I can feel the Kalk Bay locals cursing me and I confess to a moments hesitation, but your happiness dear friends will be my reward.
As in the best surprises, it was totally unexpected- Cafe Olympia's menu didn't inspire us, the art teacher suggested the new tapas bar next door- glancing at the chalk board menu I shook my head and thought that these are all authentic Spanish tapas, if not made properly, they'll be awful.
And then I heard it- quick paced chatter....in Spanish!.....glancing upwards- be still my beating heart-
A flutter of excitement started in my belly and very quickly worked it's way to my excited taste buds.
Let's just say we've been twice in 2 days and have had everything on the menu except for the Spanish omelette, paella and prawns (I have never felt this tragic over my allergy)
Two Octupus dishes...oh heaven! The 'house special' tapas and the croquette- don't even get me started, but the highlight, which leaves no doubt as to the experience at play in this kitchen... the rice pudding- so perfect it's the only dessert on the menu.
It's an open kitchen, so you see the wonderful Spanish lady at work...mostly very fast- punctuated by flares of fire from the pans, but not to busy to smile and wave a warm greeting.
Young ladies.....be sure to order the Serrano ham and watch as the charming and very efficient young manager meticulously sharpens his knife then proceeds to the ritual of carving wispy thin layers of jamon..
They are open from 12 pm and kitchen closes at 10 pm - you might have to stand, but it'll be worth it.
A drive by from the art teacher on each day
These look and sound delicious but that next to last drive by is the real star of this post.
ReplyDeleteHi Amelia!- Fanie is very pleased you noticed, it's such a beautiful stretch of beach x
DeleteThought exactly the same thing (if it's not done right these will be terrible) and defaulted to Olympia for a bowl of mussels. Next time I will trust in the hanging hams, and your review! X
ReplyDeleteRosie that is exactly what I wanted- the mussels at Olympia.
DeleteI tend to not want to try new places as so often the food is mediocre, thankfully Fanie pushed me through the door :)
You guys will love it and please have the rice pudding, there's something citrus in it- love to pick your brains! x
I have to ask. The picture of the bowed boobs...do they belong to you? :-)
ReplyDeletehahaa Marie I apologise, my cleavage looks a whole more voluptuous than it actually was due to the elevated camera angle!
DeleteFanie says he did his best to blur them into the background ;) x
I believe that the blurred edges takes away from the full visual splendor of the food. May I request the unblurred picture? For science of course.
Deletehaha, good question there Marie.
ReplyDeleteThe accolade of best Spanish tapas in Cape Town is not as impressive as it first sounds, because there aren't any other places serving Spanish tapas in Cape Town!
But it does sound good and I hope to visit soon. Thanks for the review.
Hi there! you're right - I added Spanish as I'm also a big fan of Bistro Sixteen82's tapas, but maybe I should have used authentic instead?
DeleteA few of their tapas are very simple, like green peppers on brunschetta, my last choice on their menu, but wow- packed with flavour.
Either way, I'm sure you won't be sorry!
Thanks for the culinary tip. Will head there soon! And love the pic of False Bay and those enticing dishes with or without décolletage.
ReplyDeleteKaren, we went last night. So awesome! The steak sandwich was the winner, but all were excellent, I can't wait to go back for more. Love the mama in the kitchen - apparently she only arrived in SA from Sevilla two months ago? And the waiters are very easy on the eye :) My verdict on the rice pudding is that it has both lemon and orange zest in it. Yum.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the review and recommendation!
And yes, that is Ronnie Kasrils tucking in at the counter.
ReplyDelete