How do you know that Winter is finally over and that warm Spring weather has arrived? Well, besides the countless number of bright and colourful flowers showing off in the sunshine, Capetonians wake up from hibernation mode and do what they love to do best – go out and explore! And one of the best ways to celebrate the start of a brand new season, in my humble opinion, is with a long, lazy lunch at the beach!
A few months back, I had the pleasure of dining at The Kove Collection’s newest foodie hot spot, Lily’s Restaurant in Mouille Point, so I was very keen to try one of their sister restaurants, La Belle Bistro & Bakery in Camps Bay, especially as they recently launched their new lunch and dinner menu. Located on the glittering Camps Bay strip, this much loved bistro is no stranger to the vibrant foodie scene in Cape Town.
This is where hubby and I found ourselves on a sunny Sunday afternoon for a long overdue lunch date. The beach is my happy place, so spending a couple of hours with my love, overlooking the shimmering blue Atlantic Ocean, enjoying a couple of glasses of vino, delicious food …. you get the picture! Just the thought of it was pure bliss.
Seated at a table on the outside deck with menus in hand, I took a moment to take in the chic decor of the restaurant. It is the epitome of luxury and style but without being pretentious. The new lunch and dinner menu focuses on healthy, contemporary, modern cuisine while featuring fresh and local seasonal produce. The dishes are pure culinary delights that will please any palate and keep your taste buds very happy indeed.
Now what is a long, lazy lunch in the sun without a glass (or 3!) of chilled wine? It was definitely a rosé kind of day, so I chose one of my absolute faves, The Warwick First Lady 2016. This dry 100% Pinotage rosé (happens to be my fave wine varietal!) is delicate in colour and pairs well with just about any food you can think of.
We asked Lizzy, our friendly and totally on-the-ball waitress, what her recommendations would be for Starters. There are a few delicious sounding choices but as always, my eyes are drawn to anything that is seafood! I try to go for options that I’ve either never had before or wouldn’t usually make at home. It was a tough choice between the Fried Squid, Salmon Trout Cakes and Oysters, but in the end, the Oysters won!
Served with a Shallot Mignonette & Lemon, they were absolutely delicious. I traded one for a mussel or two from hubby’s Mussel Pot and they were just as divine. The Mussel sauce was packed with flavour. Made with Shallots, Garlic, Thyme, Parsley, Lemon, White Wine & Cream, it was a heavenly combination!
For Mains, the menu offers a wide variety of seafood, chicken and meat dishes. Vegetarians are catered for with a Roasted Zucchini Bake or tasty and fresh Salads and Sandwiches.
I was clearly in a seafood state of mind as I zoned in on the unique sounding Pomegranate Glazed Salmon Trout with Pickled Red Onions, Peas & Beans, Sticky Rice & Herb Aioli. I’ve had quite a few sublime salmon dishes over the years but had never come across one with a Pomegranate Glaze. Lizzy agreed that the Salmon Trout was a great choice.
Hubby is the meat lover between us (unless you’re talking venison which I love too) and usually goes for Rump Steak if it’s on the menu. But this time he chose the Porcini Butter Fillet thanks to Lizzy’s recommendation. Served with Porcini Compound Butter, Roast Cipollini Onions, Baby Button Mushrooms & Potato Puree, this mouthwatering meat dish had me salivating as it arrived at our table. Now for someone who doesn’t eat onions in any way, shape or form, my hubby was getting more than his fair share and actually quite enjoyed it.
As for my Pomegranate Glazed Salmon Trout, you have GOT to try this divine dish! I absolutely loved everything about it. The light sweetness of the glaze complemented the Salmon Trout beautifully and all the components tasted amazing together. I literally ate every last delectable morsel! And just seeing these photos and writing about it makes me want to go back for dinner tonight 😉
Hubby’s near silence whilst slowly devouring his Porcini Butter Fillet was all the proof I needed as to how much he was enjoying his meal. I tasted everything other than the Fillet and they were all so delish! He assured me (in between mouthfuls) that the Fillet just melted in his mouth with each bite and was cooked a perfect medium rare.
By now, my tummy and taste buds were super happy so I decided to forego a sweet treat. But somehow, hubby made space for a decadent Molten Chocolate Cake with Warm Chocolate, Sour Cherry Compote & Vanilla-scented Cream. Sound good? It was better than good! Naturally, I had to have a nibble or two and it was simply sublime. A definite winner if you’re a chocolate lover.
There are lighter dessert options on the menu such as the The Brûleé with Fresh Strawberries & Vanilla Shortbread. You can also order a piece of fudge, cupcake or other baked goodies from the glass display cabinet.
The atmosphere is very relaxed with gorgeous ocean views and I could easily sit on that deck all day long. The staff are friendly and offer superb service with a smile. As for the food? I’m still dreaming and thinking about it and can’t wait to go back for more! Simple, delicious and fresh, local seasonal food prepared with care and attention to detail is what La Belle Bistro & Bakery is all about it.
For an utterly delicious and memorable dining experience, I’d highly recommend that you visit them soon before the busy summer season starts. And do remember to make a reservation, especially if you’d like to enjoy amazing ocean views on the outside deck. Bon appetite!
Please note: Our meal was enjoyed at no cost for review purposes. All views and images are my own.
