When I was invited back to Shimmy Beach Club to review a preview of the new winter menu, resistance was futile - who could resist the temptation of dining at one of Cape Town's most gorgeous spots? And the food... let me tell you about how Shimmy's new chef mesmerised us with his creations, shall I?
Well, you know how it goes; first we had starters - a choice between a larger than average California roll with caviar and teriyaki sauce, goat's cheese and caramelised onion pizza, the Shimmy ritz or cured duck breast "aioli". My guest and I opted for the pizza and ritz - both excellent choices - but we agreed that the pizza with topping of goat's cheese, caramalised onion, jalapenos and sundried tomato was most definitely the winner (actually the winner of the entire night for that matter - it was THAT good!). The base is extra thin and crispy (which minimises the guilt factor somewhat), the goat's cheese is light and not too tangy and the sweetness of the onions complements it perfectly, while the chillies and tomato elevate the flavour to another level of yumminess and make your tastebuds do a happy dance in your mouth.
Next up - the main course which was a speciality dish: surf and turf espetada. This is a biggie! Not intended for the fainthearted. You can expect a very generous-looking skewer layered with mouthwateringly tender beef steak, calamari steak cooked to perfection and some tasty tiger prawns. Oh, and don't forget the accompaniments which consist of a fresh chickpea salad, new potato dressed in garlic and leek sauce and more - you guessed it, you are going to need a big table for this!
We needed a little break after the espetada - our bellies were rather full. This gave us a chance to take in the beautiful setting and really enjoy the atmosphere. The restaurant was bustling, and yet there was a tranquillity abounding, while the sound of the music carried conversations like they were notes of a song. Yes, it is all rather poetic - Shimmy will do that to you!
Ok, so we were warned about the sheer decadence of the dessert, but we did not realise that our expectations would actually be met - I mean, every restaurant boasts about their amazing food only for you to find that it's pretty average, right? Not this time - the apple and buttermilk upside down cake (with cardamom fudge, cinnamon and marula custard, I might add) is absolutely heavenly! No, really, if you don't try this you will never know the true meaning of a great dessert.
First you taste the luxurious buttery outer shell which is a thin and slightly crisp pastry, then the delicately spiced apple filling complemented by the vanilla ice cream. It doesn't stop there, your spoon will scoop up some of the cinnamon and marula custard beneath the cake too, and this makes all the difference really - the combination forces your eyes shut as all your senses focus on the taste explosion. Top the sensation off with a nibble of the cardamom fudge and crumble provided, and you have magic on a plate. This is definitely a dish to comfort you during the cold winter months (and one worth braving the elements for, I might add).
"High-quality produce that speaks for itself has always been the Shimmy way. All too often, winter-time food is drab and stodgy. At Shimmy, we are changing this perception with a winter menu as vibrant as our summer selection," says Cook on his culinary philosophy for the cooler months.
Never a truer was word spoken. Cook is a food genius; he has combined elements that work so well together it's insane. The food is simply divine, and the flavours he uses transform a regular night out (be it at an exquisite Cape Town hotspot) into an enthralling occasion never to be forgotten, but most certainly to be repeated!
Click here to download the full winter menu.
