Restaurant Review Of The Month

Bombay Bicycle Club
As you drive amongst the numerous restaurants and nightspot haunts of Kloof Street, it is impossible to overlook the decidedly quirky font of the Bombay Bicycle Club, standing tall and proud amongst its fellow structures.

With numerous old bicycles hanging from the roof at all angles, the exterior is only a whisper of its opulent, theatrical and unique interior.  As a result of my love for all things eccentric, the Bombay Bicycle Club has been on my list of restaurants to visit for some time now.  Without a booking however, you are most likely to be turned away and left disappointed. 

With my booking made well in advance, I was looking forward to experiencing a dining extravaganza, which one could only expect from this reputable Madam Zingara-owned restaurant. 

But, alas, everything is not always sunshine and rainbows.  Although our reception was friendly and welcoming, I was left disappointed with the over-all knack of the waiting staff.  After frequent requests for an ice-bucket (which was either ignored or forgotten), we were forced to gulp down our R125 bottle of tepid Sauvignon Blanc.

The only salvation left was the anticipation of excellent food. Some of the mains include Creamy Wild Mushroom Risotto (R70); Gnocci Al Giorno (R75); Ostrich Bobotie (R95) and Springbok Shanks (R130).

The Tandoori Chicken (R90) consists of a baby spatchcock chicken, served with Dukha spiced quinoa, minted yoghurt and coriander.  Unfortunately the chicken looked more like it was suffering from anorexia than infancy.  The result: miniscule portions of dry flesh. The Dukha spiced quinoa also disappointed on its delivery, as it lacked the all-important kick of the Dukha-spice.  On the plus side, the Tandoori spice used to flavour the chicken was delicious, containing earthy notes of cumin, coriander and plenty of garlic! 

The chef’s special (R110) included pan-fried salmon served on a bed of asparagus, drizzled with a lemon aioli. The salmon was cooked beautifully, retaining its coral fleshy interior, whilst the lemon aioli complimented the salmon and the asparagus perfectly.

Probably one of the best-known dishes served by the Madam Zingara “franchise” is the Chocolate Chilli Fillet Steak, coming in at a whopping R160.  Individually, each component is made to perfection: the chocolate chilli sauce contains distinctive layers of the sweet, rich cocoa, whilst you are left with a gentle hint of the chilli at the end.  The fillet steak is cooked flawlessly, and simply melts in your mouth! Unfortunately, when put together, the chocolate chilli sauce completely overwhelms the delicate flavour of the fillet.

Whilst it may appear that almost every aspect of the evening was a disaster, I have to assure the reader that my company and I had a decidedly pleasant evening, made possible by the jovial atmosphere of the restaurant.  Even though the food was not what I had expected, it was still enjoyable. 

So, when contemplating of dining at the Bombay Bicycle Club, you might want to take three things in to consideration: 1. Make your booking well in advance. 2. Don’t be in a hurry as the food may take a while. 3. Make sure you have saved enough mula before embarking on this experience.

Contact details:
158 Kloof Street
Gardens
Cape Town
021 423 6805
0861 623 263 (After hours/ Night service)

bombay[at]madamezingara.com

Tandoori Chicken

Salmon with asparagus & lemon aioli

Butternut Ravioli with pumpkin seeds:
A triumph of the night!

Chocolate Chilli Fillet

The underwhelming finish to our dinner: Chocolate mousse
flavoured with frangellico and espresso. The coffee was excellent
though....

Next time, you can look forward to reading about the hip new food market I had the pleasure of visiting this past weekend.  Until then my readers, happy cooking!