HOT NEW SPOT: THE MESS

There are few things in life that give us great pleasure but food definitely lies in the top five alongside family and friends. And enjoying food with family and friends? Even better. Green Point’s latest restaurant and bar, The Mess, offers this in a relaxed atmosphere that encourages the casual sharing of dishes, unfussy dining and eating with your hands.

Referencing the 15th-century terminology that defines a ‘mess’ as a group of people who ate together and the French word mes, which means a portion of food, the restaurant’s eclectic menu consists of sharing plates inspired by owner and restauranteur Carlene de Gouveia’s favourite foods from her travels across the globe. Since there’s no strict style of cuisine, diners can expect everything from flavourful Greek-inspired tapas to decadent desserts and even Cape Malay curries on the menu, with an additional blackboard menu of daily specials.

Grab a booth or seat next to the wooden trees indoors to enjoy a satiating meal with friends before a night on the town. Order a few sharing platters of yoghurt and thyme flatbreads with mezze of French confit duck rillette and pickled beetroot, white bean and tahini pate with pine nut and mint vinaigrette, and pickled goat’s cheese with Moroccan nut dukkha; Asian beef tataki with ponzu dressing; Italian Aubergine Melanzane; and pork loin ribs.

Not into sharing? Try one of the main plates on offer, including Confit crackling pork belly with braised red cabbage, smoked apple and fennel jus; Cape Malay vegetable curry with smoked apricot couscous, flatbreads and tomato chilli jam; and Angus rib-eye or beef fillet with sides of charred broccoli and dukkha accompanied by thick-cut fries and truffle mayo.

Then head outside to indulge in decadent desserts on the patio. On the menu? Crème brulee, dark chocolate lava cake, Fromage Blanc Eton Mess or delicious cannoli washed down with a coffee – or a cocktail from the spacious and well-stocked bar.

OF NOTE
When Monday to Saturdays 6 pm till late (Kitchen closes at 10 pm)
Where Shop 110, The Rockwell, Napier Street, Green Point
Cost According to menu
Contact 021 418 3910, themess.co.za

Photography Courtesy images