High on the pine-treed slopes of Devil's Peak, on an inconspicuous street corner of one of Cape Town's oldest suburbs is the Sidewalk Cafe. Under the umbrella (or should that be tent?) of Madam Zingara, this retro chic eatery reminds me of a similar place in Kalk Bay, where the emphasis is on the food, not the decor. The Sidewalk Cafe is literally that, with small, intimate eating areas without diners intruding upon each other's conversations - something I loathe.
A starter of rice paper rolls with spicy sesame soy dressing was a surprise when it arrived - raw julienne fruit & veg - but was light and refreshing. Apparently the word 'raw' should have been used rather than 'fresh'. The main of chicken risotto with fresh peas and prawns was, without any exaggeration, to die for! Creamy, subtle yet flavoursome, just the right 'bite' on the rice, tender, ladylike chunks of chicken and succulent prawns topped with rocket - a taste sensation, like angels dancing on the tongue.
The trouble with food that is so delectable, one savours each mouthful, is that one soon becomes sated and by the time the plate is cleaned, a somnolence has set in and the eyes search for a suitable chaise in a corner on which to recline and digest one's repast. So be warned! Eat quickly and head home for the couch or sup slowly and spend many hours with head in hand and elbow on the table, while reminding oneself what a doggie bag is for!
Dessert, strictly for special birthdays, was a soft, rich chocolate brownie with fresh berry coulis and, despite my best efforts, went home with me.
I'll be parking my butt on a chair again soon!
No comments:
Post a Comment