Black Bamboo

Friday, August 26th, 2016

Reviewed by Conrad Dormehl

Insofar as dining out in Gauteng is concerned, labelling "Black Bamboo" a "restaurant" is a bit like describing Michael Phelps as a "swimmer". From a simple categorization point of view, it's probably correct. If you have however had the pleasure of experiencing the level of brilliance in action (That is both Mr Phelps and the Black Bamboo), you'd know that there is so much more to Black Bamboo than a "restaurant." You see, the thing is this; Black Bamboo don't create (the word "make" wouldn't be accurate as anyone can "make" food) dishes. The create culinary experiences. From the manner in which you are received, greeted with a glass of bubbly and seated at the table amidst the perfectly designed contemporary looking Menlyn Boutique Hotel, you pretty much know that you're in for a dining experience far removed from the norm. Once seated and having made a wine selection, you embark on the adventure that is encapsulated in the menu. Nothwithstanding the fact that the casual description on the menu belies the perfect combination of flavours and beautifully presented dishes which will make its way out of the kitchen towards you, should elect to direct your index finger towards its description on the menu, the text will pretty much leave you salivating. My wife and I decided to give the springbok loin and salmon a respective go. In a word the experience was "phenomenal". Each item was so incredibly delicately prepared and added genuine depth of flavour to the dish. The food not only looked amazing, but one was left with the idea that each item and its placement on the plate had received extremely careful thought. I wouldn't be surprised if the kitchen was littered with tweezers, spirit levels, protractors and the like. I'm not sure that the level of perfection could be achieved by any less painstaking attention to detail. The springbok which I'd carefully preserved n my freezer and intended preparing for my in-laws in my Weber over the weekend, suddenly seemed far less exciting... Dessert blew our mind! Quite clearly, I've been misled my whole life and now for the first time know what lemon meringue should taste like. Thyme in lemon meringue? Are you kidding me? What level of genius does it take to know that these type of things will leave your palate dazed in a post taste-explosion frenzy? Go see Michael Phelps swim post-Rio. You won't be disappointed. If you can't, make a reservation at Black Bamboo and determine whether you should still label it a "restaurant". I highly doubt it....