Luna Rosa
Michelle Phetlhe | Tuesday December 13, 2022 06:00
The cool breeze from the rains and gathering rain clouds hit my face and it felt so restoring. I immediately had a flash back of driving down the coast in Cape Town.
Actually, the name Luna Rosa for me has that air of lightness about it, you know, when the aesthetics and finishings in an establishment transport you even before an appreciation of the menu; that’s how it made me feel.
Directly translated from its Latin origins however, the two words in the name are Moon and Rose (Moon Rose). It's an eclectic lounge-esque space and I believe the décor and lighting contribute greatly to the ambiance.
Located in Sarona City Mall, their target market comprises all ages. They cater for families, adolescents, middle aged, as well as the grown and sexy, reason being the offerings from the menu to the ambience and aesthetic.
The Marketing Manager; King, and floor manager Reba are frontline movers. At all times you can either see one or both of them on the floor either leading their team or handling Kamo, our very attentive host throughout the evening was superb. As the Lounge slow RnB & Hip Hop jams soothed patrons, I couldn’t help but be swooned by the place.
I ordered a signature cocktail called Luna Blush and sipped it slowly. It had a girl blushing, garnished with a burnt orange slice and strawberries. It is a super flirty quencher. I had an opportunity to chat with Chef Simon, just to hear more about their top sellers and what makes them so special. He mentioned Spicy Luna Pasta, Signature Wings, Pork Chops and a Vegetarian Pesto Pasta.
I ordered starters and shared with some mates I found seated. Quizzed on whether they are regulars at the fairly new establishment, they shared that they stay close by and love the convenience of not having to go far and how it has become their own little place. The Avo Del Pollo falls under light meals and sounded intriguing. It’s a chicken Mayo salad with toasted pizza garlic bread and avo.
It’s a must try with top presentation and is very tasty with balanced flavours, and a subtle amount of bread if you’re watching your carbs. The portion of wings....I would like to plead with the establishment for them to add two more and make them 6 altogether...lol. Marinated for 24hrs, Golden, sticky with beautiful grill marks, the wings are a force to reckon with.
For mains I got the non-vegetarian Pesto Pasta (Penne). It came nice and hot and I love this because I struggle with food that’s over cooled by the time it reaches the table.
It always makes me seems like a complaining guest because I send cold food back without hesitation. It smelled delectable and I couldn't wait to dig in. The presentation combined with the enticing smell of the fresh pesto was mind blowing, wow! My chicken could have done with a little more seasoning but that didn’t take anything away from the star of the dish, which was the creamy, rich sauce and Al Dante pasta.
As I dug in I kept thinking if only there was some kind of bread to clean the plate with, mop up every drop of the sensational sauce. I’d buy it if they were selling it! The Saltimbocca (Linguini) pasta dish was a smash hit.
I took away the meal for my husband slash business partner, who spent the day in field prepping for a Dairymaid Ice cream promo we’ve recently kicked off from our marketing arm of business.
He couldn’t make it to have a sit-down with me because of fatigue and I found him ready to pass out. He sat with his meal and from the first bite was instantly revived.
It was laughable to watch his transformation, describing the dish as a perfectly well rounded taste of the international. Al Dante linguini, a mushroom sauce to precise viscosity, fried peppers and embedded, beautifully grilled fillet medallions, he just couldn’t get enough of it. Sharing a little bit with his sons, they reiterated and resounded his impressed response to the dish, so much so, that he immediately quipped on how we have to go and taste the dishes again the next day...and we did...lol. Luna Rosa opens daily from 7am until 11pm.
Making it an ideal place to have your coffee Saturday morning while waiting for shops in the mall to open & also gives you an option to come have lunch/dinner. This sets them apart from other eateries and so does their service attentiveness and deliciously prepped meals. Imagine a rose that grew on the moon’s surface....take your time...I on the other hand have definitely found a new go-to spot.