Restaurant Mosaic at The Orient

Wednesday, May 6th, 2015

Reviewed by Kalay Maistry

I recently booked lunch at Mosaic to celebrate the 40th wedding anniversary of my partner's parents. We thought the venue and cuisine would be befitting a Ruby Anniversary. We werent disappointed. We were given a private dining room, which also had a great view over the Francolin Conservancy, in the Crocodile River Valley. The restaurant is filled with beautiful works of art, furnishing and other decor elements. I opted for the Discovery Degustation menu with the wine pairing and every course was almost more delicious than the next! The yellow fin tuna, with beetroot, oriental vinaigrette and wasabi was light and perfect. I was reluctant about the next dish, the Millionaire's Nest Egg, as I don't eat under done eggs and I am not keen on quail! The dish is stunningly presented, on top the nest are quail eggs, blacktruffle paste and courgettes. I relished every mouthful! Yes, I eat not one but three quails eggs, none of which were well done. My boyfriend was abit aghast that I finished the dish. But when the combination of egg, truffle and courgette hits your taste buds, you can't do more than forget your boundaries and surrender to the taste. My other favourite was the Mousse de Mer with rooiboos, langoustines and risotto. Apart from the presentation being a work of art, the flavour combination was out of his world. Mosaic's Chantel Dartnall is phenomenal! She deserves her Chef of the Year title. Chantel has an amazing way of linking food and art, realistically I don't know whether to call her chef or artist. I just know that this is a whole new take on fine dining. The restaurant's sommelier Germain Lehodey is one of the best we have met, he is knowledgeable and professional without being patronising or annoying! Service across the board at Mosaic is excellent. The location, decor, service and cuisine makes Mosaic South Africa's perfect gourmet destination! I am beyond keen on my next visit