Duchess of Wisbeach: Sea Point

A good recipe and great ingredients set the scene, but the atmosphere and food quality at Duchess of Wisbeach are key factors.  A friend's recommendation to visit the Duchess was all the encouragement we needed to book, even though our daughter and son-in-law were sceptical of our choice.

There's so much choice in Cape Town, they lamented. What my friend had told me intrigued me, though, as it was like 'stepping into a Parisienne Restaurant,' she crooned. So off we went, the recipe is good, great location, the welcome mat is impressive, the friendly doorman a surprise, the bar lively, the decor divine, it's all white tablecloths, elegant furniture, polished cutlery, and sparkling glass. I loved the look, and the vibe was electric.

Bustling servers, who are gorgeous, everyone, my goodness, they're bronze, muscled, well-toned, and surprisingly well turned out too, not just pretty faces. The menu is pleasing, not too large but covers most palates, and the plat du jour made my husband's choice easier.

The bubbles on offer were tempting, so I indulged, and the wine list was good. For starters, we had a very simple Smoked Salmon salad, which I enjoyed, but it didn't "wow". Our mains were King prawns and a salad for me, and a T-Bone steak for Mr B, which disappointed. It was in a sorry state, thin, fatty, tough, and decidedly unappealing. My dessert was Pannacotta, which was so-so.

Although we loved the space, the grace, the ambiance, the eye candy, the vibe, we won't return; there really are too many fabulous eateries in Town. Prices were on par with those of most "fashionable" establishments.