Recently my plus 1 and I were invited to dine at DASH Restaurant inside the luxurious 5 star Queen Victoria Hotel. One of the gems in Newmark Hotel Group‘s crown, located near the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront in Cape Town.
Grand Entrance Foyer at The Queen Victoria hotel {Photo credit: www.booking.com}
Upon entering we were greeted by the ornate uniquely modern staircase and plush purple velvet carpet, we truly felt like royalty.
Arriving early, we decided to enjoy a few drinks at the bar. Our barman was most helpful and happily supplied me with the hotel’s wifi code so that I could merrily snap and post pics of my pre-birthday celebrations on social media. He even spoiled us with some delicious mini lamb koftas, that went down so well with my Bellini!
At 7 pm when the restaurant opened, we made our way over, where we were seated by the hostess and handed some menus.
The Elegant Dash Restaurant {Photo credit: Dash Restaurant}
Just as we were seated, the Marketing Manager, Waleed, came over to greet us and wish me a happy birthday. Wow! Now that’s service, it was only minutes prior I had tweeted about my meal here complete with celebratory Bellini in hand!
Our bubbly waitress came over to take our wine order and suggested that since we were so undecided instead of ordering 1 bottle of wine, why not try a different glass with each course? so we did!
We were offered the most heavenly ciabatta and rye bread with olives and peppers served with homemade nut butter and capers whilst we waited for our starters and vino to arrive.
I love pinotage wine and it is my usual choice, but as we were celebrating I thought to try a glass of my other favourite white wine with my starters, Haute Cabriere. Whilst my plus one had selected a nice glass of Chardonnay. When our wines arrived, I received a full glass of pinotage instead of the Haute Cabriere I ordered, thankfully this was immediately rectified by our waitress.
After a few sips, we were treated to an exquisite Amuse Bouche (pre-starter) of rare roast beef with tomato on toasted ciabatta and parmesan cheese garnished with basil. This delicious morsel really tasted as good as it looks, melting in your mouth in one glorious bite!
Rare Roast beef with Tomato on Toasted Ciabatta and Parmesan Cheese garnished with Basil.
For starters; I chose the Double Baked Gorgonzola Souffle with Biltong Shavings and Hazelnuts whilst my partner opted for the Asparagus, Olive Toast, Nut Crush and Parmesan Snow.
Again our order was mixed up and a waiter brought us Tempura Prawns instead of what we ordered. This was sent back and gratefully after waiting for a little while longer our waitress saved the day with the correct meals.
Double Baked Gorgonzola Souffle with Biltong Shavings and Hazelnuts and Raspberries
Asparagus, Olive Toast, Nut Crush and Parmesan Snow with cute beetroot dyed quail eggs
The wait was worth it! The gorgonzola souffle and biltong, with raspberries and hazelnuts, were the perfect combination of savoury and sweetness. I loved it! My plus one didn’t leave a single scrap on his plate so that surely says it all.
Rose, Apple Cinnamon and Orange Trio of Sorbet palate cleanser
In between Starters and Mains, we were spoilt with a trio of sorbet palate cleansers, to refresh our tastebuds for the extravagant second course that awaited us!
This was such a treat,
I felt like a naughty kid having my dessert before my meal.
I particularly enjoyed the rose, which reminded me of biting into a Turkish Delight and the Apple Cinnamon that tasted like a frozen apple pie slushie.
Intrigued and delighted we were ready for more, bring on the main course. Grilled Beef for my partner (the safe option) and my choice of pan-fried loin of venison – which just happened to be Springbok (the more adventurous option). This was, of course, paired with a delightful red Pinotage wine for both of us.
Pan fried Springbok with Parsley Mash and Carrot Puree
Grilled Beef Fillet with Spinach Puree, Melange of Vegetables and Jus
One of the most succulent meats I’ve had, that did not taste gamey at all like one would expect. A generous portion of delicious vegetables accompanied both our meals and were superbly prepared.
To end off our 4-hour food extravaganza, and the course I most look forward to…Dessert!
Hot Chocolate Fondant with Orange Ice Cream and Bitter Sugar Brittle
Banana Parfait, Butterscotch Sauce and Banoffee
Decadent chocolate fondant with heavenly vanilla ice cream….delicious! I must say the plus one’s deconstructed banoffee pie was just as sweet a treat.
Despite our waitress’ former attentiveness, it appeared we had been forgotten. Our plates were cleared and we were left wondering about tea or coffee or after dinner mints.
We decided to call it a night, thanked our hostess and prepared to leave.
Sadly on our way out we discovered that the hotel does not provide validation for parking below. The hotel parking is limited as it shares with Dock house Hotel right next door, so we opted to park underneath the hotel thinking we could validate.The parking costs R10 for 2 hours and one would pay as you normally would at the parking meter. On the upside, we were escorted to and from the parking lot by the every friendly doorman. It can be a bit tricky to find as it’s not right beneath the building.
All in all the meal was superb! A feast for the senses delicately plated flavours so beautifully paired. My HUGEST compliments to the Chefs!
Should you find yourself in Cape Town with the urge to splurge, I would recommend you try DASH….just park upstairs. 😉
You can find them on social here:
Twitter: @DashRestaurant
Facebook: Dash Restaurant
Web: http://www.newmarkhotels.com/dining/dash-restaurant-bar/
Thank you to Wired Communications and DASH Restaurant for the dinner invitation.
Until next time,
#WishYouWereHere
Jax
