to see the look on my face when our waitron for the evening, Tendai, brought out the Hussar Grill meat cut board.

Tendai explained each cut of meat with ease, and recommended several options. My partner and I settled however on Lamb Shank (R159), which has been slow-roasted in a red wine jus and served in gravy on a bed of mashed potato, and the 300g rump steak (R145), which came highly recommended as it has been aged for 32 days. Both were delicious!

The lamb shank just fell off the bone, and the gravy was something you’d expect from your own mother’s kitchen. The rump was as promised, a tender piece of meat that melted in my mouth. I added a mushroom sauce on the side, which simply enhanced the flavour of the meat and made me question why vegetarianism is even a thing. We were offered complimentary Crisp Onion Rings as well, which I devoured with rich abandon alongside my meal.

For dessert I ordered the Crème Brûlée (R42), a crunchy, sugary and silky smooth custard served with vanilla ice cream. My partner, who had managed to eat the entire lamb shank, opted to avoid a food dessert and go for the liquid variety – a Chocolate Vodka Martini (R29). Both were good choices, and my list of the ‘best Crème Brûlées in Cape Town’ now has a new leader.

All-in-all, the Hussar Grill lived up to its rich heritage in Cape Town. The grill room franchise has been operating since 1964, and this newest addition only enhances an already-winning formula. Hussar Grill GrandWest is perfectly positioned within the casino complex, and should definitely form part of your itinerary on your next visit – whether you’re there for an event at the Grand Arena, or simply trying your luck on the slot machines, a visit to the Hussar Grill GrandWest is no gamble.

OF NOTE
When Monday–Saturday 12 noon – 11 pm, Sunday 12 noon – 4 pm
Where Shop 43, GrandWest Casino and Entertainment World, 1 Vanguard Drive, Goodwood
Cost View the menu online
Contact +27 21 534 0106, [email protected], www.hussargrill.co.za

Photography courtesy Jonathan Meyer