When I first suggested we visit Jimmy’s Killer Prawns in Kloof Street for a change of pace, BH laughed at me and then refused to believe I was actually being serious. But, I take my job very seriously and I enjoy trying out new places… ok, not so new, but places I’ve never visited before in order to bring you my honest opinion.
And my honest opinion on Jimmy’s is that it’s not so bad. I had heard some interesting tales about the branch in Durbanville, mostly about the all you can eat special, and was curious to try it for myself. Unfortunately, the night we picked isn’t one of the special nights, so we settled for making our selections from the a la carte menu. As one would expect, it focuses mainly on prawns and seafood, but does have a small steak selection, and some non-seafood starters.
Drink offerings are fairly standard, and there is even a wine list. Although, I’m not sure this is a place you’d visit for the wine. The service was casual and friendly, if a little unpolished, but the food was yummy. Wholesome, no frills, tuck-in seafood that you remember as a kid as you happily get your fingers dirty peeling the prawns and dipping them in one of the three sauces. Why be grown-up and stoic when this is so much more fun? The prawns themselves, and the mussels I had as a starter, tasted good, even though they won’t be winning any top honours, and the sauces flavoursome, if a little generic. I’d say a good family spot if it wasn’t in the middle of town.
Which brings me to the atmosphere. Unfortunately, it was very quiet (only 4 other tables were there at 8pm), so I can only hope they’d had more seats earlier on. Then again, maybe they rely on their all you can eat nights to balance out the quieter ones. As atmosphere really is usually a selling point for places like this, this was the only really problem for me, and a little bit of a let down. I had been hoping for more carefree buzz.
Never the less, I do recommend you give it a go if you’re looking for something a little different from your usual haunts. Don’t expect it to be a cheap night out just because you’re going to Jimmy’s but there should be something to suit every budget. Who knows, perhaps if we all give it a try, we can get the buzz going that was lacking from my visit.
Jimmy’s Killer Prawns / Kloof Street / Gardens / Cape Town / Tel: 021 426 0327 / www.jimmyskillerprawns.com
What a pleasure to have been treated to this new gastronomic treasure. As a hardened 95 Keerom fan, I never doubted that Giorgio would deliver something fantastic, but he really has taken it to another level this time. It has reaffirmed a long standing belief of mine; you can always trust an Italian to cook you exceptional red meat.
The beautifully restored Cape colonial facade frames the sexy glass entrance which opens up to reveal the industrial chic interior. Mottled charcoal finishes off set with the opulence and sleekness of grey vein cut marble, that really captures a true flavour of classic Italian architecture with a contemporary edge. It manages to perfectly juxtapose clean and fresh, with rich and tactile finishes and furnishings keeping austerity at bay and lending itself to a very comfortable and enjoyable dining space. Louis ghost chairs float delicately among the rich timbers and low off shutter ceilings. A stunning setting for a very professional team to put on their show. From the moment we arrived and were greeted by the charming hostess, to the polished waiting staff and general hospitality the service never faltered.
But onto the star attraction: The Food…While picking on the selection of grissini’s and ciabattas we were faced with the daunting at first, line up of carne on the menu. Our exceptional waiter then arrived with perfect timing, brandishing a platter of twinkling prime cuts that were passionately and knowledgably described in detail. Veggies be warned this is for sensitive viewers only. As the name suggests this is strictly a carnivores haven and a celebration of meat.
Keen to try a bit of everything we decided to share a selection of starters including surprisingly delectable kudu tartare, melt in your mouth beef carpaccio and the mind warping lamb ravioli (this went down so well we ordered another portion!!) For mains Ribeye, Sirloin, Buffalo Fillet, Hanger Steak all made an appearance at the table. Each cut was prepared with delicate finesse and naked simplicity. The only condiments that grace the table are a selection of mustard. Respect.
For dolce don’t dare let the notorious Soufflé 95 sneak past you unspotted, make sure at least one person at your table orders this sinfully indulgent chocolate soufflé that will make any chocoholic weak at the knees. This famous treat deserves every inch of its legendary status in Cape Town. I may have to go get one at lunch!! In fact I’m actually slightly concerned that this could become a problem in my life!!!
If I were to mention one thing that could be looked at, is that with the exceptional knowledge of meat that was painstakingly described to assist in making an educated choice, we were left to our own devices with the wine. It would be nice to see the wine list tied more closely to complimentary pairings to enhance flavours and the experience as a whole. None the less…
The restaurant has the slick professionalism, effortless charm and evident attention to detail that comes only in an establishment that is under the watchful eye of an ever present, passionate owner. This really is an all round winner of a restaurant. Excellent service, beautifully designed space, amazing food.
If I were a cow I’d want to be eaten at Carne!!
Carne / 70 Keerom Street / City Bowl / Cape Town / Tel: 021 424 3460
Posted on: April 17th, 2009 RLKaribu
On a whim we decided to try this clearly Authentic (yes, it has to be a capital) South African orientated restaurant. We’d initially walked right by, being locals, we don’t usually stoop to restaurants that are so obviously tourist focussed, selling boerewors and potjies, as well as all the usuals. But you know what, the hostess smiled so nicely, we turned around to have a quick look through the menu board.
And I’m glad we did. The prices weren’t too bad, still Waterfront prices, but less than I expected and the meal was really enjoyable. My venison potjie had a wonderful, full flavour and koeksisters were actually pretty decent - almost like those your gran used to make.
The service was casual and friendly, if a little rough around the edges, and the somelier, a bonus we hadn’t expected, recommended good wines and seemed to know his stuff. The entire time I was there, I felt relaxed and happy, which is more than can be said of a lot of other establishments.
All in all, I recommend giving it a go, even if you’re a local, and you feel like doing something a little different, or on a lark. Sit back, enjoy the view and don’t take it all too seriously.
Karibu / Shop 156 / Lower Level / Victoria Wharf / V&A Waterfront / Tel: 021 421 7005/6
Posted on: April 16th, 2009 RLSevruga
Ahhh… Sevruga. This restaurant will always have a soft spot in my heart and the fact that it’s been packed almost every night since it first opened a year ago suggests that I’m not the only one.
The interiors are truly beautiful, featuring velvet seats in a variety of textures, walnut wall panelling and light that glows out from the floor to ceiling, glass wine wall that hugs an entire section of the restaurant wall. Service is impecable and it’s clear that the staff are trained in both the wines and upmarket cuisine. Sevruga aims to be a dining experience in it’s entirety, and it is. Even the bathrooms are beautiful!
The food lives up to the expectations created by the interiors, as well as the hype. The words “delicious”, “succulent” and “outstanding” come to mind. I have eaten at Sevruga many times, and not once have I been disappointed. To top this off, prices are reasonable too.
What more could you ask for? Definitely worth a visit - you’ll become a loyal supporter.
Sevruga Restaurant / Shop 4 / Quay 5 / V&A Waterfront / Tel: 021 421 5134 / Email: info@sevruga.co.za / www.sevruga.co.za
Posted on: April 12th, 2009 BHFork
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TH: ****
GS: ***
RL: ***
BH: ****
Average Rating: *** 1/2
Tucked away in the lower end of Long Street, near the infamous Purple Turtle, Fork is a tapas style restaurant serving fusion orientated tapas and canapes.
And I think I enjoyed this visit to Fork even more than the last time…
Fork’s tapas style menu encourages social dining. Now you’re probably thinking, unless you’re eating alone, isn’t all dining “social”? Well, let me explain…
Fork’s menu is separated into a number of tapas dishes in various prices categories and almost all the dishes come with four bite sized portions. They recommend that you order 3 or 4 dishes per person so if you’re having a dinner with your significant other or with a couple friends you can order a bunch of dishes and everyone can sample a bit of everything, the perfect solution for a menu that tempts you to order everything for yourself.
You probably find yourself involved in conversations about which dish was best, what you should order next, would it be wrong to order Prawns again when there are so many other dishes you’d like to try? These conversations are like to take place while you’re absent mindedly licking the last drop of jus off your finger.
The atmosphere is very casual as is the service, although still speedy and efficient. The wine list isn’t huge but it’s got a pretty good selection although food pairing is quite tricky when you’re having a bit of everything.
If I had to complain about something, just in case you’re wondering if it’s going to snow tomorrow, then unfortunately the best I can do is say that they don’t make the best Mojito’s in town.
Ambiance: ***
Service: ****
Food: ****
Wine: ***
Fork Restaurant / 84 Long Street / Cape Town / 8001 / tel: 021 424 6334 / email : tapas@fork-restaurants.co.za / www.fork-restaurants.co.za
Walking into Myatt Cafe is like walking into another world, another time period in a way. A time and place where ettiquette, attention to detail and subtle but attentive service is of the utmost importance. I loved every minute of it - it made me want to sit up straight and point my pinkie finger in the air as I sipped my tea. Tea which was excellent by the way. Perhaps it’s true what they say; the cup, the porcelain makes all the difference.
And Myatt really seems to understand that these little things are important, that they make an impression. From perfectly balanced sugar cubes, to detailed crockery and cake displays, nothing is taken for granted. The contemporary American Walnut tables are inlaid with steel letters from their name, while chairs are trimmed in deep purple, the colour of their logo. Old world elegance is given a modern twist and I find myself saying “I must get the name of their decorator”.
Unfortunately not all is perfect. Although I enjoyed my time at Myatt, the breakfast menu was rather limited. and somewhat expensive. Being so close to the hotel side of the centre does mean that the prices are rather tourist orientated. Lucky for them, I was so enamoured by the experience, I didn’t mind. This might change on my second visit however. And, of course, you are still sitting in a small glass enclosed area in the Waterfront, so I imagine this can feel a little awkward when there are lots of people in the centre.
Despite all this, I still recommend you try Myatt Café out, and maybe treat yourself once in a while. I hear they even have High Tea in the afternoons.
Myatt Café and Chocolatier / Shop 6244 / Upper Level / V&A Waterfront / Cape Town / Tel: 021 418 8844 / Email: maykent@mweb.co.za
If ever this branch of the franchise had its moment in the spotlight, it has certainly passed.
Rumour has it that the Newlands version is much much better, worth a visit even… but it’s also half the size, maybe part of the reason its reputation is still intact.
The Camps Bay Hussar is a shocker… plain and simple. It’s in a prominent position; every one sees it as they wind down into Camps Bay from Kloof Nek. Clearly its prominence has led the owner to believe that “if he builds it, the people will come…”. Maybe that’s a little harsh. I’m sure that when it first opened, it was cutting edge… well, classy… um… at the very least tasteful. Now, it’s… not.
The decor is a little odd, piles of boxes are piled around, the carpeting is green and the “theme” photos are noticeably repetitive. The ceiling is pretty cook though… and you’ll probably notice it because the rest of the decor is rubbish and the windows to the enclosed balcony are a frustrating height, just too high to be able to see out of when you’re sitting… so the fact that this restaurant is overlooking Camps Bay is completely lost.
Right, so once you’ve gotten over the “ambiance”… you can start appreciating the menu. There are all the usual classics but there are some interesting meals; the Warthog Ribs were claimed to be the best thing on the menu.
Great, everyone orders… some more banter over the decor, then someone leaves to use the bathrooms. This starts a whole new conversation. Anyone remember Mike’s Kitchen? Those black and white checks? Well, the Men’s Room had me reminiscing about the good old days but not enough to make me notice one or two more things. If you need to use the urinal and someone was using the other, you’d better be good friends… very good friends, saying the space is a little tight would be something of an understatement. The toilet cubicle is equally “quirky”, its angled door requires that you need to straddle the toilet while closing and opening it. The hand wash is nice though…
So, back to the purpose of the review, the food.
So, the snoek pate is shop bought, the pesto penne tasted like cardboard, the mushrooms “sauce” was mushrooms from a tin and the steaks were cooked with complete disregard to be requested rare-ness… now for the really memorable things! My Rump arrived cremated on the outside and raw on the inside… so it went bad… and came out a second time only slightly crisp and more along the lines of medium but tasting like Afrox… yes, Afrox the gas… turns out that if a griller lets the gas come into contact with oil, the oil takes on the flavour. So, it went back again… and came out as I ordered but by this time I was more inclined to eat one of my shoes, I did eat a little, to be polite.
Curious about the “best dish on the menu”? I’d love to say it was perfection personified… but I can’t. It too arrived charcoal the first time but missed out on the gas-y nuances the second time, instead, it was simply inedible… all fat, gristle and bone… pity really.
If you were to ask me what the best thing on the menu is, I’d say the Boerwors. Not presented well… but the wors and mash were tasty.
Considering the “eventful” meal, the manager arranged a round of Chocolate Vodka’s. Now, if there was ever a reason to come here, this would be it. Decadent mini chocolate martini’s… hmmmm, so good.
Right, so… no ambiance, no view and no viable food… the service isn’t bad though.
Do I need to actually give my recommendation on eating here?
Hussar Grill / Shop 2 /108 Camps Bay Drive / Camps Bay / Cape Town / Tel: 021 438 0151
Posted on: April 3rd, 2009 BHFego Cafe
Conveniently located in the Exclusive Books in the V&A Waterfront, this small coffee shop is the perfect place to relax, drink a cappuccino overlooking the harbour with your favourite read nearby.
Fego has a good selection of light lunches and snacky-type things. The Piccante Focaccia is pretty good, spicy but good, the Cajun Chicken Trammezini is also worth a try.
So, if you’re wondering the shelves and get a little peckish, try Fego’s… as a bonus, if seems you can browse the mags while drinking your low-fat moccachino and simply pop them back on the shelves when you’re done.
Fego Café / Shop 6160 / Inside Exclusive Books / Lower Level / V&A Waterfront / Cape Town / Tel: 021 421 1044 / www.fegocaffe.co.za
