Zioux (pronounce ‘zoo’) is the third, and most flamboyant eatery created by the Marble Group in the heart of Sandton.
Officially a bar and restaurant lounge that specialises in cocktails, champagne with small food plates of opulent design and flavour with a South American twist, they have dedicated Saturdays to an elaborate High Tea offering (from 11am to 4pm).
Entering the sumptuous, high-ceilinged interior, it took a while to take in all the colours, animal and tartan prints, with the 16 oversized light shades over a glowing onyx bar an eye-catching centrepiece. The beautifully crafted branding and steel work explain the African art nouveau theme.
At R750 a person, the decadent afternoon started with a glass of Perrier-Jouёt champagne. A tea ‘sommelier’ introduced us to our selection of tea leaves (more for show as the tea in the pot is already infused). The Earl Grey was the most familiar of the six options (Apple Crumble and Hot Cross bun was less favoured by me). What was fun, however, was the unicorn tea which is made from a flower that turns the tea into a deep blue hue.
A culinary experience
The culinary feast arrived in the form of two large tiers of both sweet and savoury edible art pieces. The Crayfish Roll with gherkins and deep fried kale topping was a great start, especially as the dense bread roll was toasted to perfection. Similarly, the Wagyu Sirloin Katso was a treat that I could have had many more of. We also enjoyed the Smoked Salmon Blini with capers and truffle mayo (some sour flavours would not have gone amiss).
On the sweet front, the Guava Swiss Roll stood out for its perfectly flavoured pistachio, fruit and hibiscus combination. The Choux had a twist from the norm with a dark casing filled with a bitter, but delicious coffee and tonka bean cremeux. The bright Cherry Lips bavarois was a fun and tasty element on a crisp biscuit.
Altogether the menu comprises of fouteen well conceived, playful and vibrant dishes that lend itself to a long, lazy but once of a kind afternoon treat for someone very special.
Booking essential. No under 25s. Dress code applies.
