FOOD AND DRINK
Forof the love FOOD Athat has influenced frica is a continent
everything from fashion, music and dance, and food is another area the continent keeps on giving to. We wanted to find out what’s so special about South African cuisine. What is it about the food at bbar that is so special and different? Our food is made with fresh ingredients, nothing is made with frozen produce and we are careful about where we source our food from. I created a standard of discipline; I make sure I keep checking on the team to make sure that everyone maintains their standard of cooking. What was the inspiration behind the creation of the menu? The inspiration is based on the South African concept. We introduced a new dish which is based on exploring the flavours and the tastes from different ingredients that are
combined together.
Exactly what is the South African Concept? South Africa has become popular with all the other different cultures that have gone to South Africa. There are lots of different influences from around the world, for example from Portugal you have Peri Peri, from India you have the curry flavours and spices, and from South Africa itself it is the quality of the game produce. There are lots of other influences from places like Germany, so all of this combines to create a very unique taste. What made you want to become a chef, and what is it you try to convey through your cooking? For me it’s like being a painter, having the ability to express myself and be creative with my dishes on a daily basis. What can patrons expect out of an
“The food spoke for itself, with the menu showing the diversity of the many influences within South African culture”.
REVIEW
Lime restaurant review: bbar and Restaurant Words: Sarah Nicholas Lime rating: It appears that African cuisine is the new up and coming cuisine for those looking to stay on trend this season, with African inspired restaurants
8 LIME MAGAZINE 2011
popping up around London. For those of us who haven’t already experienced a lifetime of home cooked African food, and would not mind experiencing what other African countries have to offer, a trip to bbar and Restaurant in Victoria is a good way to spend an evening, whether it be for a quick after work bite or a pre-theatre
WORDS: Sarah Nicholas
experience at bbar? From my side patrons can always expect an incredible meal with lots of flavours out of the South African concept. Apart from that the front of house team will make sure there is a nice atmosphere, and we intend to introduce things like catch of the day on a daily basis, which will be freshly caught fish from Kent which will change everyday. What or who are the greatest exports from the African continent? dinner, you won’t be left disappointed. This South African restaurant also combines influences from Germany, Portugal and India, accompanied with fresh produce and a lively atmosphere. Bbar is subtly decorated to show its basis in South African culture, maybe a little too subtle for some but still tasteful. The service was exceptional with the manager and staff making sure everything was alright, however on a whole the food spoke for itself, with the menu showing the diversity of the many influences within South African culture making for a very tasty and rewarding experience.
For me it was like being a painter, having the ability to express myself and be creative with my dishes on a daily basis. At the moment something that relates to me is the game that South Africa produces is of the highest quality and is something that really impresses me. My guest had the grilled steak with chips and salad and I tried the duck with rice and mango chutney. It’s worth checking with bbar and Restaurant in advance to see if they are holding any special entertainment. Thursdays are a good day to visit if you enjoy live jazz, and their cocktails will have you singing along with the band in no time. Info: bbar and Restaurant, 43 Buckingham Palace Road, London, SW1W 0PP | www.bbarlondon. com | www.twitter.com/ bbartweet