The big pink thing next to the Labia has a new Executive chef, Rudi Liebenberg. He seems to be the real deal. I had a chance to hobnob and enjoy their Chefs table last night.
Verdict: Impressive, not flawless or faultless. Surprising that the Nellie would allow us into the bowels of their ageing kitchen. Clean, but hardly impressive space. The Chefs table area itself was lovely, with a nicely laid out table. A good feeling of being in the kitchen and luxury combined.
The waiter on hand had almost no wine knowledge and was a friendly enough disappointment. Not professional enough at this level. Wine pairing was a part of the food and besides his lack of knowing what he was pouring, he often got the wine out to us after most of us had finished the course!
To the food. 12 courses (8 were promised), decent scallops, veal, delicacy, variety, a little, thank goodness not too much molecular gastronomy, some artisanal bread that tasted as good as it looked. Of the 12 courses, and I am picking here, 2 were a little of a let down, the foamed raspberry palette cleanser was waaaaay too sweet and got a few comments and the pre dessert with a mature cheddar foam, which while it tasted great, the cheddar foam needed to be warm and not cold as it gave a needlessly congealed flavour. But this is nitpicking, Chef Rudi and his team did a great job, the standard of the food was exceptional, portions where just right, a delicate hand was in play. I was also a little let down by some of the wine choices, many were exceptional, but there was far too much mediocrity at this level and price.
This is early days and I suspect many improvements will be forthcoming
Just one final comment, at R800 per person, R700 without wine pairing this is a very pricey treat for 6-10 friends
Restaurant Reservations on +27 0 21 483 1948 or e-mail restaurantreservations@mountnelson.co.za.
