Ever wondered what chefs want to eat on their own menus – and where they dine when they’re not the one doing the cooking? Here Freddie Dias, who is the executive chef of Steyn Entertainment (which includes The Marabi Club), dishes up the info.
What would you order at The Marabi Club?
Always the tempura mushroom with seaweed mayo. It’s packed full of umami. I would also have the Vietnamese duck with coriander chutney and Asian slaw. It’s rich, bright and full of flavour. Last, I would order the winter breeze – even though it’s coming off the menu soon because the season is changing. It’s a comforting dish of grilled line fish, braised cabbage, charred Brussels sprouts and a rich but tangy lemon velouté. It’s a great dish for anyone who loves fish.
Of course, with all of that, I’d have to have a cocktail or two. One of my favourites is the Don Skillachi, which is named after our GM Sicelo. Skillachi is the nickname given to him by his football buddies. The drink is a play on a paloma, but with an added twist of cinnamon syrup, which adds a bit of warmth and complexity to a very bright and fruity cocktail.
I would also have the Grazing in the Grass, a nod to the late, great Hugh Masekela. It’s a spicy tequila-based cocktail, with coriander chilli and lime. It just dances on the palate.
Where do you eat out when you’re off-duty?
If I am not eating at Marabi, then I like to keep it chilled and relaxed. I particularly love going to Mr Pants Wine Bar. It’s a quaint little spot in Craighall that has incredible wine and a great tapas menu. If I’m still hungry, it’s just a quick walk across the road to Coalition Pizza, which makes my favourite pizza in Joburg. It was also recently nominated as one of top 200 pizzerias in the world. Definitely worth a visit.
Eira Moura in my hometown, Edenvale, is very near and dear to my heart too. It’s my favourite Portuguese restaurant and it makes the best peri-peri chicken in town. We have spent birthdays, anniversaries and many celebrations there – and so it comes with loads of happy memories. It also celebrated its 25th anniversary in September. Any restaurant that can boast that it’s been open for 25 years in this day and age is doing something right, in my books.
Top image: The Marabi Club. Image supplied.