Kream of the Crop

Food is one of my weaknesses and I love fine dining. There was a time in my life when my hobbies included trying out all the new restaurants in Johannesburg, mainly the northern suburbs. It was a long time ago. I have become less adventurous, comfortable and lazy.

Tsogo Sun’s Montecasino, a few kilometers away from home, has either spoiled me or made me boring. The casino and entertainment complex has so many restaurants with varied fare, all choices exquisitely delectable, that I have not found it necessary to go elsewhere when the need for some fine dining or just any plain meal arises. The parking is a pleasure and is much safer than those of stand-alone restaurants. I could have been brainwashed but I truly believe that casinos are the safest of public places due to the amount of CCTV all over the property and the presence of security officers everywhere, including those intimidating men in black with not-so-inconspicuous earpieces and possibly mini wireless spy microphones. There are many other activities to keep everyone entertained.

However, this post is about Kream Restaurant. Compliments go to Kream Restaurant in Mall of Africa specifically.

Kream describes itself on its website as “a stylish upmarket restaurant which strives to provide only the best food and service, bringing this together to create an unforgettable dining experience.” I agree.

An old friend from Botswana was in Johannesburg for business. I thought I was just going to see her briefly. I was in for a treat when she decided to take us to dinner. I would have taken her to Casa Bella as I had been there and was satisfied with the food. Fortunately, she was with her 20-something year old daughter and I was with my 20-year old son. The young ones both thought that Kream was the posh place we should try.

We were not really dressed for anything fancy and from experience, wrong choice of outfits could mean unfriendly welcome. I was pleasantly surprised to be greeted warmly. The place was buzzing and it was not easy to find a table for 7. The manager made a plan and before the barman could open the bottle of red wine we ordered while waiting at the bar, a table upstairs was set and ready for us. It’s pretty enough downstairs but we needed a bit of exercise and take the stairs for beautiful, complete with a gorgeous view of the night lights.

The diners

Red wine (while waiting for the 2 guests who decided not to join anymore)

We skipped the starter in anticipation of needing stomach space for dessert, except for my friend who can only accommodate a light meal as it was a little late for her to have a heavy dinner. She ordered the Tuna Starter Special.

Another light option but filling enough was sushi. My friend’s daughter ordered Salmon Roses (also a favorite of mine) and Tempura Rolls, which she assured me were appetizing. I did tell myself that I will try them next time. Yes, I had already made up my mind that I would come back. I am a creature of habit.

My son, being the meat-loving South African that he is, got himself the Rump Special. I can agree that it was the best rump he’s had but because I am not a huge fan of red meat, I will leave it at that. It does look good.

From a carnivore to another light eater, my friend’s business partner and friend opted for Smoked Chicken Salad. She honestly thought that she would get a light meal but the portion of the green stuff with some chicken was humongous. My friend already had a bit from this salad serving so there were practically 2 people sharing the plate and there was still left over.

I know that I can’t really say that my food was the best at our table because I only really tasted mine but I was so happy with it that I knew I would have to tell the world, or whoever will listen, how good it was. It is possible that I put on a kilogram from my huge piece of tuna steak. It was massive! Most importantly, it was the most delicious seared tuna I’ve ever had. It was simply perfect.

It was not only the tuna that was mouth-watering. The bed of Soba Noodle Salad was equally to die for. The spices were just right. Our very attentive, friendly and fabulous waitress, Mandisa (Mandi), with her non-South African accent, wrote for me what makes up exactly this special as she had recited to us earlier that evening. Apart from buried-under-the-noodles-and-tuna broccoli, which I don’t eat but luckily a favorite of both my friend and her daughter, my Seared Tuna Steak (Special) has coriander, spring onions (I also don’t eat), seven spice Asian pepper mix, and with Japanese Goma dressing.

With our stomachs full and laziness was starting to take over everyone, we could not even bring ourselves to order dessert.  I did look at the menu. Perhaps, next time.

We did have something sweet. Kream did not have mints for us. They didn’t have butterscotch candies either. The bill arrived with chocolates – 6 pieces even though there were only 5 of us. I had more than 1. They were yummy!

Kream is definitely the Kream of the Crop, Kream de la Creme.