I had recently had the opportunity to join fellow fabulous foodie Heather Hook, for a tasting of the brand new winter menu at the Maximillien Restaurant (part of the DaVinci Group) in Sandton.
I’ve heard so many great things about this gorgeous restaurant, was so eager to check it out myself!
This restaurant has got a very classic and stylish bistro feel, and during the course of the evening I learnt that the Maximillien’s style and design is inspired by the renowned Balthazar restaurant in New York -pretty cool huh?
Dark wooden furniture and leather booths, classic white tablecloths, gorgeous mood lighting and the soothing sounds coming from a pianist playing a baby grand piano in one corner of the restaurant. Simply charming!
But first, a step back. We started out at the Maxim Lounge, easing into the evening by sipping on some perfectly chilled bubbly, being entertained by the talented saxophonist Rike Coetzer.
Wow, so impressive! The Maxim Lounge is also the idea spot for after dinner drinks – with a choice of 127 whiskies and even a choice of cigars available.
This time we weren’t there for the whisky, we were on a mission to try out the brand new winter menu – expertly designed and perfectly executed by the Maximillien’s renowned Executive Chef, Sylvester Nair.
So curious to see what Chef Sylvester has got to offer, we were shown to our table and started examining the menu. Oh boy, this is going to be a tough choice! Everything sounded absolutely delectable – with real winter warmer comfort food that perfectly fits the ambience of this lovely space. Just listen to this: Slow cooked pork belly, a mussel and clam pot, seafood chowder, Cajun confit quail, braised lamb neck, butter chicken curry! There seems to be something for everyone – the most discerning palate and the adventurous diner! I wanted a taste of EVERYTHING!
But, of course that will not be possible (wasn’t wearing my stretchy pants) so I decided to try the Wagyu Steak Tartare as starter, and the Norwegian Salmon as main course.
This restaurant prides itself on using quality ingredients (I immediately noticed the numerous Wagyu beef dishes on the menu) and to make your dining experience a memorable delight – great food, live entertainment and a stylish environment just works so perfectly together.
I must apologise for the quality of my photos though – using a smartphone to take photos in low light wasn’t the best decision – and I personally think it doesn’t do the dishes justice.
The Wagyu Steak Tartare is served with pan-fried cos lettuce and whipped egg – and I really like the unique presentation! This is such a tasty dish, with the different textures of the various elements just worked so well together! I thoroughly enjoyed it!
Next up – mains! And wow, another winner! A generous piece of Norwegian Salmon is poached in coconut cream, and served with bok choy. Simply delicious!
This is really a wonderful dining experience. We were there on Thursday, which is also “Date Night” at the Maximillien Restaurant. And I started noticing something really interesting – a very ‘dramatic’ looking dessert! Referring to my menu, I saw that it is called a “Chocolate Dome”. Served very creatively with a hot caramel sauce, poured over to melt the dome, and then exposes a serving of ice cream. This delight is to be shared by two people – and it does make a very romantic way to end a meal. Heather also recommended another signature dessert called a “Brie White Chocolate Volcano”! Obviously Chef Sylvester wants his patrons to end their dining experiences on a very high and dramatic note. Cool huh?
I decided that I will rather go back for the dessert at a later stage, I simply didn’t have space in my tummy for dessert as well! Hahaha! Satisfied and content!
A beautiful meal at a beautiful restaurant. Check out their special offers (like “Date Night – you MUST experience the Chocolate Dome dessert, and Friday Night Dinner Dance evenings). I was really impressed by the attention to detail, the flavour and interesting dishes, and the soothing sounds of the ‘live’ pianist made for a very special dining experience. I can’t wait to go back for Hubby experience this lovely restaurant and Chef Sylvester’s dishes as well!
Thank you so much to the Maximillien for hosting us! #NewMenuLaunch
Maximillien Restaurant Website