Melville's Steampunk Smokehouse – The Countess

If you've been to Melville’s 27 Boxes, the super-trendy shopping complex made from recycled shipping containers, you’ll know that most stores are quite small. Well, this does not apply to The Countess, a steampunk smokehouse restaurant. The double-storey venue is huge and the steampunk decor is incredible — they really went all out! Everything fits with the theme from the attire of bartenders and waiters to the industrial tables outside and the leather couches upstairs. You kind of have to see it for yourself. On the night we were invited there to try out the place, a pianist tinkled away in the background adding to the ambience and it was a really nice touch. My friend and I went exploring (yes, the restaurant is big enough for it to be considered exploring) to find that the upstairs section has a little shop where you can buy all sorts of preserves and we even found an egg-free mayonnaise. The idea is that if you've enjoyed your meal you can go upstairs and take a part of The Countess home with you. After browsing, we perched ourselves on a long bench in the outside section, and the food came to us! We got to sample sticky ribs, sliders (those brioche buns are addictive), grilled mielies and more! Everything was beautifully presented on wooden boards and the pink champagne arrived in a large wine glass with an edible flower floating inside it. The Countess is all about artisanal food with an American smokehouse influence. Their extensive, anti-anything-artificial menu includes smokehouse ribs, brisket and chicken wings, gourmet burgers and pasta dishes, and their signature planks with three starters to sample. To wash it all down, choose from craft gin, wine or beer-on-tap. After a delicious meal and our fair share of wine and champagne, we made our way out already planning our next visit. Those brioche sliders are calling my name! Darlings, be sure to try The Countess out for yourself and you’ll see what I mean. Click for more information. By Nikki Samakosky