Why Chefs Warehouse at Tintswalo Atlantic Feels Like a Destination
Since we’re well in the second week of Restaurant Week (month), my business partner and I took a trip to
Chefs Warehouse Tinswalo. As I spent most of my years living in Hout Bay, this spot has been on my bucket list for as many years as I’ve been old enough to be embarrassed about revealing.
Thursday afternoon, my business partner and I made our way for a delicious lunch with the most beautiful view. We arrived just before noon and we were greeted by the friendliest security staff. We took a couple of photos (obviously) and then we were driven down to the restaurant. All I can say is, wow. Not only is this restaurant absolutely amazing in terms of interior design, but it is literally on the water! Absolute prime location.
"Oysters and brioche? Let’s just say, I was a very happy girl."
The hostess was warm and welcoming, escorted us to our table and then we met Seth, our waiter for the day. I must say, he is phenomenal and incredibly knowledgeable and talented to say the least. In honour of Restaurant Week, we were given complimentary mocktails (I was driving), Cucumber Gin Fizz, minus the gin. It was absolutely delicious, it was fresh and the rim was coated in sugar that added the perfect addition of sweetness.
The Restaurant Week Menu: Designed to Be Shared
Okay, let’s get into the food. They have a special set menu for restaurant week for R800 per person. The idea is to share the tapas so you get a little bit of everything, so that is exactly what we did.
Oysters, Bread, and the Perfect Start
Tumi is a lover of oysters, and when he saw them on the menu, he ordered us a few (R180 for four).
I too love them, so I was very excited. Soon after, they arrived as well as our bread course. I mean, oysters and bread? Let’s just say, I was a very happy girl.
The oysters were topped with a few different things but I must say the addition of the crispy onion was heavenly. It added a slight sweetness and a wonderful crunch. Best believe they didn’t last long.
Now for the bread, oh my word. This was one of my favourite courses. The sweet and light warm brioche bun topped with melty herbed butter. It’s what dreams are made of.
Fresh, Raw, and Full of Contrast
Moving on to our first course of linefish sashimi and beef tartare. They were both beautifully presented and fun to eat, and they both were very different in flavour and texture which I quite enjoy.
I must say, I did prefer the sashimi. It was packed with flavour, but it was rather interesting. The fresh fish paired well with the sweet curried sauce and the crunchy coconut “trail mix”. It did grow on me, but I think it might be a bit overwhelming for some, if that makes sense.
The beef tartare was good, although I felt it lacked some seasoning. I did however enjoy the fresh truffles on top.
Where Seafood Really Shines
The next course I thoroughly enjoyed. The dishes were seared tuna and fried Patagonia squid. I honestly can’t pick a favourite, and again they were both so different. The tuna was phenomenal, it was rich and the avocado and miso mousse were so smooth and flavourful, and the tomato gave it that bit of acid, and the popcorn added that perfect crunch. Delicious! I just wish it were a bit bigger.
The squid was amazing too, perfectly cooked and not too oily, and then dipped into that fluffy Amasi dressing. I must say that what really made this dish for me was the little bits of sweet relish, it made it very well rounded.
Comfort, Depth, and the Star of the Menu
After what felt like an hour of constantly being fed delicious food, we had a little break to take in the scenery and sip on our delicious mocktails. The atmosphere was so lovely, it really felt like a holiday. Breathing in that salty crisp air with the sun beaming down on us. What more could you ask for?
Okay, back to the food. Next up we had the roasted venison and risotto. This was truly phenomenal. The venison was perfectly medium rare and so tender, and the jus added such a lovely tang to it all. I am unsure what the puree was, but it just melted in your mouth.
Accompanied by the main, was their famous risotto. I wholeheartedly understand why it is famous. That is just utter comfort in a pot. It is silky perfection topped with just the right amount of crunch, and a few fresh herbs that brought everything together. My favourite bite was the creamy risotto with a bit of the tart jus. Trust me on this one.
Dessert That Catches You Off Guard
Okay, we are almost at the end of the meal. It is time for dessert. This one really surprised me. For some reason, I didn’t think it was going to be anything special, but I was wrong. This might have been one of my favourite desserts I have ever had. The only let down of this dish, is that it is designed to be shared. I wish I could have had it all to myself.
It was a lemon and poppyseed sponge, with white chocolate ganache, lemon curd, and an olive oil ice cream. I’m honestly speechless, and I don’t know where to begin. The sponge was incredibly moist and flavourful, the lemon curd was tart paired so well with the sweet ganache, and the ice cream was lovely and cool. It was perfection, again. I honestly don’t know what to say.
It reminded me of my childhood, unsure why. Might need to unpack that in therapy. I don’t know. It was amazing. Life changing.
Final Thoughts: A Lunch That Stays With You
Anyway, enough about me. To finish this sensational lunch, we ordered coffees, I had an almond milk flat white (R50) which came with our petite fours. The coffee was delicious and was the perfect contrast to the sweet white chocolate cheesecake truffle. A perfect ending to a perfect afternoon.
Overall, I had an absolutely fantastic day. The food was out of this world, their mocktail was top notch, and Seth truly the best.
Thank you, Chef’s Warehouse.
Till next time!