Fine dining on the edge of the African bush. Magnolia Restaurant and Cocktail Lounge is a hub for the locals and travelers of the area to enjoy beautiful, quality international food and experience the renowned hospitality of the White River area. The menu is full of delights. There’s a clear rural French influence with a modern, South African play on the favourites, using fresh, local ingredients. Chef Jamie Watt describes the food as “good and honest” and after months of hearing about this spot, I can totally agree.
The drink of choice for the evening was a bottle of a personal Sauvignon Blanc favourite from Porcupine Ridge of the Boekenhoutskloof farm, served ice cold – fresh and crisp – which paired beautifully with my meal.
The table ordered a Pork Belly Poppers, with Sweet Potato & Chili Cream, with Pickled Ginger and Tomato Syrup and and also the Creamed Garlic Snails in a Blue Cheese Cream Sauce. I ordered the (crumbed, deep fried) Stuffed Olives with a Herb Ricotta, served with a creamy, silky tartar style dipping sauce, not quite knowing what to expect. It was a great and delicious alternative to the standard crumbed mushrooms that most menus offer. The a la carte menu is packed with incredible vegetarian meals to choose from.
The second I sat down and was handed the menu – I knew what I would be having for my main course for dinner. They served sushi and it had my name on it! I picked a few green options and created a lovely vegetarian platter for myself, while the ‘banters‘ of the table ordered beautifully presented meat dishes straight off the menu.
Follow Magnolia on social: Facebook, Twitter or Instagram for updates or call 013 751 1947 for more information or to book your table at the Casterbridge Lifestyle Centre restaurant, situated at the corner of Hazyview Rd (R40) & Numbi Rd (R538) in White River, Mpumalanga. The cafe and restaurant is open between 7am and 10pm daily, and serves as the restaurant for the Casterbridge Hollow Boutique Hotel, which is right next door.
DISCLAIMER: Although we were invited to join Magnolia Restaurant and Cocktail Lounge for dinner, we are under no obligation to share a positive review about our experience and the above is totally in the opinion of The Social Needia.
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