Vigour and Verve's kitchen is headed up by Cape Town born Executive Chef Marlene Makinson who, with over 20 years in the industry, has a wealth of knowledge, and brings passion and an infectious laugh into the kitchen.Working together with well-known chef Bertus Basson for the conceptualization of the menu, guests can expect a variety of South African favourites:
Braaibroodjies, traditional Cape Malay lamb bobotie, pickled fish served with mosbolletjie bread, wood fired peri peri chicken, and boerie rolls all make an appearance on the menu. There is even a selection of Shisa Nyama with flavours of Ekhasi - licked by fire, kissed by smoke, and prepared with the restaurants own braai spice; as well as a choice of signature pizzas.
We popped in to try a few bites of the most popular items on the menu:
A selection of mini pizzas: Magrietjie pizza (a South African take on the classic Margarita, with a sweet chilli flavour), Karoo - pulled lamb olives and chilli and Wood fired peri-peri chicken with pineapple salsa.
The bite sized pizzas were crispy and light with the perfect amount of spices and flavours.
Mini Pizza selection
The fresh battered hake served with hand cut chips, fennel salt and tartar sauce were my favourite. Deep fried, traditional style with crispy batter, the fish was so fresh that one could almost smell the fresh ocean breeze.
Fresh hake & chips
Our Shisa Nyama choice was the quintessential lamb saddle chop served with oven roasted vegetables - juicy and flavoursome.
Shisa nyama Vigour and Verve style
Other options include rump, lamb chops, boerewors served with a selection of sides such as lowerland pap, chakalaka, creamed spinach and soet pampoen.
Dessert was decadent moist chocolate cake with hazelnut praline and caramel salted ice-cream - the perfect way to end the meal.
Chocolate cake with hazelnut praline and caramel salted ice-cream
A harvest table in the center of the restaurant dons a selection of cakes, desserts and pastries, while an ice cream and sorbet counter adds an extra special treat.
For those looking for something else, waffles with maple syrup, chocolate sauce, assorted sweet toppings, ice cream or cream are also available.
Vigour and Verve is located on the ground floor of Tsogo Sun’s SunSquare Cape Town City Bowl, on the corner of Strand and Bree Street.
To make a booking, contact +27 21 492 9999
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