Seaside restaurants may conjure up images of long summer afternoons, getting lightly sozzled in the sunshine and retreating only when the DJ calls it a night. If you are nodding in agreement then let us stop you there, for you are wrong. As winter sets in, it’s a splendid time to enjoy Cape Town’s beachfront restaurants and mostly at a fraction of the cost.
Ask your friends to think of the best beach bar in the Mother City and Shimmy Beach Club will almost certainly top their list. Positioned nearby the revamped Silo district, this premier restaurant venue recently launched their new winter menu, inviting guests to enjoy an expansive array of delectable dishes in a warm, welcoming indoor setting that combines the comforts of winter with floor to ceiling ocean views.
Ironically, it’s a particularly warm autumns day as I arrive at Shimmy’s to sample the new winter menu. I’m warmly welcomed by Chef Adrian Cook and the winemaker from Bloemendal Wine Estate, whose winemaking experience is evident at first sip. To kick off though, I enjoyed a mojito mocktail to go with the sunny weather.
Onto the food. Being cosy is all about a belly full of food and if there’s one thing for certain, visitors to Shimmy won’t be leaving hungry this winter. Tastebuds won’t be disappointed either, with comfort food made from the freshest locally sourced seasonal produce.
Diners can look forward to starter dishes including the rich Venison and Leek Ragout in a bouchee with red wine and poached pears and a red wine reduction. The Ratatouille Tartlet with rocket, balsamic reduction, pesto and parmesan shaving offers a flavoursome vegetarian option. Seafood lovers can tuck into some local black mussels, served in a creamy garlic and white wine sauce.
For mains, diners will be able to choose from a selection of seasonal staples like Chicken and Mushroom Pot Pie and Red Wine Braised Lamb Shank, the perfect remedy for cold winter nights. The Chef’s succulent Sesame encrusted Norwegian Salmon with stir-fried veg invokes the heart-warming aromatics of Asian cuisine, or try the Biltong Encrusted Ostrich Fillet, packed with rich flavours and accompanied by a bed of roast beetroot and hummus puree, for a wholesome, hearty dish.
Sweet additions to the menu include a Chai Matcha Crème Brulee topped with peanut brittle, red wine poached pears and a red wine reduction; Smoked Dark Chocolate Fondant with Cognac ice cream; Pecan nut and Apricot bread and butter toasted sandwich; or try the trio of Milktart, Cape Brandy and Chocolate Fondant Spring rolls, each with their own delectable dipping sauce.
Popular menu items, such as the sushi, dim sum, gourmet burgers and wood fire pizzas will be available throughout winter.
Expect to pay between R55 and R65 for starters, R100 to R200 for mains, and anything between R65 and R95 for desserts.
Let’s not forget about the winter specials!
Tuesdays
With the recent 1% tax increase, everyone could use a break. Whether it’s a bottle of wine, a beer, lunch, dinner or simply a light snack, 50% will be deducted from the entire bill every Tuesday as Shimmy Beach Club presents Localicious. Celebrating an incredible stretch of sunset assemblies and rendezvous with the loyal locals, guests can expect full hospitality at half the price from 11am until 11pm.
Wednesdays-Fridays
Keep warm on wintery days next to Shimmy Beach Club’s wood-fired oven while tucking into their freshly baked pizza hot out of the oven, or choose from their famous selection of sushi or dim sum, all at half price from Wednesdays-Fridays from (11am – 11pm).
The Mexican Feast
Friday evenings guests are invited to join for Seasoned, a celebration of food in a relaxed potluck style dining experience. With a menu that changes weekly from Aromatic Arabic flavours to a Mexican fiesta-style spread, the sharing feast is designed for groups of four or more and priced R250 per person.
