Savana Café

$$

Savana Café has updated their menu. Don’t be alarmed tho, they still have their infamous Pad Thai. But new to the mix are some dishes like Kerr Farms Braised Beef Short Ribs, Mojito Mariposa Farms Chicken Breast, Seared Chorizo Wrapped Scallops, Grilled Chipotle and Lime Spiced Mahi-Mahi and more, like the starters I decided to go with instead of my usual Pad Thai, which had quickly become an obsession. It took all of me to try something new. Luckily I was with my friends Teresa and Gina (for yet another birthday dinner celebration – thanks guys!), and Teresa couldn’t part with the dish, so I was able to have a bit of hers. The verdict – I wished I had stuck to the Pad Thai. But the food was still good nonetheless. 

I started off with the Braised Ox-Tail Dumpling in a miso lemongrass broth with fresh thai basil. The dumplings were not at all what I was expecting. Normally dumplings have minced meat or pork in them, not these. They were full-on meaty dumplings, a very exciting twist on the norm. The broth was fantastic, slightly thicker than a regular broth and so zesty. 

Next came my next two starters I had ordered for my main, Coconut Tempura Shrimp served with a spicy apricot and soy dipping sauce, and the Island Patties – braised Kerr Farms beef patties with roasted pineapple and scotch bonnet salsa. The shrimp were great, especially with the dipping sauce, which I found not to be spicy at all – perfect for my pansy mouth. And the batter was much lighter than expected, which I prefer. 

I was very disappointed however, with the patties. This was the dish I was looking forward to the most. The meat that filled these thick patties was very dry, and the combination of the thick patty and dry meat made for an unpleasant eating experience. It’s also a pretty filling dish for a starter. I ended up removing the meat from inside and mixing it with the salsa and that helped, but I wouldn’t order it again. 

To drink we had some sangria, so dangerously yummy and fruity, it's like drinking juice. I had been craving Savana for a few weeks now so I was super happy this is the restaurant my friends chose for my birthday bash. I think I do need to go back again soon though to order the Pad Thai. Why turn away from something so good. I had reviewed this restaurant before and had given them 4 stars. Although this is still one of my favourite restaurants, I am re-reviewing and bringing them down to 3. The dishes this time didn’t fit my expectations. Starters range from $5 to $15 and mains from $15 to $25.

www.savanacafe.com