Laura

Monday, August 22nd, 2011

Reviewed by Laura Church

After a recent visit to the Orient, I went to write a review and was taken aback to see that one diner had had such a negative time. It made me take a step back and rethink my review. How can 2 people experience the same venue so differently. Whilst I applaud anyone for finding their voice and using it constructively, how can Ms Wilson's experience have been so negative whilst mine can only be described as perfect. From the last bend on the driveway where this Moroccan oasis emerges out of the dusty veld, the ever changing and fascinating artworks, the Tiennie Prichard sculpture gallery, to the food itself which can only be described as sublime, it was a treat for all the senses.
This got me thinking about the responsibility of the diner, the paying public. Perhaps the demise of so many fine dining restaurants has left us unused to the level of attention that such an establishment gives - maybe.
But I believe that in order to give any restaurant a fair revue we, the public, have a responsibility to do our homework too. In this electronic age, this is quite easy. I love the diversity that is found in South Africa, and that this extends so much to our food and tastes. Having some idea of what one can expect from any restaurant can only benefit ones dining experience. If it is a large, robust meal you like then Restaurant Mosaic is not for you. My brother-in-law is happiest with a 600g steak cooked to perfection smothered in a creamy garlic sauce. For me this is my red meat quota for at least 2 months. He would be left wanting at Mosaic, wanting a different dining experience, just as he is when finely crafted morsels of sushi are suggested. Is he wrong, or right? Neither, just honest as he knows what his likes and dislikes. We just have different tastes and different expectations.
For me Mosaic is an occasion restaurant, even if it is just a celebration of life itself. And the food is always the ultimate highlight - it has never yet failed to inspire and amaze me on every level, ever! The service staff have grown in proficiency and confidence over time, and the attention to detail makes the higher price, for me, well worth it - even if we can only do this once in a special occasion.
But this is not only about amazing food served in a pretty place. What excites me most is that in South Africa we have a few restaurants who are starting to give an 'el Buli' type experience where complex dishes go through months of research and development. And once perfected the perfect plate is sourced to serve it on. My oyster course was served in an oval shaped glass bowl where the front lip is lower than the back allowing the food to be 'presented' to the diner. The dark stained base left me wondering whether this was part of the food or the bowl - I needed to taste it to find out. (My bowl was slightly more rustic having been blown by the chef herself - this level of passion completely works for me.) I was at the perfect restaurant for my tastes and as a result can review it with confidence. It is only fair on any establishment to judge them fairly without prejudice just because they don't offer your kind of food. For my hard earned money, research is the key, and then it is up to the restaurant to do their part - and Chantel and her team at Restaurant Mosaic played their part beautifully. Thank you for a memorable evening, complete with a full moon!