AS one steps into the vibrant world of Conscious Carnivores (CC), every bite tells a story of ethical indulgence and culinary creativity. From mouth-watering burgers to indulgent milkshakes and succulent steaks, the consumer is taken on a sensory journey like no other.
SABEELA HENDRICKS and SAAQUIB MODACK recently visited a restaurant in Cape Town’s Silo District and shares their experience:
As a young Muslim couple, we are often plagued by indecisiveness about where to eat. Against the backdrop of an industrial-like warehouse at The Cruise Terminal in Cape Town’s Silo district, CC is located at the centre of cultural and religious diversity.
On Friday evenings, the halaal, sit-down restaurant is immersed in lively frequencies of Jazz. The energetic atmosphere is perhaps the perfect excuse to detach and avoid conversations around the table before 8pm. After peak hours, the ambiance of the restaurant is fully realised through its rustic yet modern appeal. The warm wood accents and green shrubbery play into the aesthetics of the restaurant and elevate the overall dining experience. On the weekend before Ramadaan, we were joined by two other family members with whom we shared our unique food-tasting experience.
The service at CC is commendable, with staff who are friendly, knowledgeable about their menu and eager to make recommendations. We were particularly excited to learn about the restaurant’s incorporation of weekend buffets as a special feature on the Ramadaan calendar.
Upon our arrival, we were greeted by a professional host who accommodatingly ushered us to a table without prior reservation. Once seated and served, our waiter attended to us regularly to ensure that we remained satisfied. Despite the festivities of Friday-night jazz, our food was served within a reasonable time-frame.
Before embarking on a carnivorous escapade, our starter meal arrived first – flame grilled jalapeño chillies stuffed with an overflow of mozzarella and cream cheese. The combination of subtle flavours prepared the palette well for the evening’s main course. As first time diners, opting for the chefs signature burger was the right choice: a towering creation of succulent wagyu beef, maple glazed macon, mature cheddar and crunchy green garnish nestled between pillowy brioche buns. The various textures and layers of the burger produced an attractive appearance that would easily please one’s immediate cravings, although a refinement of seasoning might’ve enhanced the potency of embedded flavours.
The pièce de resistance was the steak. Each piece was a masterpiece of meaty magnificence. Sourced from ethical farms and expertly prepared by skilled chefs, our sirloin steak was a testament to CC’s commitment to quality and sustainability. The crispy onion rings and rosemary tossed fries worked well to complement the steak’s tender taste.
Whether you’re a traditionalist or an adventurous flavour-seeker, there was a milkshake for every palate. Inspired by traditions of the Middle East, the restaurant’s ‘coffee cardamom’ milkshake stole the show. The decadent, double-thick beverage uniquely combined sweet and spicy flavours to create the perfect palate cleanser.
If you enjoy simplicity, the unembellished plates and classic dinner-style glasses won’t bother you. As someone who finds appreciation in the way things are presented, a few extra touches – like colourful garnishes or creative serving vessels – would’ve elevated the overall dining experience. Plating succulent steaks on cast iron plates or wooden boards would have aligned more closely with the luxurious aura of fine dining, ultimately enriching one’s meaty experience.
Conscious dining certainly comes at a price, but the value for money at CC is undeniable. From ethics, to portion size, and the grandeur associated with Cape Town’s Silo District, the money spent is certainly a justified investment. When it comes to quality, the bar is set high. Their commitment to ethical sourcing means that every ingredient is of the highest calibre, from the grass-fed beef in the burgers to the locally sourced produce in the milkshakes.
Overall, CC is a beacon of ethical dining, offering a sanctuary for conscious consumers.
While there’s room for improvement in certain offerings, the restaurant’s commitment to quality, sustainability, and flavour earns them a commendable 7/10 rating. With mouth-watering burgers, indulgent milkshakes, and succulent steaks, every visit is a sensory adventure!
The Review
Conscious Carnivores
Upon our arrival, we were greeted by a professional host who accommodatingly ushered us to a table without prior reservation. Once seated and served, our waiter attended to us regularly to ensure that we remained satisfied. Despite the festivities of Friday-night jazz, our food was served within a reasonable time-frame.
