Punchinello’s restaurant at Southern Sun Montecasino, Johannesburg has introduced a magnificent winter menu that celebrates the restaurant’s fusion of Venetian style and Mediterranean cuisine
The menu was created by Kieran Conway, Tsogo Sun Hotel’s Group Development Chef, who has notched up more than three decades with the group. He came to South Africa to join Southern Sun as a young chef in the 1980s after training at London’s Heathrow Penta and in Foggia in the south of Italy.
Conway says, “Punchinello’s has always been inspired by Venice’s melting pot of flavours that emanates from their rich heritage. They traded in salt and fish, and priceless spices – saffron, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, and pepper. They bought sugar from India and refined it, sold it, and used it. They add a touch of saffron to their polenta and cuttlefish ink to their rice. Venetian cuisine has been described as unique, often simple, and very tasty. To us at Punchinello’s we are presenting it as a mouth-watering extravaganza.”
The new Punchinello’s Food & Dreams menu is a wealth of tastes of the Mediterranean. Starters include Tuscan heirloom tomato tart with basil emulsion and shaved pecorino; Beef carpaccio with beetroot falafel; Celery and parsley stuffed calamari; and Shredded lamb kataifi with smoked bacon relish. Soups include Roasted tomato and cream with an olive and feta fritter; and Mediterranean chicken broth and dumplings.
The mains include the Chef’s signature dish of Braised short-rib with Guinness infused jus; Grilled salmon trout and Sardinian artichoke pasta; Pan-fried sole with potato fondant and apple puree; Chargrilled chicken souvlaki; Braised pork belly; Grilled lamb cutlets with Parma ham and ratatouille; Beef fillet with grilled sweet potato and roasted garlic; and 400g beef T-bone with hand cut fries, apricot & peppadew relish. The pasta and risotto offering includes Piemontese tomato & olive stuffed agnolotti; Pumpkin and pea risotto; and Punchinello’s classic veal and mushroom fettuccine – a house speciality.
The irresistible dessert selection includes Lemon ‘Delizione’ – Italian inspired lemon cheesecake; Venetian chocolate mousse; Milk and honey chamomile pannacotta; Berry mousse creation; Jesters tiramisu brulee surprise; and Dark chocolate fondant with pistachio and orange ice cream.
Also featured in the stunning and stylish menu is a detailed ‘delicious winter recipe’ for Tuscan tomato tart with shaved parmesan and onions.
n addition to the mouth-watering menu that KDanielles Media had the chance to taste, the restaurant overlooks the serene sounds of the water flowing beneath it. It’s a perfect place to wine and dine with your partner or friends. The best part is you stand a chance to win a dinner for two worth R600!
Visit: www.tsogosun.com
