Brunch not lunch...the best way to ease into a weekend...

If you're up for a new spot to have brunch, look no further than Mondiall Kitchen and Bar in the V&A Waterfront, a perfectly positioned restaurant that was once the Green Dolphin though thankfully looks nothing like it any longer. A joint venture between Patrick Symington, formerly of Cafe Dharma and Asoka, and Relais and Chateaux Grand Chef Peter Templehoff, Mondiall has been gorgeously transformed into an elegant, airy space - upmarket without being stuffy (we all hate over-posh) - and kudos go to architect Ali Kemali and interior designer Simon Fraser for the makeover. I love some of the quirky decor elements ~ the eclectic tentacle crystal chandelier and Argentinian shutter doors in the private dining area on the mezzanine floor, and the sensual sculptures dotted about the venue are  fabulous additions to the stylish look and feel.
But enough of the waxing lyrical about matters interior and moving on to the brunch, which is, as Wikipedia puts it, 'a combination of breakfast and lunch eaten usually during the late morning but it can extend to as late as 3PM on Sundays. The word is a portmanteau of breakfast and lunch and the practice originated in England in the late 1800s'. Well bravo Britain because brunching is now my new best thing to do over a weekend and Mondiall is the place I plan to do the indulging. 
Yesterday I had the opportunity to partake in their new autumn weekend brunch menu, that - and I quote from the press release here - 'features a selection of classic and unpretentious dishes, ranging from breakfast smoothies and freshly squeezed fruit and vegetable juices, to traditional egg-centred breakfasts and decadent pastries accompanied by speciality coffees, a glass of bubbly, or hand-crafted iced teas'.  Voila, there you have it in a nutshell. Head Chef Oliver Cattermole, take a bow. 
Take a visual wander with me...

The entrance which is opposite the Hildebrand of olde.... (By the way, all the captions are above the images)

As you enter...

The view from inside across the harbour towards Table Mountain is breathtaking...do I not live in the most beautiful of cities?

Bubbly always offers the warmest of welcomes...

A mouth watering pastry selection...

I had about 3 of these iced teas, obvs because they were completely more'ish and I was lacking in self control. Made fresh sur place with rooibos, ginger, honey and mint...so refreshing....

The egg white omelette with goats cheese, capers (those lovely grande ones) and a side salad was my choice. Apparently, as per what I read on the menu, I have Napoleon to thank for this dish ~ merci Monsieur...

This smoothie was a perfect blend of papaya, cashew nuts, rice milk and honey...a glass of uber goodness right there...

Looking through a sculpture at our brunch table...

The marvellous tentacle chandelier with Namibian amethyst crystals and a citron in the middle...

And ending with a latte ~ the coffee is by Truth...

Follow Mondiall on twitter @Mondiall_SA | reservations@mondiall.co.za | www.mondiall.co.za | Tel: 021 418 3003

Mondiall Kitchen and Bar is open seven days a week, offering breakfast and brunch, lunch, tapas, cocktails, sundowners and dinner, as well as a hip and happening after-dinner social scene for dessert, coffee and drinks after a night on the town. Breakfast can be enjoyed inside or on the patio from 09:00 to 11:30, from Monday to Friday; the weekend brunch menu is available every Saturday and Sunday between 10:00 and 15:00; while lunch is served from 11:30 to 15:00; and dinner from 18:30 to 22:00.
Thanks to head chef Oliver Cattermole and his team, our wonderful waitress Helen, and the fabulous Janie van der Spuy from Five Star PR for the invitation *
All pics taken on a Canon 600D, copyright DIVA PR. Twitter: @allisonfoat ;
Instagram: @allisonfoat_capetowndiva

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