Last Thursday saw Cape Town plagued with winds at full force and sunshine trapped behind a gloomy blanket of ominous grey clouds. We finally got a real taste of our ever elusive winter months, which made for the perfect day to indulge in some comfort food.
Playground for the summer season, Shimmy Beach Club have heated up their menu with hearty winter dishes guaranteed to warm and fill you up when it’s cold outside. So, instead of abandoning the luxury venue as the days get cooler, why not immerse yourself in the cosy ambiance and fine dining of Chef Adrian Cook, who cleverly curates seasonal menus to make the most of each ingredient.
Set the tone with light yet satisfying hors d’oeuvres made from the freshest produce. Try the Twice Baked Spinach souffle with a tangy Gruyere cheese sauce and walnut crumble to savour some creamy goodness before the mains arrive. Or if you’re really feeling the bite of the winter chill, something meatier might be more up your alley – the slow braised Oxtail Raviollo with creamed spinach, roasted butternut and burnt sage butter is as indulgent as it sounds. A true gem that will definitely leave you lusting for more.
Prepare to be impressed when it comes to the mains. The dishes encompass a range of rich and complex ingredients, artfully melded to produce flavoursome meals that allude to Chef Adrian’s South African roots. Homemade potato Gnocchi with truffled porcini mushrooms, marinated grilled artichoke and grated parmesan serve as a homely vegetarian option that takes you back to grandma’s place, except with an elegant twist.
For those with a flare for the fanciful, the Champagne battered hake with caviar cream and panzella salad is sure to live up to your golden-plate, while oven roasted chicken supreme or grilled beef fillet seem the perfect counterparts to a glass of Chardonnay and great company on a stormy winter evening.
The dessert menu hits the sweet spot in more ways than one. Choose between a decadent chocolate mousse with meringue topping, choc macaroon and coffee ice-cream, or cinnamon and sugar doughnuts submerged in a flawless tiramisu cream. Adrian’s ‘ouma’ deserves some credit too with her pineapple fridge tart recipe, and an immaculate 70% dark chocolate fondant lingers on your palette long after the remains have been relished and devoured.
Photography Courtesy/Archives