On our first night in Johannesburg ,
we were picked up at the airport after our direct South African Airways flight by
our friends Kevin and Barbara, who are from the States but have lived in
Jo’burg for more than four years (Kevin is helping engineer a massive 480
megawatt power plant nearby). We knew we
were in for a treat when we researched the Saxon before our visit and learned
that Nelson Mandela (known affectionately by his African name, Madiba) wrote A Long Walk to Freedom while staying at
the Saxon, and upon arrival Kevin and Barbara confirmed that it is the best
hotel in town.
Before having dinner, we grabbed a bottle of South African
sparkling wine on the terrace overlooking a long infinity pool and a violet and
aquamarine sunset. We caught up on all
of their wonderful experiences in Africa and
people watched the fashionable jetsetters around the Saxon, while the bubbly
got us properly prepared for a hearty, delicious meal from Qunu, one of two
outstanding restaurants on site.
Qunu arranged a special treat for us by placing us in an
exclusive spot at the very end of the terrace and surrounded on three sides by
the infinity pool. This despite the fact
that our reservations were only for two and we added Kevin and Barbara (who were
set to dine elsewhere) to the party at the last minute. This touch of class was emblematic of the
unbelievably attentive staff, who remembered everyone’s name after the first
introduction.
We started with a fresh crayfish salad for the table.
Corey went for some African game, the braised springbok, a small
member of the antelope family. Springbok
is less gamey than venison, was seasoned to perfection, and was one of our
favorite dishes in South
Africa .
I got the tender lamb curry, which was also done just right and reminded
us of the Indian and Southeast Asian influences in the South African
kitchen.
We washed it all down with a Kanonkop Pinotage, which was
exquisite. We were not previously very
familiar with Pinotage, as it is a South African specialty, and this was one of
the best wines hands down I have ever tasted.
After dinner we split a Don Pedro – an after dinner drink
I’ve not yet seen in the States. A Don
Pedro is a rich concoction of ice cream with Frangelico poured over the top and
it made a perfect treat to share. I hope
some restaurants in the States start offering it. Chef David Higgs did an excellent job with
our meal and I’d highly recommend dining at Qunu. Shout out to Sinclair for great service.
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