If you Google pot luck, you’ll discover that it refers to a situation where you take a chance on whatever is available, hoping it turns out good or acceptable.
And The Pot Luck Club, Johannesburg, is way more than acceptable.
There’s something exciting & comforting about dining this way. Not only can you try a variety of dishes, but you also get to discuss & reminisce about them long after the meal is over.
I’d love to tell you about my recent visit to The Pot Luck Club in Johannesburg. I have to admit, I’ve never been to the original Pot Luck Club in Cape Town, atop the Old Biscuit Mill Precinct. So, I won’t be comparing the experience or the food in any way.
Back in 2017, the Marabi Club in downtown Jozi hosted a Pot Luck Club pop-up for only a few months of dreamy nights filled with jazzy sounds for the soul and scrumptious small plates for the body. Now, fast forward to May 2023 when The Potluck Club made a permanent home in the prestigious Oxford Parks development in Rosebank, where The Test Kitchen Carbon used to be.
Unlike The Test Kitchen Carbon, The Pot Luck Club offers a more affordable and flexible dining experience. The menu is designed for sharing. Unlike a traditional tasting menu that can leave you feeling overwhelmed, The Pot Luck Club’s tapas-style approach is just perfect. Choose from the 20 individual plates that are on offer. Dishes are inspired by global flavours and reinvented for The Pot Luck Club. You will certainly find something that tickles your taste buds.
The waitress recommended ordering 3-4 dishes per person, so we ordered 7 mains and 1 dessert. It was more than enough to satisfy.
Every single one of the seven savoury dishes we chose was an absolute hit. Our culinary journey commenced with the Taco 2.0 with Linefish Ceviche with Black Bean Purée, Charred Corn Salsa, Avocado & Chipotle Dressing. A perfectly balanced bite.
It set the bar high for the rest of the meal. The Broccoli Penang with Coconut & Peanut Broth unexpectedly stole the spotlight as the star of the afternoon. The broth is so flavourful with just the right amount of chilli that I wished we could have three more helpings.
Some other noteworthy highlights included the Fish Sliders with Steamed Bun, Hake with Mojo Dressing & Miso Mayo, the Beef Tataki with Caper Dressing, Garlic Aioli, Pickled Baby Onion, and Crispy Garlic.
The Pork Belly Al Pastor also went down well. While the King Oyster Steak with Black Pepper & Cep Au Lait didn’t quite win us over like the others, it was still an excellent dish.
One thing I particularly enjoyed was the surprising variety of vegetarian options. The Chickpea Crisps were a delightful surprise and showcased the chefs’ creativity. Very often the focus is on meaty dishes in South African restaurants, but it was clear that the veggie options received an equal amount of design and execution.
For dessert, we indulged in the PLC Sweets where the salted caramel stole the show earning top marks in my book! The Macadamia Nougat and mini macaroon tied in second place. Also on the sweets plate: Blood Orange Pâte De Fruits.
The décor can be described as edgy urban elegance. The lighting design – curated by artist Hannelie Coetzee – creates a subtle impact and sets the perfect mood.
Need to know:
The restaurant is open for lunch from 12:30-14:00 and for dinner from 18:00-21:00, Monday through Saturday. Sunday Brunch starts at 11:00. The Sunday Brunch experience costs R850 per person, and you can add Bottomless Bubbly and the DIY Bloody Mary station for an extra R490 per person. Vegetarian and Pescatarian menus are also available.
To make a reservation, visit their website at http://www.thepotluckclubjhb.co.za or give them a call at 010 745 3999. The Pot Luck Club is located at 199 Oxford Road, Dunkeld, Johannesburg.
Do your taste buds a favor and make a booking now! Maybe I’ll see you there? I’ll certainly be back for the Broccoli Penang, beef dishes & a few cocktails.
Cheers
Yolandi ♥
Images supplied, however, this review is my honest opinion as a paying guest. It’s not sponsored in any way.