As a self-proclaimed pleb, I tend to be intimidated by swanky restaurants, I’m always a little underdressed for the occasion and never know which utensil goes with what meal. At Dash Restaurant and Bar, this didn’t really seem to matter as you’re treated like royalty regardless. Which is fitting, I suppose, as the restaurant is located at the plush Queen Victoria Hotel.
Upon entering the establishment, the hostess greets us warmly while taking our coats off our hands. We are shown to our table which is in the vicinity of a roaring fireplace, certainly a plus on a cold winter’s night. Our waitress is prompt by immediately offering us a bottle of the house wine and ensures that our glasses are never empty throughout the course of the evening.
My partner and I were treated to Dash’s winter special – a hearty two-course meal valued at the very reasonable price of R275. To whet our pallets we enjoyed some fresh, seed bread served with generous dollops of honey and mustard flavoured butter. The bread had barely been scoffed down when we were given a taste of a dish that past patrons had been raving about – Dash’s famous cured beetroot salmon served with cubes of tangy beetroot and some spicy wild goats cheese. Artfully styled and flavoursome, I can certainly see what all the fuss is about.
While waiting for our next course to arrive, I decided to have a quick look around the place. Dash screams elegance with it’s tastefully decorated furniture and ornate wall hangings. In the corner of the restaurant is a black baby grand, where a pianist plays renditions of all-time classics. It certainly has a timeless appeal which encourages you to sit back and embrace the experience.
Our mains followed, I ordered the grilled fillet of beef served with a melange of vegetables and baby potatoes. One of my main concerns when ordering a fillet is that it is never quite the ‘medium rare’ I ask for, but in this instance the meat was grilled to absolute perfection. The side serving of veggies and potatoes were soft, well-seasoned and added to the overall tastiness of the dish. Certainly my top recommendation for Capetonians who are looking to enjoy a dinner at Dash.
For desserts, we ordered the coconut panna cotta and, my all time favourite, chocolate fondant. With both of us being pudding people, it was essential that we shared the desserts. Both delicious by themselves but together they were the perfect combination of sweet and rich and light and creamy. The panna cotta saves you the trouble of having to chew with its silky smooth texture and is served with a zesty sorbet, dried coconut shavings, trickles of berry and granadilla jus and an assortment of gooseberries and blueberries. The fondant is your quintessential ‘death by chocolate’ dessert with a moist cake filled with oodles of chocolate sauce on the inside. Certainly every chocolate lover’s dream, the dessert is topped with a bitter sugar brittle and comes with a serving of orange ice cream on a bed of biscuit crumble. Even if you’re filled to the brim, you don’t want to miss out on these desserts!
Dash ticks all the boxes, not only is it value for money with its quality dining experience, but you’re also treated like a prestigious guest by the unendingly attentive staff. When pay day rolls along again, I’ll certainly be back for another winter warmer at Dash.
OF NOTE
Where Dash Restaurant and Bar, Mesa House, Portswood Close, Portswood Ridge, V&A Waterfront
When Breakfast Monday – Sunday 6 30 am – 11 am, Lunch 12:30 pm – 3 pm, Dinner 7:30 pm – 10 pm
Cost R275 pp
Contact +27 21 418 1466, [email protected], newmarkhotels.com
Photography Courtesy, whalecottage.com
