I had never dined in Camps Bay before. It’s a strange but true phenomenon…
I’ve lived in Cape Town for 24 years and had never sat at a table in Camps Bay and eaten a meal. Sure, I’d bought a pie at the Pick ‘n Pay and sat on a bench by the beach munching as bronzed men in gold thongs strutted bantam-cockerel-like before me. Amusing snack time entertainment, for sure.
Perhaps it’s because the strip of restaurants on the promenade tend to be expensive by local standards and are more catered to tourists. Or maybe it’s just that gold-thonged bantams (what’s accepted in Brazil is not necessarily here) put me off. Nonetheless, last week Thursday, I gave it a shot.
It being winter in Cape Town, there was a nip in the strip and fewer people than normal were out. A plus, to me. The Restaurant: The Kove. That night, being a Thursday, we had a live Jazz band play for us. It was a great touch – soft enough to hear my dining partner talk, but loud enough to block out the table next to me’s natters.
We sat further back, in a corner by the roaring gas fire place – so effective, that I’m sure this was the warmest joint in Cape Town that night. Up front is a floor-to-wall window through which you can glimpse the sea while dining. The Kove’s website explains its decor as classic Gentleman’s club meets contemporary Continental grillroom. Although, kitch but comfortable is how I’d describe it.
The big green throne that was my seat: comfortable, very comfortable. The walls of fake roses, ivy creeping up a pillar and across the ceiling and butterfly mobiles above tables: kitch. Nonetheless, the warmth, dim lighting and ocean view, together with my throne, made for a relaxing and pleasing setting to enjoy a meal. Especially with Diemersfontein Viognier white wine flowing smoothly.
I went the seafood route and had the Prawns Three Ways as a starter. It’s one tasty threesome. Served with balsamico and fresh rocket are twelve sea water prawns in orange and cumin, brandy and mustard, and ginger and garlic. Like my main meal of Cajun kingklip with salad, the starter was strong but flavoursome and well-cooked.
My partner had the signature dish of Kove Fillet – with dark lindt chocolate, cashews, sweet onion mash and gorgonzola. The steak was exquisite and so perfectly soft in the centre. I stole a few forkfuls. But the addition of chocolate, together with the other flavours: not for me.
The service was prompt; friendly but not overbearing. Manager Ricky warmed us with a parting gift: a sweet shot of vanilla vodka, white chocolate syrup, splash of lime and a hint of chilli. Definitely better than a pie eaten on a bench. I think I might warm to the place…
Contact:
Shop 2B
The Promenade
Victoria Road, Camps Bay
Tel 021 438 0004
E-mail info@thekove.co.za
Web www.thekove.co.za
If you’re planning on visiting the Atlantic Seaboard in Cape Town, visit our list of accommodation in the area and Camps Bay in particular. For other reviews of Cape Town’s diverse range of restaurants, read the Horny Grazer’s Cape Town section.
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