2017 is the year of the rooster on the Chinese calendar, and thus far, it looks to be the year of the chicken-focused restaurant, too. Opening this week – Thursday 7 September for First Thursday drinks, and Friday for food, the newest addition to South Africa’s crop of chicken restaurants is Roast & Co; a sit-down, free-range-only chicken restaurant serving up chicken with a range of unusual sides and a little South African flavour.

A post shared by Roast & Co. (@roastandco) on Sep 4, 2017 at 12:31am PDT

It comes to us from single-item menu masters HQ, and the new spot is also two doors down from its sister restaurant in Shortmarket Street.

A feast fit for spring. Photo by Matthew Mulholland, styling by Melissa Delport.

Start by choosing between a full, half or quarter chicken. Pair it with a brioche bun with butter, roasted potatoes, pumpkin fritters, charred corn or pickled slaw. Sharing options for the table will include some classics with a South African twist – Mzansi fried mac ‘n cheese, truffled baked camembert, an onion bhaji and chicken Caesar croquettes. The small dessert selection sounds intriguing, featuring churros, a rocky road popsicle and a banana split cheesecake.

 

A post shared by Roast & Co. (@roastandco) on Sep 6, 2017 at 11:23pm PDT

In addition to using free-range and locally sourced chickens, Roast & Co aims to minimise waste by using the entire bird. It also promises sides made with premium farm-fresh ingredients, local flavours and inspired by international trends. The menu includes a concise selection of wines, beers and cocktails. Roast & Co will be open for lunch and dinner Mondays to Saturdays and will also be doing monthly event specials.

A post shared by Roast & Co. (@roastandco) on Sep 5, 2017 at 5:25am PDT