Arriving at The Union is great: greeted by friendly and professional hostess armed with iPad. 

The union is an awesome concept: a pop up bar in Melrose arch until 13 July 2013 at the top of the escalators near the Apple store.

Innovative drinks, great vibe and an uber trendy crowd carpet the place from wall to wall.

On arrival, we were presented with a champagne cocktail flowing with flavored foam to get our appetites into first gear.

Shown to our table: a private dining area to the back of the bar with interesting art and a beautiful table setting. The singular table seats 12 and although our party was four for dinner our MC used great tactics for us all to break the ice and by the end of dinner the cross conversation by all 12 patrons kept the table lively.

What followed was a 6 course tasting menu with substantial portions. I opted for the drinks flight too, which perfectly paired and complimented each dish in each course.

I deliberately don’t want to show images or give away what the courses are as it would ruin the surprise, but as a teaser see the starter below. Yum.

Attention to detail - from the trio of flavored butters - to the overall execution was flawless. On more than one occasion I felt I needed to pinch myself reminding myself that this was Joburg and not a fine dining establishment in Vegas, New York London or Paris.

This is Vicky Crease at an all new high: artistic, flavoursome, immaculate presentation and an intelligently thought out menu. vicky - you rock!

Raising the bar in food has been her trademark and this certainly raised it yet another notch. Well done and we can all see why you are so internationally decorated for your work.

The pop up bar - the union - and the tasting experiential dining at the dining room is open only until 13 July. Get there.

For bookings and info:
www.theunionbar.co.za
you are required to register on the website to make a booking