Sirocco

in May 2011 - Cape Kos

Cape Town is one the most beautiful places on Earth. This we know. It constantly features right at the top of many categories of ‘World’s Best’ polls run by publications and online media. We are privileged to live here that’s for sure.

There can be fewer more pleasurable experiences in Cape Town than enjoying an al fresco meal of great food, at a beautiful location, in the perfect Cape Town weather.

All these elements come together at Sirocco in Kalk Bay and make it very difficult to resist being seduced into a little self-indulgent, congratulatory patting on the back when you see everything around you and think – THIS is where I live! If it gets any better than the sum of this whole, I’d like someone to tell me what and where.

Sitting down underneath a massive palm tree, we were graced with service both friendly and attentive, a relaxed atmosphere and the almost immediate release of the deadline pressures. 

From the time we sat down under the massive single palm tree the service was friendly and attentive, the atmosphere relaxed and release of deadline pressures immediate!

For starters we chose: the Prawn Cocktail; steamed prawns, avocado and spring onion served with a Marie Rose sauce (R65); Water Melon, Feta and Pumpkin Seed Salad, with cumin green olives, red onion and rocket tossed in lemon and lime vinaigrette (R50); and the Sirocco House Salad, rocket, crispy bacon crumble, bella-rosa tomatoes and fresh peas tossed in wholegrain mustard and sherry vinaigrette,with parmesan shavings, garlic-rubbed croutons, avo and a soft-boiled egg (R55).  

None of the dishes could be faulted. All were scrumptious, flavour packed and thoroughly enjoyed by everyone.

For mains we ordered the Pan-Fried Smoked Paprika Calamari, with garlic, chilli, black olives, bella-rosa tomatoes, capers and lemon juice, served with fresh summer rice and basil mayonnaise (R95); Pan-fried Lamb Cutlets prepared with a Parmesan herb crust, served on boulangère potatoes with provincial vegetables, a mustard vinaigrette and balsamic reduction (R110); and special of the day Grilled Kingklip, served with a cheese sauce, roasted blocked potatoes and fresh fried vegetables of the day (R135).

The kingklip was culinary mastery – a less-is-more “simple” flavourful meal prepared perfectly! The calamari too was mouth-watering good and the smoked paprika gave it an unusual but delectable flavour. The lamb cutlets in the Parmesan herb crust looked amazing and also, tasted wonderful. It was however found to be a little too fatty to win the diner’s unequivocal approval. But flavour-wise it couldn’t be faulted.

While we ate Didas, an immigrant from the DRC, came and played his guitar, singing unobtrusive original songs which entertained at once and reminded us that Cape Town is indeed an African city. The low-key connection was a somewhat poignant reminder of our larger African family but served as a celebratory acknowledgement that even with our continental diversity our similarities still outweigh our differences.

We enjoyed Sirocco on a breezy afternoon and were in awe with its unique location and top quality fare. I can’t imagine that there’d be many better places than this inviting and stress-banishing restaurant where sharing memory-making times with friends and family is part of the culinary experience.  

Sirocco makes a significant contribution to the legendary allure of Kalk Bay, so even if you haven’t got time to stroll around this harbour village, a visit to Sirocco makes the journey worthwhile!SiroccoAll Full Circle restaurant reviews are unannounced and the meals paid for in full.