Terri Dunbar-Curran
THERE’S nothing quite like sipping an ice-cold glass of rosé, with an over-head heater keeping the chilly evening air at bay, as the mouth-watering aroma of braai blankets everything, all while the sea rumbles just metres away in the twilight.
Radisson Blu Hotel, Waterfront, is ensuring guests make the most of the last few lingering days of summer with its Friday Braai Day and Saturday Seaside Grill at Tobago's Restaurant and Terrace.
My husband and I were invited to have a taste, and what a fantastic Friday evening it turned out to be. Tobago’s buffets are always a feast, and adding the grill element just ups the ante.
The braai buffet starts at 6.30pm and I decided to linger a little over my Waterford Rose-Mary as the sun slipped away. It’s a gorgeous setting and perfect for a romantic dinner for two, or a more festive celebration with friends. There were plenty of both around us.
When the throng at the buffet had thinned a little I went inside to graze. There is so much on offer there’s no way you’ll be able to try it all and still have room for braai meat. And even if you don’t make it out to the grill itself there’s plenty to indulge in. I tried the rich braised ostrich neck, a tasty pesto pasta salad and a heavenly creamy potato bake. There’s also a generous spread for fish lovers, and an enticing cheese and bread corner.
If you’ve got your eye on a juicy chop or two, you may want to avoid the tempting hot buffet which stars dishes like lasagne, pap, chicken and apricot curried kebabs and roast beef. I wasn’t able to stay away, so I ordered another rose and enjoyed the sea air for a while more before putting in an appearance at the grill.
There you’ll find a selection of chops, steaks, kebabs and boerewors (or beef sausage, as one helpful staff member called it for a perplexed tourist). Pick your meat and either stand aside and watch as the chef cooks it to your specifications, or take another turn past the salad buffet. No one will judge if you go back for another helping of potato bake while you wait – it’s that good.
My meat was handed over with a smile (and an extra piece of boerewors) and it was juicy and flavourful. I persevered with a knife and fork for politeness sake for a second or two, but seriously, chops were meant for fingers and as locals it’s our responsibility to show the tourists how it’s done.
Once I’d had my fill of braai, we took a slow stroll down to the very end of the pier enjoying the crisp air and the view of the Waterfront and seaside hotels. Returning to our table, I sauntered over to the dessert table I’d been studiously avoiding all evening. So much to choose from: tiny milk tarts, chocolate mousse, the most darling little crème brûlée, mini cheesecakes and cupcakes, as well as a steaming dish of apple crumble with custard on the side.
The winner was definitely the crème brûlée and the options were: lick the bowl, or surreptitiously grab another – I chose the more genteel, if gluttonous, option.
If the braai offering is anything to go by, Saturdays promise just as lavish a feast for seafood lovers. The buffets run until the end of March, so book your table and make the most of the last of what summer has to offer.
* 021 441 3414, www.radissonblu.com/en/hotel-capetown