Taste of the Dolphin Coast

Welcome to our annual Taste of the Dolphin Coast. They one thing that is always evident when doing these reviews is that we are so lucky to have the variety that we do on our wonderful coastline. There really is something for everyone. Enjoy the taste explosion.

Piccadeli: The first thing I noticed was the face lift that Piccadeli has undergone. Erica Poppmeier and Katia Marinelli have really made Piccadeli into a stunning venue. My favourite part about Piccadeli is the service. It’s some of the best you will experience on the North Coast. Erica does an amazing job as a host. The food is always well thought out, from breakfast to lunch all your needs will be met. Be it healthy or indulgent they will have something to satisfy your taste buds. I enjoyed their open steak sandwich. It really hit the spot – all the ingredients were super fresh and the steak done to order. They only thing better than the food is the coffee, so go and enjoy true Dolphin Coast hospitality.

Fig Tree: I had big expectations for this tasting after the stunning Chef table meal I had at Fig Tree recently. They were surpassed, to say the least. Gerard van Staden’s pork belly is magnificent, it is poached in premium olive oil for 24 hours, making it tender enough to eat with a spoon. It is accompanied by a divine home-made Japanese Ponzu, a thin citrus base soya sauce. The balance of flavours that he manages to achieve is mind blowing. Every element can be distinguished and savoured. There is attention to detail in everything from the preparation to plating. If you are looking for food that is a cut above the rest Fig Tree has everything you are looking for.

Boathouse: I have always said The Boathouse has potential like no other place on the Dolphin Coast and I think that they are working on getting to where it needs to be. I sampled one of their home-made curries and it was superb. The plating was very well executed, with the curry having just the right amount of heat and mix of spices. The meat was super tender and the portions size was ideal. With the beach access and being open to the public, it is the perfect way to end an enjoyable day on the beach where you can have really good food and enjoy the view.

Rainfarm: Most people don’t know that Rainfarm’s restaurant is open to the public and it is well worth the scenic 20 minute drive to get there. They have just redone their menu. The menu is a real reflection of Rainfarm – it’s hearty, loving, family food. I enjoyed the ostrich fillet with a phenomenal red wine jus. Out of all the dishes I had, I found this one to be the most enjoyable. Something about it was so simple but absolutely divine! The meat was done to perfection and all the accompaniments perfectly suited. The venue is first class and the view from the deck is something you need to see for yourself.

Impulse: Not many restaurants can boast a 25-year track record. If they can, then you know they are doing something right and Impulse is one of these. Their butter chicken and prawn curry is awe inspiring. Chicken and prawn have always been a marriage made in heaven, when it comes to curries, and when you have a rich and spicy sauce you are in for a treat. The chicken was very tender and the prawns done to perfection. They serve all their dishes with a traditional sambals. I have always really enjoyed Impulse and will recommend it to anybody that is looks to experience true Natal cuisine and hospitality.

Mamma G’s: For years I’ve seen Mamma G’s as a pizza and pasta place so Ricky, the new owner, recommended that I expand my horizons. He suggested their ribs (labelled ‘the best in Ballito’). Well they are some of the tastiest ribs I’ve had in a long time, done to perfection with a delectable smokiness to them. The first thing I noticed was the portion size. I had the 800g portion and they are monstrous, more than enough for the hungriest of carnivores. They also come in a 400g portion. They are grilled to enhance the smokiness and basted with a BBQ sauce. I can now happily confirm that Mamma G’s has more to offer than just pizza and pasta.

SMS “Taste” followed by the name of your favorite restaurant and your name to 41685.
The winning restaurant of “The Taste of the Dolphin Coast” will provide the winning reader with a dinner for 2 to the value of R500.