Classic Comfort Food with a Twist
Comfort food is described as something that provides a sentimental value to the taster. Food that is associated with the security of childhood and believed to be a great coping mechanism.
Chef Vaughn Assam from Back O' The Moon in Gold Reef City, has taken the classics that you love and energised it, encouraging you to not only feel nostalgic, but tantalised simultaneously.
He carefully crafted the menu to include meals that were best known to the restaurant:
We began with the Back O' The Moon Salad and Cheesy Garlic Roll. The salad contained sliced button mushrooms, macon bits, croutons and anchovies, along with lettuce, tomatoes and feta. Anchovies and macon is not something I would usually pair in a salad, so that was a bit adventurous for me. The Portuguese rolls were soft and fluffy, baked with their secret garlic butter and melted cheddar cheese. I actually held on to my roll until the soup arrived!
Sweetcorn soup is one of my favourites so I was anticipating the Thai Curry and Sweet Corn Soup that he had on offer. The flavours, the aroma and the taste - I honestly wanted more!
After those delightful starters, the main meals did not fail to deliver as well!
Prawns perfectly grilled in butter with a Spicy Paella - and boy was it spicy! But the intensity of the spice fit the meal perfectly.
The marinated Chicken Wings with a hint of Peri-Peri, butterflied and grilled on an open flame served with chips reminded me of my hubby. He cooks really well and his favourite ingredient is potatoes - moreso, chips. I felt like I was cheating on him by enjoying all of this food without him, especially food that he would love to have! It really holds true that good food is something that not only delights the senses and taste buds, but one that invokes feelings as well.
After those two main dishes, I was already comforted. I felt as if the next two meals should just be bypassed...
My thoughts obviously changed once I saw them! We enjoyed the Basil Steak which was fillet steak cut into medallions, and served with parmesan and basil butter. Lastly, the Sophiatown Lamb Shanks which were perfectly cooked, pulled off the bone with mini dumplings. My mouth loved the experience of both these red meat dishes. They were so easy to eat; effortless, tasteful and just delicious. And to think, I almost wanted to sit this one out in order to make room for dessert!
Dessert is something I always have space for, although I can be quite fussy as it is something I'm quite passionate about.
Chef Assam pulled out all the stops with an array of the much loved choices : Cream Cheese Cake with Passion Fruit Tubbies, Pecan Nut Tartlets, Chocolate and Marshmallow Brownies, and Ginger Ice Cream.
With indulgent food and great live entertainment at an iconic and stylish restaurant, one can definitely enjoy a great dining experience!
