New jewel in the Cape

I've just recently returned from a trip to the southern hemisphere, the first in a while and my first to Cape Town, South Africa. I had been told by many how beautiful it is as a place and the outstanding quality of food and wine.... and I wasn't disappointed. As usual I sought out the little gems the cape had to offer - from cafes to bars and restaurants.... and struck gold (or semi-precious stone as it were) with the Opal Lounge on Kloof in Gardens, Cape Town. The restaurant and bar was re-opened in its new incarnation in November 2008, after an overhaul and from its origins as 'Manolos'.  It was luck and intuition that led us to the Opal Lounge, a chance glance at the striking logo on the canopy on the terrace and following one's nose.  A quick web search later and we found a promising review, of beautiful surroundings and original fusion cuisine. 

My fellow diner (the Guy) and I went on spec rather than make a booking; it was a Monday evening, my last in Cape Town as it was, so we thought we would go and take a look at the menu over a cocktail before committing. First impressions as we walked in were impressive. Set in a victorian double bay fronted building, the decor was sumptuous, dark (in an exotic way) and intimate. The individual rooms of the property's ground floor had been retained, each with its own 'theme' and function. The main bar and lounge area to the back offers informal seating and tables where you can sip cocktails and aperitifs as you peruse the menus. Opposite the bar is a separate smoking room - a refreshing change - even as a non-smoker I can appreciate the comfort of such a facility opposed to having to stand out on the street. And this was a particularly comfortable one, with oversized leather corner sofa to sink into - reminiscent of one of those cuban cigar lounges. My fellow diner being the smoker certainly enjoyed his panama moment in any case. So, to the dining experience. It only took a few minutes to get a feel for the service, menu and style of place and decide to stay for dinner. The mojito was spot on - not too sweet and plenty of fresh mint. The menu was exciting - a good selection, not too extensive, using locally sourced produce in innovative fusion dishes. We went all out for the seafood. The Guy went for the asian trio of toro of tuna sashimi with chilli and black caviar, prawn ceviche on salmon cake and tempura shitaki mushrooms. For main, rare seared tuna in a sesame crust, with wasabi, avocado salsa, black bean rice and a sweet chilli sauce. I opted for the pan seared scallops,  served on a chorizo puree, with soya 'bubbles', chives, pea mouse, crispy scallop roe and guava role. For main I chose a persian seafood trio of black pepper prawns with lentils stewed with preserved lemon, a mussel ravioli on sweet mustard cucumber and line fish (king clip) pan fried and served with basil cream and sweet onion marmalade.  The presentation was immaculate and flavors, although quite strong, combined beautifully. We finished with a shared Catalan custard served with white chocolate ice cream in wafer thin filo pastry, strawberry compote, pistachio paste and ripped basil - divine, as was the desert wine to accompany. All in all a fabulous experience. If you're lucky  enough to find yourself in Cape Town, put the Opal Lounge on your list of must do's. There is no website as yet, but watch this space. The Opal Lounge, 30 Kloof in Gardens, Cape Town, Tel: +27(0)21 422 4747.