WeeklySA_AdminCURATED: Joburg’s new addition to fine dining culture – Sec Restaurant – is geared at patrons seeking a quieter dining setting that is far from the madding crowd…
By Len Maseko
Clico Boutique Hotel’s restaurant has undergone a chic brand refresh that has seen it acquiring a new name, menu and interior décor, giving it an ambiance to tantalise patrons in an alfresco dining paradise.
Now called Sec, the newly refurbished restaurant adds to the elegance and serenity of a magnificent hotel ensconced in the quieter side of Rosebank’s central business district renowned for its ritzy hospitality establishments.
The owners of the hotel have ensured that every detail is meticulously curated to provide an unparalleled journey for the senses, introducing a design that is an ode to lightness and airiness, blending organic African and Eurocentric themes seamlessly.
Guests are greeted by an ambiance of tranquillity, with light wood table-tops, grass lamp shades, and designer wooden chairs adorning the space. Splashes of yellow and black on the walls pay homage to the restaurant’s logo and subtly nod to Clico Hotel’s inspiration—Veuve Clicquot champagne.
Stepping into the courtyard, patrons are certain to be awed by an aura of an al fresco dining paradise adorned with umbrellas and LED-lit skies – a setting that lends itself to long lazy lunches or intimate dinners in the haze of lush greenery and bonhomie. In keeping with its theme that pays homage to the French bubbly, the restaurant’s name ‘Sec’ is actually borrowed from wine’s lexicon. In the vein of brand refresh, the owners have spun a playful twist to the catchy logo with a puny tagline inviting guests to “take a sec” to savour the moment, “both in dining and in life”.
For his part, Chef Dario has introduced a new culinary philosophy to give the eatery a new sense of vision and purpose, one espousing values of tradition and innovation, wellness and indulgence. This has translated into a menu that transcends a mere dining experience, by creating a menu of bespoke dishes and drinks crafted from cold-pressed, fermented, and ethically sourced ingredients.
Sec’s menu is a testament to dedication to authenticity and exploration, according to Dario. From Egyptian frost salt to Italian San Marzano tomatoes, each ingredient is carefully selected to elevate the dining experience. Guests can expect culinary delights like home-made Morcilla, braised wagyu cheeks, and the signature “green and cold” Samphire salad prepared tableside with Dungeness crab and apple salad, finished with a touch of gold leaf for an extra touch of opulence.
“We want to influence the way people eat and the decisions they make about their food,” says Chef Dario. “Our goal is to create memorable tasting experiences that leave our guests rested, calm, and more knowledgeable.”
But, wait a Sec, the eatery isn’t just about what’s on the plate—it’s a creatively curated gastronomic experience that fuses culinary and service excellence with the sedate ambiance of a boutique hotel located in one of Johannesburg’s tranquil northern suburbs.
