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PRIVA LOUNGE The ultimate contemporary, luxurious fine-dining experience
Priva Lounge is a fine-dining gem with breathtaking views, nestled in the lavish Waterkloof valley. The word Priva means private and intimate – something the restaurant definitely lives up to.
M
ichael, a sommelier in training, greeted us as we arrived at Priva Lounge. We walked through to our neatly set table on the balcony, overlooking a perfectly timed Pretoria sunset. Just as we’ve settled in, Marko Jovancic, the owner warmly welcomed us. He shares ownership with Fortunato Mazzone and together they opened Priva five and a half years ago.
Words: Carli Manser Images: Carli Manser
Our experience was kicked off with a French Martini and the Gold Rush whiskey cocktail, which was nominated for best cocktail of the year in 2019. This was served with two freshly baked bread rolls and sweetened butter. Then came a trio of dressed oysters and salmon tartare with wasabi cream and burst-in-your-mouth rooibos spheres. The second course boasted springbok carpaccio and a duck salad prepared with pickled golden beets, burned oranges and a honey soy glaze. As Marko guided us through the courses, his knowledge about the accompanying wines was astonishing. We were then treated to a tour of The Gastronomique Lounge. Marko proudly showed us his state of the art, temperature-controlled wine vault, which includes over 400 wines. We also made our way to the cigar room, where cigars are kept in a walk-in humidor. A whiskeyfilled cabinet acts as the backdrop for the main area and a live jazz band added to an atmosphere of luxury. The smoking room, filled with leather couches and a strategically placed overhead extraction fan, made us feel like we had just walked into a scene from The Godfather. For our third course, Priva spoiled us with an ambrosial sirloin with red wine reduction and their pièce de résistance: braised lamb shoulder, wild mushroom risotto, orange glazed carrots and green beans,
perfectly paired with a glass of the Motorcycle Marvel Red Blend from Nederburg Winery. A heavenly combination of taste and texture. Up next was pork belly with pumpkin tart and homemade crackling and we also had venison medallions served with Amarula sweet potato mash. Both dishes were served with an unwooded pinot noir from Haute Cabriere. Dessert was strawberry Crème Brûlée and vanilla panna cotta, served with saffron pistachio sorbet and while we indulged, our host, Marko entertained us with anecdotes of his travels and gave us some inside info on his homeland, Serbia. Priva is a sophisticated playground for fine food lovers and wine moguls. Be sure to add it to your Pretoria bucket list for February, HP!
PS: Priva has a special Valentine’s offering which includes a set menu for two, a gorgeous bottle of Ponte Villoni Prosecco and the service charge included at R1500 per couple. They also have a lovebird special all year round, which includes a three-course meal with wine pairings at R850 per couple. This is not valid for Valentine’s Day, though. m 012 346 4849 1 www.privalounge.com E @PrivaLounge Q @privalounge Hello Pretoria • February 2020 • www.hellopretoria.co.za
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