Perhaps the most ambitious of the new restaurants in the new De Waterkant, others being Cru Café, Viola, and Lazari (which all have more of a café feel) is Vanilla – operated by the team behind Camps Bay’s Tuscany Beach. Here they spent as much as R7 million on the decor… and in keeping with Tuscany’s “vibrant” style, Vanilla looks like a movie set from Ken and Barbie’s version of Miami Vice. There’s even a white piano on a mezzanine level. Upstairs has a more enclosed feel, but the “open wall” sensibility of the whole development also pervades Vanilla, and a view of an ATM or a perambulating Capetonian is likely. For example, we had conversations with two tables alongside us, so “open” is the feel.
OK, it has only been open for a few nights, so easy on the drama, but I immediately had the feeling it would take some doing just to get a glass of wine. (The man at an adjacent table overheard me and said the best way to enjoy the place was tiddled, but getting to be so would take a while). And when I did get a glass, the wine was baked – even though the wine list carries on about their superior wine delivery system. The wine list is also full of typos, which never inspires confidence. (And “sashimi” spelt wrong on the menu also leaves you doubting whether you want to try the sushi…).
The menu is a “best of” hits and classics with something for everyone, including sushi – that modern comfort food – of course. And you know, the food wasn’t half bad, although pricey. It was a quick in and out meal, but our blue cheese and pear salad was full of macerated flavour, the salt and pepper squid was light and delicious, and the salmon well-cooked and served on a bright, al dente risotto of fennel and vanilla (I had to). So will be back for another look.
Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. 021 421 1391. Ave spend for two courses R160.
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2 Comments
I recently went for dinner. OK early days but service was dreadful, food was ok, but not at the (quite hefty) price point and certainly not noteworthy. Personally I don’t like the decor or vibe. I see no particular reason to return!
A quick starter here the other day, salt and pepper calamari, was very good – tender and very clear s&p flavours.