I love winter food. I’m talking those lengthy affairs spent savouring dishes prepared for the sole purpose of warming (and filling) you up when it’s cold outside. Meatier, heartier … throw in any adjective you want, winter is a great time to dine out in Cape Town.
Shimmy Beach Club still keeps it real at this time of year. Their new winter menu, which started in May, contains items cleverly crafted for winter dining, by the fittingly named Chef Adrian Cook.
Appetisers range from R70 to R110, and vary for different palettes. The chicken liver and tomato fondue with basil and Parmesan polenta is great for sharing, while the grilled artichoke, asparagus and lemon risotto are for those wanting a creamy kick before their mains. Indulge in something from the dim sum menu before if you’re in a group!
It is on the mains menu that Shimmy pulls out the big guns. Expect hunger-busting dishes like the lamb shank pot pie with candied butternut, oxtail tortellini, duck confit, ostrich fillet and, my favourite, the balsamic and rosemary marinated rib-eye steak. These start from R105 and head up to R290 for the 500g monster version of the rib-eye I praised above.
Shimmy, as usual, hits the sweet spot when it comes to their dessert selection and you’ll find moreish items like the guava cheesecake with macadamia nut crust topped with a scoop of peanut butter ice cream, a fruity winter crumble and – the winner in my book – a flawless, 70% dark chocolate fondant with naartjie ice cream and hazelnut praline crumble.
Who ever said you can’t go to a beach club in winter?
Photography Claire Gunn
