La Mouette launch

There is a space around the corner from where I live in Seapoint. This space has consumed several restaurants before it. In my time, three restaurants opened there and closed again without me seeing one single person enter the establishment. It would take a brave person to open a restaurant there, or someone from out of town. The latter is the case with La Mouette which opened its doors at the beginning of May.

I was invited to the launch and a week later to enjoy a chefs table for media and the like. So I’ve had some exposure to the food, but only under invitation. On both occasions I took my food advisor with me and we were in agreement about the food, so I felt confident in my opinion. I actually went to three launches in that particular week, La Moutte being the first one.

I think it may have been unfortunate for the other two establishments, because La Mouette set the bar very high. The launch was a cocktail function with snacks that were samples of various dishes from the menu. Each and every dish that we tasted we were impressed with. It’s obvious the chef knows what he is doing. The dinner was a similar experience, an array of highly accomplished dishes.

The menu is described as modern French with a Mediterranean influence. Some of the dishes we tried between the launch and dinner were: Truffle and cheese croquettes (these are so good I ate about 17 too many, I should have stopped at 40), Butternut squash soup (so good we both burnt our mouths because we couldn’t wait for it to cool down), chicken liver parfait, bouillabaisse, and sweet corn risotto. Let’s not forget the desserts which were the highlight for some people. The signature dessert is called a gin and tonic, it consists of tonic jelly, gin syrup and lime ice cream. It was really quite something.

The prices are per course, R110 for one, R160 for two and R210 for three. The wine list is quite broad with options in red from R100 (Villiera Down to Earth blend, which I really liked, might get some for home) up to R550 for some more fancy stuff. The point being, you can add wine to your meal without the price jumping through the roof.

They have really done the place up nicely too. This was my first visit to the venue despite it being around the corner from me. It is an excellent venue with a great al fresco courtyard with a fountain. It’s surrounded by a wall so you don’t have the noise of the road intruding. Inside it’s a lovely old building with three fireplaces and several rooms, all nicely decorated in a way that it looks elegant but retains its character.

You’re probably finding this review overly positive, not my usual style. I must think of something bad to say… oh, yes, if I remember correctly I wasn’t very happy with the coffee. But in all seriousness, I was very impressed with La Mouette, I know I will be spending some time there.

La Mouette

78 Regent Road, Seapoint

Tel: 021 433 0856

http://lamouette-restaurant.co.za/