Valentine’s Day is once again upon us, and although nobody truly wants to get carried away with the traditions, if you have a significant other in your life it’s hard to ignore February 14.
The ultimate prize is to go out to dinner, especially if eating out is a treat for both of you. No matter where you decide to go, you want the evening and the meal to be memorable for all the right reasons. The food, the wine and the ambience must be worth your time, effort and money. Depending on how you like to celebrate Valentine’s Day, Durban’s establishments are ready to serve you some fine food as you celebrate your love
The Grill Room, The Oyster Box, uMhlanga
The hotel is renowned for being a luxury getaway spot, the one place you take your partner to celebrate. The old colonial-style hotel is a favourite because people have come to expect (and do receive) great service, an impressive assortment of beverages, and chef Kevin Joseph and his team serve delicious food. It won’t be any different this Valentine’s Day.
The hotel is hosting a Valentine’s Dinner Dance, where romance will feature heavily on the menu. They will be serving a six-course plated menu, and guests will be entertained by a live band and will receive a gift. The Grill Room from 7pm to 10pm. Price is R1 200 per person.
Tel: +27 (0) 31 514 5000 • E-mail: [email protected]
9th Avenue Bistro, 9th Avenue, Morningside
The bistro is known for where Durbanites go for a fine-dining experience. Everything is avant-garde – from the entreés to the dessert, you really get you money’s worth. Love taking pictures of your food? Then 9th Avenue Bistro is where you should go for Valentine’s Day. The bistro will host a special candlelit three-course dinner, for R595 per person. Included in the price is a welcome drink (yes to this), petit fours and after-dinner coffee, if you are interested. The menu is a food lover’s dream. For starters, you have a choice of duck parfait, gin-cured salmon, butternut squash ravioli and fig burrata salad; mains include char-grilled line fish, fillet of beef, slow roast suckling pig and dessert: yoghurt panna cotta, pink gin and juniper sorbet with marshmallow lemon curd and cucumber gelée.
Booking is essential. [email protected] or 031 312 9134.
Chefs Table: Wood -fired prawn avocado, Marie Rose and tomato. PICTURE: SEBASTIAN NICO
Big Easy Durban by Ernie Els, Hilton Hotel
It’s one of the most accessible restaurants in the city and takes pretension out of hotel restaurants. You don’t have to dress up. It’s relaxed and homely, and then there’s the good food they serve. With chef Janine Pretorius now the head chef of Hilton’s restaurants, the Big Easy kitchen is being run by chef Sbu Nhleko, and he’s a plating master, so expect to be blown away by his creations on the special day. They will be a set four course menu, with each course paired with either champagne or beer. That will cost R695 per person, including a welcome drink, flower gift and some sweet treats. Not interested in the bubbly or beer? Then it will be R495.
Bookings are essential – call 031 336 8166 or email [email protected] to
The Chef’s Table, Umhlanga
The Chef’s Table is quickly becoming one of the most popular restaurants in the city and it’s easy to see why- the food is simply delicious and there’s never a reason to not ever want to go back. This year chef Kaylah-Ann Osborn has prepared a four-course Valentines Day menu, which will set you back R595 per person. You also get a complimentary glass of sparkling wine. The menu is famous for fresh, seasonal cuisine. The perfect place? Then make your booking soon before it closes: 031 561 1629 or e-mail [email protected]