There’s a new boat on the water, and you going to want to pay attention. For the first time ever, you’ll get to experience fine-dining afloat on Cape Town’s indigo waters, aboard The Alba Restaurant Boat. I can almost touch the mental picture of the sea water parting, the smell of thick salty holiday air, the sun dropping into the ocean leaving trails of orange, pink and red hues – and a plate to match the view – while you drink in the mountain. That reality is right around the December corner and bookings open in two weeks, I suggest you secure your spot.
You will never be short of fine dining establishments in the city but adding the ocean to the mix is an exciting innovation.
Here’s what you need to know about The Alba:
Who is The Alba Restaurant’s Chef?
Born and bred Capetonian, Robyn Paterson, is the Head Chef of the floating restaurant. This up-and-coming chef studied at Cape Town’s Northlink College in 2012 and has six years of culinary experience. Her passion for cooking began as a child and her creativity plays out in the The Alba’s five cruise menus. She brings a style to the kitchen that is truly “Cape Town” with local ingredients and a wicked personality.
When is the restaurant officially open?
Bookings are open from mid-December 2017, more information to be announced soon.
Who is at the helm of the restaurant?
The General Manager, Samantha Kramer, who has a decade of experience in the hospitality industry, adds to the cosmopolitan dining experience within the elegant Alba restaurant. Passionate about what she does, Kramer launched her career in Australia in a small coffee shop as a barista and through her dedication and love of people has claimed her most recent post as General Manager of The Alba. Her unconventional upbringing through cities such as Perth, Hong Kong, Guernsey and Muscat has provided her with the ability to make anyone feel at home in her restaurant.
What can diners expect?
The Alba will be the first of its kind in Cape Town. An exclusive, fine dining restaurant boat experience. This 72 seater restaurant will operate in the harbour exclusively and provide top quality service and cuisine. The floating restaurant will be 22m in length overall with a 6m beam. Designed to be stable and smooth in the water, with floor to ceiling glass windows, which will ensure a comfortable dining experience with great views regardless of the weather. Cruise lengths will range between one and a half and two hours, beginning with four cruises a day. The Alba will also cater for private functions such as corporate outings, weddings or gala events.
Choose from the following 5 cruises:
Bubbly Brunch cruise (mon – sun, 10-11:30am @ R495)
Lunch cruise (mon – sun, 1-2:30pm @ R595)
High Tea cruise (sat only, 4-5:30pm @ R495)
Sunset cruise (mon – fri & sun, 4-5:30pm @ R595)
Dinner cruise (mon – sun, 7-9pm @ R695)
What will you find on the menu?
A contemporary South African influence mostly, with emphasis on local ingredients. It is also halaal-friendly.
Where did the concept came from?
The Alba has been modelled on similar successful concepts in tourist cities across the world including the Bateaux London, Bateaux Parisiens, Bateaux Dubai, The Hornblower and the Melbourne River Cruises.
For more information visit www.thealba.co.za
Photography: Courtesy