Terri Dunbar-Curran
THERE are few better ways to start the day than with an ice cold gin martini, lounging on a plump cushion beneath a palm tree, with the tranquil sea just a stone’s throw away.
Sound idyllic? It is, and you don’t even have to fork out your life savings for a plane ticket to paradise for this one. Just brave the road works and head down to Sirocco in Kalk Bay. Better yet, catch the train, because this little piece of heaven is just outside the station, tucked neatly between Kalk Bay Expresso which is housed in an old train carriage, and the Brass Bell.
But don’t delay as Sirocco is seasonal, so you only have a few more weeks to make the most of the summer weather at this outdoor spot. Breakfast is served until 11.30am with lunch from noon, and a selection of tapas later. My mom and I were delighted to be invited to pop in and decided that a long, lazy breakfast on a Friday would be just the ticket.
The breezy atmosphere, seaside lounge furniture and dappled morning sunlight, made the commotion of the busy main road fade into the background. The tranquillity was, however, briefly punctuated by the amusing appearance of one of the more senior locals walking around his overlooking flat “in the altogether”. I tittered into my martini and perused the breakfast menu.
Fellow diners opted for bright and juicy fruit platters, their fresh colours jumping invitingly off the plates, or servings of crunchy muesli with greek yoghurt and honey. I, on the other hand was looking for something with a little more oomph, considering I had already started the day with gin.Why not go all out?
I ordered the crispy bacon eggs Benedict with spinach, served atop half a toasted croissant.
I’m always a little hesitant when I order anything Benedict as it so often comes absolutely drenched in the rich sauce. But Sirocco’s is served with just enough to set your taste buds dancing, while not cancelling out all of the other flavours on the plate. I took my time over it, while in the distance seagulls shrieked and our nude breakfast companion found his trousers.
My mom opted to build her own croissant – choosing from a list of strawberry jam, marmalade, Geman emmenthal, brie, bacon, gypsy ham, mature white cheddar and scrambled eggs. If you’d rather ditch the carbs, try an omelette with gypsy ham, emmethal, rocket and roasted red pepper pesto; or pan-fried black mushrooms, Danish feta and rocket.
As time ticks away and all that’s left in your martini glass is a sad little toothpick devoid of olives, you may be tempted by the salads and light meals. The menu boasts a variety of salads, oysters, a gaspacho of plum tomato, sweet melon wrapped in parma harm, a seafood pasta or linguini tossed in basil person with parmesan, asparagus, capers and baby potatoes.
The mains menu is a sea-food lover’s dream. It tempts with options like pan-fried smoked paprika calamari , fresh black West Coast mussels, deep-fried calamari and or course, good old hake and chips. Or try the steak, egg and chips; or a gourmet burger. Once they fire up the grill and the mouth-watering aromas begin to mingle with the fresh sea air you’ll definitely be in no hurry to leave.
Swept up in a holiday mood, we ordered both a portion of baked cheesecake with a hint of lemon and a perfect slice of lemon tart with a lightly caramelised top – to share.
Whether you’re wanting to showcase the best the south has to offer to visitors, or you simply want to transport yourself to a tranquil idyll for a few hours, Sirocco is a great place to start. But hurry before winter drives them into temporary hibernation.
l 021 788 1881.