Foodie Review: Knead - Michelangelo Towers Sandton
Have you ever bitten into a piece of pizza and felt like you really had to savour in the moment ? You needed to close your eyes and just let the taste sensation transport you into a place where it's just you and that pizza. I usually have that experience with desserts. I can honestly say I have never had that experience with a pizza.
The wood-fired pizza at Knead just melted in my mouth as my teeth sunk into it. The combination between the butternut and feta added that sweet and tangy flavour, that just makes you salivate thinking about it - well me at least. The seasoning was perfect or as social media would put it: "on fleek!"
Before I lose myself mentioning all the mouth-watering cuisine that we were so fortunate enough to taste, let me enlighten you on the background of Knead at the Michelangelo Towers in Sandton which opened its doors in December 2014.
Knead bakery is a family owned business which began in Cape Town at Wembley Square in 2006. The Michelangelo Towers Store is the first franchise in Johannesburg.
The franchise owner, Charles Nel, has a wealth of experience in the catering and restaurant industry. He was involved with the Tasha's group for many years and even owned the Melrose Arch franchise before Famous Brands acquired them. He was also involved in the Life Grand Cafe in Pretoria and the recently opened one at Waterfall Corner in Midrand.
Charles' professionalism and customer service makes me want to write more articles to illustrate how a successful business is run. His staff are well trained, and the food is of a quality standard.
The location of his store definitely plays a huge part and Charles was very wise in choosing this particular spot. Located in the corner of the majestic Legacy Towers, it provides him with plenty of space to make dining a complete pleasure. It is set away from the crowds and is also wheelchair-friendly, or should we say stroller-friendly as he jokes that sometimes it can be "pram central".
With a child of his own, he understands the needs one has with children so he has even catered for our little bosses to be entertained while our cravings are being satisfied. The atmosphere is completely alluring, I think we might have overstayed our welcome as we were so relaxed. My son would walk up and down and around the entire store and I knew that he was safe enough to do so and when he became tired or wanted to eat, he would come back to sit in his high chair. It was quite comforting to know that this was available to us, as most of Knead's competitors (that we have visited) do not offer this.
The store extends into the mall with a semi-private function area. If you are planning any business lunches, end of year or even private functions such as birthdays and baby showers, this section or the entire store can be booked out with a tailor-made menu (as long as it is within reason).
With Charles' many years in the industry, interacting with people from all different races and religions, he has made a concerted effort to cater for the Muslim community. His meat and chicken are from halaal certified businesses and he prepares the meals separately.
The menu can be slightly altered, as one of the pizzas that I ordered was vegetarian (roast butternut with feta and red pesto) and I asked for chicken to be added to it. Without hesitation, my request was fulfilled. The other food items that we enjoyed was a Knead classic bean (chickpeas, cannelloni bean and kidney beans) and mushroom veg burger with Hawaiian pineapple, avocado, celery and coriander served with a side of fries. Their burgers are made on soft toasted Kitke Buns. Our drinks were also exceptional as I had a Peanut Power Smoothie which was milk, peanut butter, frozen banana, honey, chocolate ganache and yoghurt. My husband tried their Victorian Rose Geranium Cordial which was a refreshing end to a delightful meal.
My favourite part of the meal; desserts. By the time it came to looking at the dessert menu I was already full but those perfectly crafted sweet delicacies were calling me, as usual. Charles was kind enough to pack some desserts away for us to take home which he thought we would enjoy. The yummy sweet box included a carrot cake topped with cream cheese frosting and pumpkin seeds as well as dried fruit, a milk tart, chocolate eclair and a custard tart with brown and white chocolate shavings on top.
The bakery does not only supply baked goods for the store, but for other restaurants, cafés and deli's in the area which means that everything is always fresh. If there are any baked goods left over at the end of the day, Charles encourages his team to take it home for them and their families, as a fresh batch is made every morning.
Good quality can never be compromised. Service that is great and you know of a professional standard. Now that's what you Knead.
Artisanal baking indeed.
"An artisan baker is a craftsperson who is trained to the highest ability to mix, ferment, shape and bake a hand crafted loaf of bread. They understand the science behind the chemical reactions of the ingredients and know how to provide the best environment for the bread to develop."
