A Culinary Love Affair: Our Romantic Evening at Zest!

A Culinary Love Affair: Our Romantic Encounter at Zest

Mbombela – In the days leading up to our 8th wedding anniversary, I playfully led my wife, Lisa, to believe we’d be celebrating at the local Spur. But, behind the scenes, I had a more enchanting surprise in store for her at Zest Restaurant, nestled within the welcoming walls of Lowveld Living Guesthouse in Mbombela, Mpumalanga.

Entering Zest, we were met with friendly smiles, setting the stage for an evening of warmth and great food. The soft lighting and the hum of conversations created an inviting atmosphere, making us feel at home and ready for a memorable celebration.

Attentive Service and Tasty Wines

Our evening began with a generous pour of Boschendal’s Grande Cuvee Vintage MCC Sparkling Wine, setting the tone for a delightful food and wine pairing experience. The attentive staff guided us through each course, ensuring our glasses were never empty and the atmosphere stayed cosy.

Chef GT, the mastermind behind our dining adventure, paid us a visit, checking in on the quality of our experience and sharing a few friendly jokes. The genuine care from the staff and Chef GT turned our dinner into a special celebration, where we felt like honoured guests.

A Journey of Tastes

The evening unfolded with an orchestrated sequence of courses, each a symphony of flavours that danced on our palates. The first course, a delightful salad featuring halloumi, avocado, mange tout, and black forest ham, harmonized with the crisp notes of Fryers Cove Sauvignon Blanc.

Next up was a Tian, a colourful mix of peppadew, feta, papino, poached prawns, and crispy calamari, paired with the Bernard Series Old Vine Chenin. The dish told a story of flavours, complemented by the tales shared by the winemaker about the wines.

The third course, an Oxtail masterpiece paired with the Boschendal Nicolas, left us captivated. Roasted bone marrow, topped with oxtail, and wild mushroom ragout unfolded a tale of indulgence, each bite a celebration of culinary craftsmanship that delighted our senses.

Main Course Harmony

The main course, a dance between beef and Boschendal Black Angus wine, showcased Chef GT’s mastery. The Asian-style beef short rib, accompanied by wasabi mash and a sweet soy, spring onion, and sesame glaze, was a harmonious blend of textures and flavours. The Boschendal Black Angus wine, smooth and velvety, provided the perfect accompaniment.

Sweet Ending and Chef’s Visit

As the culinary symphony reached its crescendo, dessert arrived, bringing with it the rich notes of Boschendal XO Brandy. A scrumptious cheese delight featuring mature brie, truffle honey, olive ciabatta, and macadamia & fig compote added a sweet culmination to our gastronomic journey.

Chef GT took the time to visit each table, sharing insights into the food and wine. His passion for cooking added a personal touch to our already wonderful evening.

Conclusion: A Love Letter to Zest

In retrospect, our anniversary celebration at Zest Restaurant was nothing short of a love letter written in flavours and textures. It was an experience that transcended the ordinary, weaving together the warmth of genuine hospitality, the artistry of culinary expertise, and the romance of shared moments.

For those seeking a perfect spot for a romantic culinary escape in the Lowveld, Zest Restaurant stands out. From the inviting atmosphere to Chef GT’s flavourful creations, Zest invites you to savour a celebration of taste, love, and cherished memories.

Cuisine Type: Modern, stylish, fine dining, gourmet! Breakfast, Lunch, and dinner service daily.