This World Cup Final weekend I decided to visit Sandton. My evening companion had a craving for sushi.
Our first choice was to go to CTFM, however upon arrival, all the tables were full with only one table near the cold entrance. If we wanted a table the wait would have been 40mins plus.
We then went to Montego Bay in search of a better table for sushi. Upon arrival there were more seats and in much better position than what was on offer than CTFM. And the ambiance felt good.
Once seated our drinks order was taken, to which some rather unorthodox comments ensued. My beautiful companion ordered a glass of hot water with a slice of lemon. The Maitre D who seated us had a surprise choice of words of “Excuse me, not to sound rude, but we charge for that, and we call it Mandela Tea…” With those choice of words… it did sound rather condescending. Nevertheless we let it slide.
We indeed ordered our sushi combo. A pleasant surprise was the butterfish sushi which was actually very good. Some other pieces were arguably fair and have had better at other places (CTFM). While ordering the combo though, we had an interest in the salmon roses, which only came in 6 pieces. We wanted to know if they could do a smaller portion of three or two, to which the waiter answered: “I just work here, and they only come in sixes…”
Wow… Not even the simple act of finding out from the sushi chef first before getting back to us.
We both agreed that with such poor enthusiasm and service we decided that our stay would be limited. So we can’t even comment on the other amenities. Once our dinner and drinks (which we were allowed to run dry for quite a while) were done… we called for the bill and did our graceful exit and had coffee elsewhere. The Mandela Tea, we didn’t mind paying for, although it appeared on the bill at R14, which to my mind, the cost needs justification for boiling water and a slice of lemon.
How does hot water and lemon come in at a cost of imported beer?
Overall, despite a seemingly more upmarket décor in comparison to CTFM, it seems that that day, we received a rather poor and stuck up service to match, which lead to a very touch and go experience, and us realising why there were more open tables at Montego in comparison to CTFM that night.
Montego Bay – Sandton gets a dismal 1 of 5.
Shop 31, Square Level
Nelson Mandela Square
Sandton
2196
http://www.montegobay.co.za
The Southern Africa Restaurant Review 