For the longest time, we have been fans of Paulo Santo. We followed his culinary journey at Gemelli in Bryanston and when we found out in December 2019 that he will be steering a new restaurant at The Leonardo in Sandton as MD and senior partner, we were over the moon with excitement. AURUM Restaurant, the golden destination of the Sandton food-scene, has grown into a prime fine-dining destination since opening its doors during Q1 2020. As we enter the final quarter of this year, AURUM Restaurant is proud to announce the launch of its new seasonal menu. This carte du jour will focus on all things fresh, and champion each element in its simplicity.
Speaking about the new menu, Paulo says the team has moved away from the hero-ingredient philosophy and instead, worked towards exalting all the ingredients on the plate. “Our new menu will not just honour a well-marbled piece of meat or a fresh fillet of fish, but through technique and careful manipulation, we have strived to hero all the accompaniments that bring the dish to life. We want our patrons to enjoy a unique and exciting experience with every bite,” says Paulo.
AURUM’s food is inspired by contemporary European cuisine and delivered with a South African touch. Dishes are restrained and simplicity is key in order to showcase the very best of local producers, farmers and artisans. Care is always taken to consider the coming months from a sustainability perspective and to strike a balance with food trends and guest expectations.
Speaking about the new menu, Paulo says the team has moved away from the hero-ingredient philosophy and instead, worked towards exalting all the ingredients on the plate. “Our new menu will not just honour a well-marbled piece of meat or a fresh fillet of fish, but through technique and careful manipulation, we have strived to hero all the accompaniments that bring the dish to life. We want our patrons to enjoy a unique and exciting experience with every bite,” says Paulo.
The Taste Of Summer
Some of the key dishes to look forward to include a beetroot starter with the superb use of artisanal Stracciatella cheese, Prawn Risotto, wonderfully light yet full of flavour, and the Ricotta Gnocchi, a bowl filled with timeless deliciousness. Lastly, for dessert, the star of the show is the new AURUM “Magnum” Ice Cream, pretty as a picture, and pure indulgence in the form of a frozen caramel mousse, hazelnuts and dark chocolate. “Changing the menu seasonally is a chance for our chefs to deliver new expression and for us to progress as a restaurant. It also allows for our team to develop, and for us to deliver new knockout showpieces for our patrons to indulge in,” says Paulo.
AURUM’s food is inspired by contemporary European cuisine and delivered with a South African touch. Dishes are restrained and simplicity is key in order to showcase the very best of local producers, farmers and artisans. Care is always taken to consider the coming months from a sustainability perspective and to strike a balance with food trends and guest expectations.
It's A Lifestyle
Overlooking the lifestyle hub of The Leonardo building, AURUM Restaurant offers more than just a culinary journey but caters to a variety of patrons and experiences. With a pool to swim in and dine around, a supervised kids’ play area, a sundowner spot at Octo Bar, a fully stocked wine library, and the adjacent Legacy Balance spa, it is a unique spot for guests to experience AURUM Restaurant in multiple ways.
