A classically trained American chef; a mixologist from Orange Farm; a Durban-born blogger; and their friend who strangely works in procurement; walk into Kream. This isn't the set-up to a punchline – it's the beginning of our delicious adventure. This eclectic ensemble cast (that's us) might sound like characters from a sitcom about unlikely friendships. But that's the magic of Joburg – throwing together personalities as diverse as the items on Kream Montecasino's menu and creating something unexpectedly wonderful.
European-esque Dining at Montecasino
As the Durban-born blogger of the group, I was tasked with documenting our culinary expedition through the European-esque streets of Montecasino to this fine dining establishment. Little did I know, that my taste buds were about to embark on their own fork tales of discovery, with each prong pointing toward deliciousness.
As one does in the realm of fine dining, we started with bread. Nothing to write home about unless you're specifically writing about the biltong butter that accompanied it. Which was so good I considered asking for a tub to take home (I didn't, but the thought crossed my mind).
What's On The Menu?
For starters, I went with the leek and potato soup, which was warm, creamy (or Kreamy, if you will), and all-round good. A comforting hug in a bowl that prepared us for what was to come.
Mains is when the party actually started. The procurement specialist will tell you that the value proposition significantly improved at this juncture. I had the ostrich with gingerberry sauce, carrot puree, pan-grilled bok choy and garlic mash. The ostrich was the best I've ever had. That gingerberry sauce deserves its own Instagram account.
Then there was the Duck L'Orange, which we collectively attacked like a pack of well-dressed hyenas. It was falling off the bone in that "I don't even need to chew this" kind of way. If you visit Kream and don't order the duck, you're essentially committing a culinary crime against yourself.
Dessert time turned us into children at a birthday party. Picture four adults, dressed in their Friday finest, spoons flying across the table as we sampled a pannacotta, almond cake, sorbet, brownie, and what I can only describe as the world's best creme brulee. Someone dove into the creme brulee with such enthusiasm that the rest of us didn't even get to experience the satisfying crack of the sugary top. (Note to self: never sit him near a dessert again.)
The sorbet was a standout – fresh, sweet yet tart, cleansing our palates like a fancy adult snow cone. And the creme brulee, what was left of it, had a velvety smooth texture that made me forgive my friend's barbaric approach to dessert sharing.
While I'm a wine person (my Paul Cluver Riesling was fresh with a subtle bubble – a perfect choice from their well-curated list), our mixologist friend was in cocktail heaven. The Porn Star Martini had him using words like "scrumdilly yum tum" – which, coming from Orange Farm's pickiest cocktail consumer, is high praise indeed.
Incredible Service
Our waitress Fiona should teach masterclasses in attentiveness without hovering.
The manager checked on us just enough times to make us feel special, but not so much that we couldn't gossip between courses.
When the chef friend spilled a bit of his drink trying to take a boomerang for his fifty thousand followers, a napkin appeared from nowhere before we could even gasp – as if the staff had a sixth sense specifically calibrated to detect "influencer accidents."
Montecasino itself adds to the experience – you walk in feeling like you've teleported to a European village, complete with a fake sky that never rains on your parade. It's the perfect setting for Kream's elegant interior and meticulous table settings.
Is it expensive? A little. Is it worth it? Absolutely! Kream is like that friend who's high-maintenance but so entertaining you forgive the drama. Go for the duck, stay for the creme brulee (if you can get to it before your friends), and enjoy feeling fancy for a night in Fourways.
For More Information
You can contact them calling 010 786 1584 or emailing [email protected].
Don't forget to follow Kream on Facebook and Instagram for the latest news, menus, events, offerings and more.
Address: 1 Montecasino Boulevard, Magaliessig, Johannesburg.
