More than 360 years ago Cape Town was originally established for one reason only: the need for food. The Cape was a stopover for Dutch ships sailing to Eastern Africa, India and the Far East on their quest for exotic goods. This shaped the destiny of South Africa, its people and its cuisine. So it is quite fitting that the V&A Waterfront have challenged their restaurants to bring to life the elements that created the unique flavours of the Cape. You too can have a say in this culinary challenge!
Celebrating the melting pot of tastes and cultures in the Cape, 27 restaurants at the V&A Waterfront are offering signature fusion dishes at affordable prices. In addition to a gastronomic dining experience, if you rate the meal you could win double tickets to the gala event where the top 8 restaurants will compete for the title of Master of the Trade Routes. Either way it’s a win-win situation – you get to try a fusion winter-style dish at a price to suit your pocket and get entered into a competition to attend a glittering event, whilst the restaurant gets your rating on their dish.
The challenge ends on 22 August 2012, which means you have approximately 50 days left to get through 27 restaurants. Each participating restaurant can be easily identified by the Master of the Trade Route emblem in their windows – a “blue delft plate” celebrating the early history of Cape Town. If walking around the V&A Waterfront peering into restaurants and looking out for delft plates is too time-consuming, I have put together a list of the participating restaurants and the fusion dish on offer to help you decide whilst you sit at your desk and plan dinner.
On a personal level, I can vouch for the Guinness Pie at Reuben’s. Rich beef and ale goodness topped with flaky pastry, served in a potjie pot! What’s not to love? Not to mention the perfect accompaniment of mash and peas with a glass of wine. Reuben Riffel definitely has my vote! But then again, I still have 26 restaurants to get through. See you there!
Participating restaurants in Master of the Trade Routes challenge
Balducci’s
Butter Chicken Pizza served with cucumber raita and complimented by a glass of Balducci’s House Sauvignon Blanc or House Red wine. Signature dish R69. Phone 021-421-6002.
City Grill Steakhouse
Chicken breast marinated in toasted sesame and ginger, grilled on open flames and basted with a sweet and sour plum sauce. Served with steamed pea pods and rice noodles. Signature dish with a choice of 2 desserts R120. Phone 021-421-9820.
The Clipper (Commodore Hotel)
Aknie masala marinated lamb shank served with a creamy gremolatapomme puree, steamed seasonal vegetables, onion bhajias and gravy. Signature dish R90. Phone 021-415-1144.
Dash Restaurant (Queen Victoria Hotel)
Pan seared magret duck breast on a spiced Elgin pear puree with sage and quinoa. Signature dish R98. Phone 021-418-1466.
Den Anker
Seared Canadian Scallop on a White Asparagus Risotto with a lightly curried Beurre Blanc. Pear poached with Cinnamon and All Spice with a Cherry Beer Sabayon for dessert. Signature dish and dessert served with a glass of Jordan Sauvignon Blanc / Chardonnay R120. Phone 021-419-0249.
Greek Fisherman
Fillet of beef kebabs grilled and basted with a blend of ginger, garlic, honey and light soy sauce. Served with rice noodles. Choice of 3 main courses (including signature dish) and 2 desserts R120. Phone 021-418-5411.
Harbour House Restaurant
Bio dynamically reared, free range beef short rib, with Pommes Anna, baby vegetables and a balsamic and red wine reduction. Signature dish R120. Phone 021-418-4744.
Hildebrand Ristorante
Char-grilled fillet of ostrich with potato fondant, wilted spinach and chocolate ravioli, finished with a chilli and ginger jus. Signature dish R90, two courses R120, three courses R150. Phone 021-425-3385.
Jewel of India
Chilli Chicken with Veg Hakka Noodles. Signature dish R95. Phone 021-419-8397.
Karibu
Bobotie Lasagne – traditional bobotie mince in layers of lasagne, topped with mozzarella cheese and baked to perfection. Served with a rocket, parmesan and piquant pepper salad. Signature dish R80, two courses R120, three courses R150. Phone 021-421-7005/6.
Krugmann’s Grill
Hearty, rich and flavoursome Rogan Josh oxtail served with aromatic Pilau rice and traditional Naan bread. Signature dish R110. Phone 021-418-5343.
La Playa
Lamb Curry Souvlaki with Greek Lemon Potatoes, Yellow Rice and Sambals (traditional Malay Curry wrapped in a toasted Greek Pita). Starter and a main course (including signature dish) R120. Phone 021-418-2800.
Meloncino
Chicken marinated in sweet chilli and Asian spices, served on a bed of butternut and coconut risotto accompanied with Parmesan infused pea puree and crisp pancetta. Main course (including signature dish) and a dessert R120. Phone 021-419-5558.
Nobu Restaurant at The One&Only
Winter bento box – cold selection includes tuna sashimi salad, assorted sushi roll, Nobu sashimi jalapeno and the hot section includes white fish tempura, Nasu miso and chicken teriyaki. Signature dish with a Suntory whisky cappuccino for dessert R275 (from 18h00 Tuesday-Sunday). Phone 021-431-4511.
OYO (Victoria & Alfred Hotel)
Thai chicken curry, bobotie and grilled fish of the day. Signature dish R110. Phone 021-419-6677.
Primi Wharf
Smoked Spareribs poached in a red wine jus, served on soft polenta. Signature dish R100. Phone 021-419-8750.
The Quarterdeck (The Portswood Hotel)
Grilled spiced Norwegian salmon, Toor Dhal Mash and Tomato Chilli Chutney with lemon, parsley butter. Signature dish served with a glass of Sauvignon Blanc R90. Phone 021-418-3281.
Quay 4 (upstairs)
Cape Malay Curry with crayfish tail, prawns & mussels accompanied by homemade peach blatjang, coconut, rotis and jasmin rice served in a black cast iron pot. Signature dish R90, two courses R120, three courses R150. Phone 021-419-2008.
Reuben’s at The One&Only
Reuben’s steak & Guinness pie, with buttery mash potato and garden peas. Signature dish served with a glass of wine R125. Phone 021-431-4511.
San Marco
The San Marco Signature Fusion Burger – 200g homemade premium beef patty flame grilled to perfection and served on a lightly toasted soft brioche roll. One third topped with arabiatta sauce, one third with French inspired bearnaise sauce and one third with delicious basil & parmesan pesto sauce, stacked with danish style feta and fresh avocado, and finally topped off with balsamico di Modena caramelised onions. Signature dish R69 (including a side salad or french fries, italian style potato wedges and sweet potato crisps). Phone 021-418-5434.
Sevruga
Miso-marinated Kingklip served with served with red miso paste and matafam potatoes. Signature dish R125, two courses (lunch) R120, three courses (dinner) R160. Phone 021-421-5134.
Signal (Cape Grace Hotel)
Bobotie spiced springbok loin, roasted parsnip, pickled mango puree, almond crumble and curried lentil jus. Available for dinner only. Signature dish R95, three-course set menu R195. Phone 021-410-7080.
Tasca Da Belem
Jack’s seafood platter: Line fish, mussels, calamari and prawns served with chips or rice. Signature dish R219.95. Phone 021-419-3009.
The Atlantic Grill (Table Bay Hotel)
Deboned braised lamb shank with saffron papardelle, tobacco onions and grana padano. Signature dish plus starter R120. Phone 021-406-5688.
The Grand Café & Beach
Grand Fusion seafood pasta. Signature dish R90, two courses R140, three courses R160 (served with a glass of house wine). Phone 021-425-0551.
Wang Thai
Falling Star – Portions of fresh salmon, poached salmon and crumbed salmon drizzled with wasabi mayonnaise, shrimps and green lettuce on a bed of noodles. Signature dish R90. Phone 021-421-8702.
Willoughby & Co
Tempura Prawn Roll with a spicy seared Tuna and Avocado wrapping. Served with a secret dressing and combination of Asian Spices. Signature dish R129, combo meal R229 (includes starter and glass of wine). Phone 021-418-6115.
Parking at the V&A Waterfront
Many complain about the high cost of parking at the V&A Waterfront. You’ll be pleased to know that you can park your car at any one of the parking garages for R10 from 18h00-22h00. That gives you 4 hours to enjoy your meal and only pay R10 when you leave. There’s plenty of time, so perhaps take a walk by the docks or take a ride on the Wheel of Excellence to end your evening.
There are a number of fantastic Waterfront restaurants that you can explore.
