Going into its third year of trading in the V&A Waterfront (Cape Town), Mondiall Kitchen & Bar has introduced an enthusiastic, talented new chef to present a delectable Autumn menu that will focus on top quality and to seduce diners with fresh, daily ‘specials’.
The new head chef, Stephen Mandes (28) was chef/proprietor of La Vierge restaurant in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley outside Hermanus for the past year, and winner of ‘Ultimate Braai Master’ Season 3 in 2014 as team Tikka Boys. He holds an Advanced Diploma in Culinary Arts (Northlink College Tygerberg Campus/accredited by City and Guilds) and comes with extensive experience in some of Cape Town’s top kitchens. He started his career at the Cape Grace Hotel, where he worked as Junior Chef de Partie before his appointment as Chef de Partie at the Belmond Mount Nelson, followed by De Grendel Restaurant where he worked as Junior Sous Chef.
Restaurateur Patrick Symington says that the Mondiall formula remains unchanged, and will continue to offer a sophisticated, but casual brasserie-style dining experience with refined comfort food.
Small décor tweaks include atmospheric lighting, more wood and greenery and other organic elements, as well as a couple of rustic ‘kitchen tables’. Other warm and Wintery design elements added are a few Persian rugs and fireplaces, inviting patrons to escape the cold and relax in a cool and cosy lounge atmosphere.
What you can expect from the food
For the Winter months, the new menu will focus on ‘low and slow’ cooking with a selection of hearty dishes and elements of pickling in creations such as Braised Beef Shortrib with pickled beetroot, cucumber salad and garlic buttermilk (R170) and a starter of Crispy Ham Hock with caramelised apple purée, celeriac remoulade and pea shoots (R75).
Mondiall’s Signature Fish Tacos will of course remain on the menu (small R80 and large R160), served with chipotle mayo, pico de gallo and coriander, alongside other favourites such as Mondiall’s Famous 100% Wagyu Cheese Burger (R135) with Cheddar, gherkins, umami ketchup and hand cut fries, and Steak Tartare (small R80 and large R160), served with salad and hand cut fries.
Ending on a sweet note, the dessert menu features classics such as a Banana Split of caramelised banana in puff pastry, macadamia nuts, milk ice cream and maraschino cherries (R60) or Salted Chocolate Tart (R65) served with crème fraîche.
Weekend feasting
On weekends, Mondiall presents a delicious brunch menu, available every Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 – 16:00, that includes a variety of main course dishes, as well as Oysters & Bubbles (3 oysters with a glass of Moët & Chandon R230 or Laborie Brut R120), and all day breakfast staples such as Poached Eggs Royale with salmon (R85) or Fluffy American Style Pancakes (R77) with bacon, maple syrup, Mascarpone and blueberries, enjoyed with freshly squeezed juices and smoothies, or a ‘Hangover Drink’ like a Breakfast Martini (R65) of gin, orange marmalade and fresh grapefruit juice.
Mondiall is open seven days a week, offering brunch, lunch, tapas, cocktails and dinner, and a range of weekly specials that include:
• Monday Madness – Any two starters, mains or desserts for the price of one (available all day)
• Ladies Night (Thursdays) 50% off meals and R30 for all cocktails
• Business Lunch – Bring a business card to the table and enjoy a choice of: 33% discount on 4 people or less; or 44% discount on tables of more than 4 (excludes drinks)
• Pre/Post Movie Special – Order a meal and receive a complimentary pre/post movie drink (on presentation of movie ticket)
• Birthday Special – 50% off your meal on your birthday (on presentation of your ID).