Khayelitsha’s first upmarket restaurant and premium bar, The Milk Restaurant and Bar, is a three-storey venue which features a wine and dine area on the first floor, a lifestyle lounge on the second floor and a champagne lounge on the top floor. Not that you need anymore convincing but here’s why you should try out The Milk Restaurant & Bar. By Siya Mahomba
Here’s why you should try out The Milk Restaurant & Bar
On arrival, a group of smartly dressed hosts welcomed us with an array of drinks from cognac to wine and champagne. I was drawn to the minimalistic yet elegant interior and table setting.
Large glass doors led us to a brightly lit interior of the first floor which accentuates the grey walls, beautifully creating a warm and comforting ambience. The luxurious furniture is a not so subtle reminder of what kind of establishment The Milk is, and it perfectly complements the earthy and neutral tones of the overall décor. The glass balcony of the second floor allows a perfect view of Cape Town’s largest township, Khayelitsha.
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The Founder
Radio personality, Nosipho Tisani, welcomed us to the venue and introduced us to the owner, Sphelo Jalivane, who expressed that “In a couple of years, The Milk Restaurant and Bar will be a popular franchise brand. We love a determined man!
After a walkabout around the venue, it was time to finally get down to my favourite business of the evening; sampling the menu. Chef Ayabonga Gope, popularly known as The Cook Dude, is the man behind the restaurant’s modern and adventurous dishes. You might recognise Chef Ayabonga from Top Chef South Africa, in which he was a finalist or SABC 3’s Afternoon Express.
The Menu
A dish I recommend is the grilled peri-peri chicken, served with creamy mash potatoes and paired with the onion and garlic purée which gave the juicy chicken a perfect balance of hot and sweet with a hint of smokey flavour that tantalises your taste buds.
Pork is a favourite meat, so I was so excited to learn that it forms part of the menu. I enjoyed their sweet and sticky ribs served with onion rings and garnished with coriander which added a fresh touch to the rather rich meal. I felt like the pork dish needed a side of veggies or a salad to round it up.
I also enjoyed their crumbled button mushrooms served with tartar sauce and the deep-fried hake served on a bed of delicious tangy slaw. I wasn’t so crazy about their beef burger, only because I felt there was nothing special about it.
Where to find it
The Milk Restaurant and Bar is located on the corner of Makabeni Road and Zantsi Street, Khayelitsha. This lively area is lined with a couple of other popular lifestyle and entertainment spots, such as the nationally acclaimed Rands and 4 Roomed Restaurant. The restaurant officially opens its doors to the public today, and if you want to experience its highly recommended deliciousness, call 072 156 0620 and make your reservation now.
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