As the last few weeks of summer race past us, Chef Russell Armstrong has created a sharing menu that celebrates the last few weeks of summer and the beginning of autumn. The Chef’s Selection, priced at R420 for a five course lunch menu or R580 for a seven-course dinner menu, is designed for two people.
Russell’s philosophy when it comes to food is to combine beautiful flavours using skilled technique to deliver the best meals. “I love to cook simple food, because that’s what I enjoy eating,” he explains. “When I cook for my family and friends in Australia, it’s always simple dishes – gnocchi, risotto or pasta. These are dishes I’d like everyone to try, and share.”
The latest menu starts with Gozleme – a Middle Eastern pastry filled with baked potato, wilted spinach and cheese. Two small plates of Caprese with prosciutto, and a quinoa salad are followed by more small plates with tandoori quail, cucumber-chilli-salsa and Eastern-spiced cream. From the Josper comes either an organic lamb rump with goat’s cheese gnocchi, lemon and anchovies; or a grilled lemon spatchcock chicken and backed yogurt sauce and root vegetables. Lastly, a savoury gorgonzola and truffle panacotta with pear gel is followed by something sweet.
“The menu really has something for everyone” says Armstrong. “And the dishes evolve regularly based on availability of the ingredients, or the whim of the Chef.” Social Kitchen & Bar can be found in Hyde Park Corner – level six, inside the Exclusive books store. Email reservations@socialkitchenandbar.co.za for more information.
