Our first impression of the Montclair Hotel, which is under new ownership, was very pleasant.
Report by Le Connoisseur
Smiling staff in smart uniforms and the magnificent protea arrangements at reception and other strategic places gave the place an air of vibrancy. Only the Casino seemed dark and gloomy but that did not concern us and is, after all, the way of Casinos generally!
We were the only people in the large bar for pre-dinner drinks, so we settled ourselves in front of a roaring fire with our backs to the inevitable flat-screen television tuned to a sports channel. Inexplicably, soda water was not available, and my request for a dry aperitif was unsuccessful, but my final choice of a dry cider was nicely served with slices of lemon.
We also took this opportunity to order our dinner wine, not difficult as there was only some Nederburg options available — two reds at the extortionate price of US$35 and two whites at the still high, but slightly less extortionate price of US$30. In all fairness, I should add that when I complained about the pricing, I was offered local wine at US$12, but it did not appeal.
Onwards to dine in the very attractively decorated Topside Restaurant. The overall impression was praiseworthy. The staff were attentive without being intrusive and our wine waiter was particularly skilled, having, as he told us, been trained many decades ago at the Rhodes Hotel.
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Sensibly, there was a restricted à la carte menu at the reasonable fixed price of US$22. Main course choices were chicken, steak or hake; ideally I would have liked to see a vegetarian dish to cater for those so inclined.
Starters of calamari rings and onion soup were very acceptable and nicely presented. Both main courses were less so, giving the impression of having been cooked in advance. This did not improve either the chips, which lacked crispness, or my companion’s hake, which looked dry.
My minute steak fared better and the vegetables (beans, cauliflower and carrots) were appetisingly al dente. More cheerful news with the sweets; the fruit salad was a mixture of seasonal fresh fruits served with ice-cream and my strawberry mousse was quite acceptable.
Coffee was disappointing — alas definitely not the desired strong cup of filter, but instant coffee, which tasted like the “mixed with chicory powder” variety.
Although I have been critical of some of the food, the evening as a whole was a very pleasant experience. The restaurant was full of delegates to a conference and the excellence of the service was epitomised by the waiter offering the traditional form of hand-washing with a water jug and bowl at the table to several diners.
Family Restaurant 3 Plates Expect to spend US$25 – US$40 per head Montclair Hotel and Casino, Juliasdale.
