La Cuisinette big on flavour and helpings

BIG BEGINNINGS: The tasty tapas combo of mini kebabs is one of the delicious starters served at La Cuisinette and is enough to have as a meal on its own Picture: ETHIENNE ARENDS

LA CUISINETTE in Beacon Bay are combining Asian flavours and French flair with a dash of class to produce some of the best food in East London.

My girlfriend Bernie and I were welcomed to the elegantly- decorated and modern restaurant by the most knowledgeable and polite waiter, Stanton Hammond, and manager Lazola Mbalekwa.

The restaurant was opened and run by restaurateur and sommelier Charles Poole before the Gazo family took over last month.

With Poole having been knowledgeable on wines, the restaurant have regular wine tastings and a great selection to choose from, with the waiters well- trained to suggest which wine to pair with your meal.

To start off with, Bernie went with La Cuisinette’s signature starter, the crevettes, at R89.

SAY CHEESE: La Cuisinette’s signature starter, the Crevettes are a rich tasty treat. The seared prawns with a parmesan gratinateéd, served with toast can be a light meal on its own

It consists of seared prawns with a parmesan gratinateéd, served with toast.

I had a tapas combo of teriyaki chicken and soya- glazed beef satays – both little kebabs – at R69, and served with a salad.

Both starters were generous helpings, and bursting with flavour too.

However, the very tender and juicy beef satay was my favourite.

The starter menu also includes Thai fishcakes and springbok Carpaccio, to name just a few delicious options to choose from.

BIG BEGINNINGS: The tasty tapas combo of mini kebabs is one of the delicious starters served at La Cuisinette and is enough to have as a meal on its own Picture: ETHIENNE ARENDS

For the main course I had A Taste of Morocco; three thick rib lamb chops with north African-type spices, grilled and served with a salad and mash potato, at R149.

Bernie had the Taste of Bombay, which is deboned chicken, spiced with creamed dhania (coriander), at R149.

The more than generous helping of lamb was the stuff of dreams. It was melt-in-your-mouth tender and the spice rub was perfectly mastered.

Bernie said her chicken curry was “amazing, one of the best chicken curries I’ve ever had”.

It was served on a bed of basmati rice, with sambals or salsas.

BIG ON FLAVOUR: The Taste of Bombay chicken curry is a real treat for the tastebuds and one of La Cuisinette’s must-have dishes Picture: ETHIENNE ARENDS

Mbalekwa said while La Cuisinette organised regular wine tastings and pairings, the restaurant was also open to customers wanting to have other tastings, such as whisky tasting, at the venue.

“We will then get our chef to prepare meals to go with the whisky,” Mbalekwa said.

So if you are in the mood for “amazing” food, in a very quiet and tranquil setting, La Cuisinette is the place for you.

The restaurant is situated at The Quiver Tree, Palm Square Business Park, in Bonza Bay Road, Beacon Bay.

To book or for more information call (043)748-3964.

 

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