Marble Restaurant, Rosebank

Couture Flame Cooking

LOCATION: Location! Location! Location! This exclusive rooftop restaurant got it “SPOT ON”. Situated in Rosebank; positioned within the nucleus of the Keyes Art Mile. A place where everything and everyone breathes on Creativity, Innovation, Expression, Diversity, and Beauty.

Address: Trumpet on Keyes, cnr Jellicoe Avenue & Keyes Avenue, Rosebank. 

POWERFUL DUO: David Higgs, has become a household name in South Africa due to him being a judge in SA’s First My Kitchen Rules (MKR) show. Well known as one of the top chefs in SA, David is formerly, from The 5 Star Saxon and Rust en Vrede, Stellenbosch. David Higgs has many accolades to his name but his restaurant MARBLE is something to truly MARVEL. I had an opportunity of meeting both him and his partner; both of whom are down to earth, friendly, energetic …

Gary Kyriacou a bold, brilliant and innovative businessman with an eye for sophistication and love for culture used his skills and experience which was essential; in making the MARBLE experience one of a kind.

DRINKS: Yes, MARBLE restaurant is known for their extensive variety of drinks. We sampled a variety of cocktails while enjoying the vibrant energy of the City on the rooftop. My favourite sundowner was The Italian Rose (presented in a timeless, crystal, flute and edged with botanic decorative engravings) this slightly milky, pink potion with a hot pink edible flower was totally delectable. A concoction of Moet & Chandon Rose Champagne, Beefeater24 Gin, Lime Juice & Simple Syrup. While Tesh says the Bianco Charrara No.1 was his No.1; (a blend of Inverroche Classic Gin, Elderflower Syrup, Fresh Cucumber, Lemon Juice & Smoked Salt). There are a wide selection of wines (from Normandie, Eisen and Viljoen (Red), Storm Vrede (Pinot Noir), Luddite (Shiraz), Edgebaston, GS (Cabernet Sauvignon), Shannon, Mount Bullet (Merlot), Mullineux (White), Storm (Chardonnay), David Finlayson, Camino Africana (Chenin Blanc) and and and…..hoping my list enlightens you a little on their wine collection. They have a wide range of Gin, Whiskey, Tequila, Beer, Vodka and Champagne. We both enjoyed the Laurent-Perrier, Cuvee Rose. This bar is nothing short of world class.

APPETIZERS/HORS D’OEUVRE/STARTERS:

Salmon: The salmon was grilled to perfection, presented with a crunchy asian slaw, wasabi and sesame seeds. It was beautifully presented and textures all complimented each other. A must try for salmon lovers.

Prawn: These prawns are grilled Kimchi style then served with a seaweed salad, glass noodles and wasabi pearls. “Pretty” delicious.

ENTRÉE/MAINS:

Game –  This piece of game was coal roasted, it was succulent and tender; served with creamed, mustard cabbage and sweet potatoe crisp. I loved it!!!

Tuna – Grilled on coals this fresh tuna, served with soft, boiled eggs, pineapple with a sprinkle of peanuts. A refreshing, delightful light main course. This tuna steak took me back to my visits in Sol, Cape Verde Islands. Yes, the tuna was that FRESH. This tuna however had a unique SA braai flair and it was presented on a proudly South African made plate by a local artist,Mervyn Gers.

A grand spectacular rooftop SA braai.

DESSERT/SWEETS:

Ice Cream Sandwiches – There are options of Almond Meringue with Halva Ice Cream or Chocolate Chip cookie, vanilla ice cream or Brandy Snap with PEANUT BUTTER, strawberry jam and ice cream. Being a lover of Peanut Butter from my childhood days; anything Peanut Butter on a menu is a must try. My dessert was perfectly presented, with perfect amount of edible gold leaf flakes, to bling up my dessert; this perfectly complimented the brown peanut butter and brandy brittle outer. It was crunchy, yet sophisticated with a unique flavour and the right amounts of ice cream and jam; all the elements came together perfectly.

There are also various salads, cheeses, pickles and a selection of bites at the bar lounge to choose from.

AMBIENCE: It’s always about the little things. We hear this phrase over and over, and over again but it’s so TRUE. Even before I reached this impressive, rooftop restaurant; an impression of the restaurant was subtly hinted to me. As I pressed their “MARBLE” stone lift button instead of Third Floor. It set the scene for my evening ahead. The bar lounge was buzzing with energy, most patrons eagerly waiting for the sunset to take a perfect SUNDOWNER selfie. While the dining area seemed calmer and more intimidate. I was delighted to see the fragrant, delightful Africology Brands used in their restrooms. This restaurant is as diverse as our rainbow nation topped with an abundance of class.

Want to mingle with the who’s who in SA and possibly some international recognised celebrities? If you lucky enough you just might.

SEATING: There is an outdoor seating section on the balcony to enjoy the daylight with a tasty sundowner. There are two divisions on the inside of the restaurant, dividing the bar lounge from the main restaurant is a glass cellar. MARBLE restaurant also boasts two private dining rooms; these are more suited for corporate organisations looking to host meetings ,lunches, dinners… Find out more. All bookings are essential at this roof, TOP class restaurant and please note your booking will only be held for a maximum of 20mins after your reservation time. This is a hotspot in Joburg. Make a reservation : reservations@marble.restaurant

HANDS: As you walk in you are greeted with friendly, attentive smiles from the huge reception desk. To be honest I don’t remember who my waiter was. It was all hands on deck irrelevant if staff are based in the bar lounge area or restaurant; anyone and everyone assisted and took responsibility for ensuring your needs were meet promptly. David Higgs, himself removed my plate from the table, and queried, how our experience was . YOU are their main focus; your experience at their restaurant,is everything. Co Owner, Gary Kyriacou also hands on, mingled with the guests and patrons

ART: The stone MARBLE is associated with the Classical World’s era of Art History. MARBLE is a stone that was used as a timeless classic in Art. I am sure you have heard the phrases “set in stone” or “as hard as a rock”. Marble is a cultural symbol in Greco Roman cultures symbolising tradition and refined taste. Greek sculptors referred to MARBLE as the “shining stone” and the name MARBLE is derived from the Greek “Marmareos” which means “glistening”. Michael Angelo’s masterpiece the Statue of David was sculpted in MARBLE. MARBLE is as associated with the best known and priceless works from around the world. The Taj Mahal in India and Parthenon of Athens are also composed of Marble. The stone has decorative patterns, which makes it a favourite decorative material. Over the ages it has become ICONIC for refined taste, prestige and culture.The stone also symbolises endurance and stability. MARBLE restaurant prides itself with various Art from around SA. Mixing the classic with the modern. From the plates that you eat on to the beautiful lighting fixtures everything is proudly and creatively SA. The various artists works displayed in the restaurant are a legacy of SA Art. This restaurant shows off some of SA’s best creatives at their best.

THE BUTCHERY:  

Just underneath Marble Restaurant,  Visit their butchery.

https://thebutchery.co.za/

VERDICT: TRUMPET on Keyes, is a Trump Card for MARBLE. Excellence and Couture Flame Cooking and Art defined. Thank you for the amazing experience MARBLE; from the sundowners to the desserts; every element was thought about in-depth and all the flavours on the menu were delivered. This a MUST experience for any Art lover, Food lover, Life lover, Joburger, South African, for everyone and anyone. Delicate, beautiful, sensational Art served on a plate at the Keyes Art Mile where Classic and Modern architecture meet.