Having wooed diners at Roots at Forum Homini, chef Philippe Wagenführer’s sights are now firmly set on the East Rand. With partner Sean Shipalana – who owns the adjoining Harley Davidson dealership – Philippe has opened possibly the only fine-dining establishment in Boksburg.
Set in an industrial area, The Gray Restaurant doesn’t look like much from the outside, but – warmly welcomed by the fantastic staff – your expectations will immediately improve as soon as you step through the door.
Inside, the restaurant is a sophisticated palette of white, silver, black and grey, with yellow floors and clever, tasteful, Harley-inspired touches, such as hanging lights that, on closer inspection, are made of exhaust pipes. It’s the perfect backdrop for the fresh and colourful creations that accelerate out of the kitchen.
Ask about their beers, wines or cheeses and knowledgeable manager West Ngcwabe will give you the run-down: locally brewed Dog and Fig ales and stouts; specially blended Weltevrede and Creation wines; delectable cheeses including Auricchio, mozzarella, redwine pecorino and Emmental, which are made on the West Rand by passionate Italian cheesemaker Giovanni Scarcella. Every mouthful of the four-course set menu – which is available over weekends and changes regularly – is a delight to the taste buds.
Try the sweet-as-sunshine Shiraz dressing over microgreens, Rosa tomatoes and flavourful mozzarella – a Caprese salad that sings. A duo of sesame salmon and scallop with velvety cauliflower purée and Hollandaise is the perfect precursor to a juicy steak with black pepper sauce and pomme dauphinoise, while a banana and cinnamon pudding with stewed berries and ice cream will round off proceedings just beautifully.
It’s a class act and a foodie haven if you’re in the area or have a couple hours to kill on the way to the airport.
The Gray Restaurant: 38 North Rand Road, Hughes, Boksburg; (011) 823-4184. Open from Monday to Thursday from 8 am to 4 pm, and on Friday and Saturday from 8 am to 10 pm, Sunday from 8 am to 3 pm.
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