If I told you that I go to Durban with the sole purpose of visiting 9th Avenue Bistro would you believe me? Probably not, but I assure you that it is in part true. I do also go for the balmy clear skied winter’s days and to visit friends, but 9th Avenue certainly is a huge draw card and here’s why…
Tucked away in the corner of an unassuming parking lot in Morningside is one of South Africa’s favourite bistro’s. A few years ago it in fact cinched the prestigious Eat Out award for the Best Bistro in the country and it’s easy to see why this establishment has stayed in the news and is a favourite amongst local foodies.
Owned and run by husband and wife team Graham and Gina Neilson, 9th Avenue Bistro aims to create a warm and unpretentious fine dining restaurant. And they seem to do this with ease. Graham also heads up the kitchen where he showcases locally sourced seasonal cuisine with incredible flair and attention to detail and flavour. The restaurant has recently had Head Chef Charlie Lakin join them, making this kitchen team even more dynamic than before.
Charlie, for those of you who don’t know got his first kitchen job at the tender age of 12. He grew in a family of farmers and was always surrounded by food. After completing his formal training he went on to work at the Star Inn, in York, in the UK. As the Sous Chef he got to work alongside the then head chef Andrew Pern where their cooking styles and signatures dishes won them a coveted Michelin star. After being at the Star Inn for a few years he moved onto the Faversham Arms before taking up the position of Head Chef at the Marquis at Alkham, more awards were on the cards. During his time there the restaurant won “Restaurant of the Year” in the Taste of Kent restaurant awards, as well as three AA rosettes and a Michelin star rising. He is also no stranger to TV and has appeared on two seasons of Great British Menu. Charlie says he plans on taking 9th Avenue Bistro to new heights which is incredibly exciting as I think that they already soar pretty high.
9th Avenue Bistro offers an A’la carte menu, winter specials menu as well as a Chef’s tasting menu. There are also function menus on offer which is great if you want to book it out for a private event.
Short of naming all of the dishes on the menu (because they are all delish) if stuck as to what to order as a starter, the Creamy shellfish Orzo is a must. Think tempura crayfish, baby lango tails and lemon flat bread which has my mouth watering and which I swear is enough to make me want to jet back up there just to get it in my belly!
The main act boasts dishes featuring duck, lamb, salmon or pork cuts which are all perfectly paired with seasonal side ingredients which perfectly compliment them, and which are all prepared to perfection.
Desserts are naturally carefully thought out and well constructed, it’s really quite hard to pick one, but I would opt for the trio of chocolate mousses again and again and again…rich, decadent and oh so smooth, it would certainly delight any palate.
And then there is the wine list, because no meal such as this would be quite right, well for me anyway, without good wine, and the selection of available wines isn’t just good, they’re great. I think this is owed to Gina, who loves and knows a good wine, and who can certainly recommend the best to go with your meal. And with her running a tight front of house ship one is also assured that the service is at all times excellent.
In ending, here’s all I have to say, it’s only been a couple of weeks and I miss it already. Guess I’ll be seeing you soon again 9th Avenue Bistro. I simply cannot wait! #Love
