Friday, November 6, 2015

Formerly the Queen of the Nile Buffet Restaurant, Rosetta’s has revolutionised the classic buffet offering and resonates with value for money dining. Inspired by the branding legacy of the ancient Rosetta Stone, a stone decree issued by an Egyptian King in Roman times, to preserve culture and learnings, Rosetta’s décor inspiration pays tribute to this famous artefact and inspires with simple, quality cooking and ingredients, generous helpings, combined with impeccable service and unique food and beverage offerings.

Boasting a fresh interior, an increased 290 seating capacity, clean lined contemporary finishes and a modern feel that stimulates and awakens the senses, the restaurant is subdivided into three different spaces though the innovative use of sliding stacking Mashrabiya screens (an Arabic term given to a projecting oriel window that is enclosed with carved wood latticework) which allows operational efficiencies. The Egyptian inspired artwork is noticeable on stone walls with hieroglyphic carvings and an eye-catching eclectic mixture of feature Egyptian lanterns. Punches of olive green shades are offset against the monochromatic colour scheme of the high domed ceiling that promotes clean and uncluttered simplicity.

The first area, being the outside area, is a relaxed Bistro space complemented by a deli-style display area featuring a selection of freshly made artisanal breads, paninis, cakes, an ice cream station, milkshake station, and a waffle and pancake area.  For quick bites or snacks-on-the-go, passers-by have an opportunity to savour delicious ready-to-eat items.  Upon entering Rosetta’s, early risers and late diners are met by a 24-hour Bistro that serves an à la carte, quick service eating menu with a selection of down-to-earth comfort foods. Prepared with exceptional skill and great passion, signature items include Philly Beefy Cheese, Peri-Peri Chicken Livers, Wood-Fired Pizzas and Chicken Tikka Mayonnaise Sandwiches.

For those who need a coffee fix, the Bistro has introduced a brand new coffee concept, BLACKSMITH Coffee. An active member of the coffee movement, BLACKSMITH Coffee believes in transforming the youth’s potential into tangible opportunities. It crafts beautiful coffee blends from certified Fairtrade farms in Ethiopia, Tanzania and Uganda, and in doing so promotes social change, job creation and skills development.  The breakfast menu is served from 06h00 – 11h00, an all-day menu from 11h00 – 23h00 and an overnight menu from 23h00 – 06h00. For family dining, a children’s menu is also available.

The second area is the central space, which is can be opened in 4 directions, offering the flexibility to expand the outside area into a larger seating space, or can be opened up completely into the main restaurant space. Alternatively, the space can be closed off for private functions and conference groups.

The third area is the main restaurant and kitchen concept, which encapsulates the buffet, the banquette seating and freestanding table seating. The abundant presentation of the buffet in the kitchen area serves a bevy of cuisines from around the world and gives diners the opportunity to enjoy excellent food at reasonable prices. With freshly prepared dishes and made-to-order à la minute cooking stations, the menu is continually improved through promotional offers, seasonal changes and the chefs’ personal choices. A welcome feature at dinnertime is “bottomless soda”, with selected red and white house wines on tap included in the menu price.

The kitchen chefs prepare the majority of the dishes live in front of the guests, while cohesively working to present seven distinct culinary speciality sections in the restaurant. These sections include a Harvest Table with a selection of salads, mezze’s, cold starters, sushi, soups and an Artisanal bread station. For meat lovers the Rotisserie, Roasts and Grill section features mouth-watering ribs, boerewors, chicken wings, whole chicken and beef topside with sauces and accompaniments.  The Comfort dish section will see diners tuck into venison, tripe, traditional stews and casseroles, creamed spinach and other hot vegetables. The Mediterranean Station on features a bevy of grilled prawns, deep fried calamari, island style seafood, a pasta station and pizza expertly prepared in the wood-fired oven.

For something a little spicier, the Pan-Asian station showcases mouth-watering Thai curries, North Indian curries, samoosa’s, Indian pickles, a Chinese Wok station, sweet and sour pork, Beef Chow Mein, Chinese spring rolls and sushi. Dining at Rosetta’s is truly a family affair with a Kiddies Station that includes a mini selection of hot dogs, beef burgers, pizza, chicken burgers, cheese grillers, and macaroni and cheese. To round off the dining experience, a generous sweet selection at the Dessert Station will see diners satisfying their sweet tooth with cheesecake, bread and butter pudding, chocolate Swiss roll, freshly baked cakes, soft serve ice creams, pancakes and waffles.

Whether it’s a quick breakfast, business lunch or family feast, Rosetta’s offers an impressive, modern dining experience that won’t break the bank. Lunch is served from 12h00 – 16h00 for R125 per person and dinner is served from 18h00 – 23h00 at R175. Breakfast will be available on selected weekends and public holidays from 06h30 – 10h30 at R85 per person. Children under 12 pay half price and Winners Circle members qualify for discount.

Emperors Palace is a Peermont resort. For bookings and more information contact 011 928 1367 or visit www.emperorspalace.com. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter @emperorspalace.