Crystal Towers is an incredibly lux modern hotel; with its signature magenta lighting and clean lines one feels as if stepping into a romantic sci-fi (if there is such a thing) when entering the foyer. The Towers Restaurant follows suit in its romantic décor and modern take on cuisine.
After ordering a bottle of the smooth and easy-drinking Amy Biehl Merlot, on recommendation from our waiter, and after tucking into warm bread with purple-coloured Merlot butter, as well as green herb butter, we were presented with an amuse-bouche. This consisted of a bite-sized portion of teriyaki salmon, black potato fondant, pickled asparagus and apple gel with cumin ice cream. A mouthful of sheer magic, this should be a main dish option on the menu, it's so good.
Kindly Chef Terrence allowed us to pick a starter from the three-course set menu and mix it with the main course and dessert from the main menu. The starter on the set menu sounded too good to pass up on and consisted of excellently cooked prawns on a bed of mussel mousse, apple spheres, apple gel and grilled pear topped with smokey black potato chips. A happy marriage of sea meets sweet. My only criticism is that I would have preferred whole mussels as opposed to the mousse.
This was followed by a palate cleanser of smoked fig sorbet on a bed of crushed pistachios. For the main course I chose the venison, which happened to be ostrich that night: my favourite non-red red meat. This dish was a banter's dream and included the silkiest cauliflower mash, grilled cauliflower, wild mushrooms, Brussels sprout leaves and ostrich done three ways. Cooked to medium-rare perfection, marinated in a gastrique, a sweet-and-sour syrup and done as a cromesquis, a sort of crumbed ostrich croquette. A truly rich and deceptively filling dish.
As we were pretty well satisfied by all the courses consumed so far, but still had a tiny bit of space for something sweet, we decided to share the elegantly presented chocolate dessert. This consisted of decadent chocolate ganache, caramel sauce, honey comb shards and oh-so-creamy milk chocolate mousse. The perfect sweet ending to a true gourmet night out.
Towers Restaurant offers the type of fine dining that makes a visit well worth it even if not in the area or if not staying at the hotel.
Corner Century Boulevard and Rialto Road,
Century City, Cape Town
T: +27 21 525 3888
moc.letohsrewotlatsyrc@snoitavreser
Fore more info or to make a reservation go to www.africanpridehotels.com
