Review: The Shortmarket Club’s Five-Course Prix Fixe Lunch Menu
On a recent visit to The Shortmarket Club in Rosebank, we were fortunate enough to sample their five-course Prix Fixe lunch special, which will be available until the end of October this year. Each dish presented in the special is a symphony of flavours and a feast for the senses, reminiscent of a culinary adventure through the bustling streets of South-East Asia. At R450 per person, this five-course experience is a testament to European elegance intertwined with bold Asian influences.
Prix Fixe Lunch Special
The opening act is a set of ciabatta rolls, served with smoked butter and wild garlic oil. Simple? Sure. But in that simplicity lies perfection, the kind that whispers of quality and care.
Then comes the Thai Sashimi. Imagine a fresh medley of fish kissed by Pad Thai Dressing, Nuoc Chom, Coconut Yoghurt and Togarashi Mayo. It’s a flavour explosion – a delicate dance of sweet, sour, salty and spicy that’s both familiar and exotic.
The Beef Tartare – a classic – gets a makeover with Gochujang Dressing, Truffle Mayo, and a side of Brioche. Each bite is a testament to the art of balancing richness and texture, where tradition meets innovation.
The main event, an Assiette of Pork, features Roasted Pork Loin with Smoked Onion Purée and Bourbon Jus. The pork is tender, the purée a smoky-sweet revelation, and the jus – oh, the jus – rich and slightly intoxicating.
Dessert is where it all culminates: Dulce Molten Lava, a Chocolate Fondant that’s pure decadence, paired with Peanut Butter Ice Cream and a crunchy Peanut Brittle. It’s a dessert that doesn’t just end the meal but crowns it, leaving you in a state of blissful satisfaction.
Artisanal Cocktails
Beyond the exquisite food, The Shortmarket Club also boasts a selection of artisanal cocktails that take the lunch experience to a whole new level. Be warned, though. Once you’ve sampled these delectable potions, you might find it impossible to resist indulging in a second or a third round.
The “Bellissimo” is a standout, blending Malfy Gin, Campari, Pineapple Purée, Ginger Liqueur, Vanilla Bourbon Tea and Rosemary Syrup into a harmonious concoction that’s both refreshing and complex. Equally enticing is the “Thai Green Curry” cocktail, a creative mix of Absolut Vodka, Lychee and Chili, Coconut Syrup and Lemongrass, delivering a spicy-sweet symphony that perfectly complements the menu’s Asian influences.
The Shortmarket Club is a beloved spot for local Joburgers and travellers alike and exudes a vibe that’s both contemporary and timeless. Leather banquettes, wood-panelled pillars and striking art installations create a mid-century inspired atmosphere of understated luxury. It’s a place where every detail invites you to sit back and take in the moment.
At the helm is Tyron Gentry, a young chef with a vision. Gentry brings a fresh perspective, blending classical techniques with the bold, bright flavours he absorbed during his time at the Test Kitchen in Cape Town with Chef Luke Dale Roberts. His touch is evident in every dish, a testament to his commitment to pushing boundaries while respecting the essence of each ingredient.
