I’m not a fan of rushing. Whether it be waking up in the morning or getting to an event on time, I like to do things at a comfortable stress free pace. For this reason, I find trying to fit dinner in before a show generally quite stressful. The food always takes longer than expected, people chat too much and so take longer to eat and then the bill takes ages to come and be paid so that in the end you run late and have to rush to the theatre and possibly arrive when the show has already started (which is really rude).
Dinner before a show runs a lot smoother when the restaurant shares the premises with the theatre. They have set times that they ask you to arrive and they plan their service around the start of the show so they ensure that you have eaten and paid in time for the show. Unfortunately, many theatre restaurants are not really great to dine at. They often lack in service, food quality, environment or all of the above. Which is why I’m very pleased with Side Dish, the new restaurant at Theatre on the Bay. It’s a decent restaurant in every respect.
It’s a great looking restaurant. Intimate theatre has an arty, bohemian edge to it and the decor of Side Dish captures this very well, making you feel like you’re already at the theatre. Maroon walls bedecked with framed theatre scenes are contrasted with flocking/damask design wallpaper (ja, don’t act like you’re not impressed with my description of the wallpaper) and complemented by vintage crystal chandeliers. If my description left you wondering what the place actually looks like, just check out the pic below.
In terms of the food, the menu is short but each item is worth ordering. The question you need to ask is whether you feel like meat, fish or vegetarian. There are options for starters and dessert as well. My partner started with the duck salad and I had the prawn linguine, we were both very happy with our dishes. For main I had the fish with potato croquettes which was good but obviously not as good as my partner’s mushroom gnocchi because I didn’t fall off my chair with semi orgasmic excitement like she did. I tried the gnocchi and have to admit it was really good, which says a lot as I’m not a gnocchi fan. I can’t recall the exact prices but they were reasonable, and good value considering the quality of the food.
We only had tasters of the desserts, and I recall the creme brulee being stand out. The wine list is also short but some good options and reasonably priced. I must admit I didn’t drink wine because before that meal I had consumed 17 courses paired with wines over 3 meals so was in need of a break!
Side Dish is a project of Dish Food & Social (check out their online food market while you’re on the website) which has been prevalent on the Cape Town catering scene for several years now. Amongst other things they also handled the food side of Vaudeville.
So the rub: If you’re going to a show at Theatre on the Bay, book a table at Side Dish, you won’t regret it.
Side Dish Restaurant
Tel: 021 438 3300
http://www.theatreonthebay.co.za/ipage.php?content_id=1
ps. There is a rad new VIP room at Theatre on the Bay which can be used for hosting events or groups. There is more info on the website link above.
Comments
3 responses to “Side Dish at Theatre on the Bay review”
what an inspiring review! glad you enjoyed it Dax 🙂
I’ve eaten there twice and have not been all that impressed. On both occasions, the white wine we ordered was out of stock. The first time I chose an onion tart which left much to be desired and the second time chose a mushroom ravioli, which would not have passed MasterChef class. Lovely venue, superb views, but 4/10.
Dawn, We’re very sorry to read about your disappointing experiences at Sidedish.
Without knowing which white wine you ordered it’s not possible to establish whether it was our mistake, or the estate being out of stock. Could you please email this information to theatrebistro@dishfood.co.za? We would like to take action, for which your assistance would be much appreciated.
The one out of stock I’m aware of, was the Uitkyk Sauvignon Blanc last week, as a result of higher than expected consumption early in the week. We were not able to get a delivery before the weekend, but offered Lomond Sauvignon Blanc at the same price (i.e. a free upgrade). Please accept our apology if your waiter did not make this offer.
Similarly, with the two starters that didn’t match your expectations. It helps if we can identify the tangible issues that you had.
In closing, did you bring your dissatisfaction to the manager’s attention? It’s hugely important to us that you have an enjoyable experience in our restaurant. As much as we hate it, we do sometimes make mistakes. When we do, we appreciate it being brought to our attention, so that we can take remedial action, which would involve either offering a replacement dish, or preparing a fresh one.
We look forward to hearing from you.