Lacuna Bistro at The Maslow Sandton reimagines South African flavours, blending local tastes with global style in every dish.
- Seasonal, locally sourced produce takes centre stage, showcasing the richness and diversity of South Africa’s culinary offering.
- Thoughtful food and wine pairings, like the Beef Short-Rib Lasagna with Boschendal Nicolas, elevate classic flavours to new heights.
- Open-flame cooking and bold sauces pay homage to South Africa’s braai culture while offering refined execution.
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In the tranquil gardens of The Maslow Hotel Sandton, Lacuna Bistro offers a stylish retreat from the city’s hustle and bustle. With its serene ambience and chic interiors, it provides an oasis where diners can pause, relax, and indulge in contemporary cuisine. Recently, Lacuna Bistro unveiled its new menu.
The new offerings at Lacuna Bistro are rooted in South African culinary heritage, yet they embrace global influences to create a menu that feels both familiar and exciting. According to Food & Beverage Manager Ofentse Morake, the philosophy behind the menu can be summed up as “Mediterranean with a twist – refined yet accessible”. Every dish is crafted to appeal to a diverse audience, from local professionals to international travellers, and from corporate guests to leisure diners seeking comfort with a touch of sophistication.
Central to the menu is the celebration of seasonal and locally sourced produce, which not only ensures freshness but also supports the rich agricultural landscape of South Africa. Charred seasonal vegetables, nut brittles, green beans, sugar snaps, baby spinach, and local cheeses are thoughtfully showcased throughout the menu. Seasonal adaptability keeps the offerings vibrant.
Global inspiration is seamlessly woven into local narratives. Dishes like truffle-infused beef tartare, butter chicken fettuccine, gnocchi with butternut and chorizo, and chocolate opera cake balance international familiarity with South African character.
The “From the Coals” section pays tribute to the country’s iconic braai culture, showcasing open-flame cooking with a sophisticated twist. Sauces like sheba (tomato and onion relish), chimichurri, and peri cream highlight both local and global flavour traditions, creating a menu section that is communal in spirit.
For those seeking a perfect food and wine pairing, Ofentse and Executive Sous Chef Thokozane Shongwe recommend the Maslow Beef Short-Rib Lasagna paired with Boschendal Nicolas. The lasagna layers overnight-braised beef short rib between silky pasta sheets, rich béchamel, and a delicate parmesan snow. The slow braise produces depth and tenderness that lingers with every bite, while the Boschendal Nicolas – a Cape blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, and Merlot – enhances the richness with dark fruit, spice, and smooth tannins.
Together, the dish and wine create a balance of warmth, elegance, and South African soul — the taste of comfort elevated.
// The Maslow Hotel Sandton Food & Beverage Manager, Ofentse Morake
The new menu embodies a delicate balance between familiarity and discovery. International guests leave with a lasting memory of South African flavours presented in a refined, cosmopolitan context, while local diners take pride in seeing their culinary heritage elevated without losing its essence. It’s a thoughtful approach that honours tradition while inviting experimentation.
Whether you are a business traveller, a local food enthusiast, or an international visitor, Lacuna Bistro’s new menu promises an experience that is at once familiar and surprising, comforting and refined, local yet global. It is a celebration of South African flavours elevated with skill and imagination, offering diners a chance to experience the heart and soul of the country’s culinary identity in the middle of Sandton.
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