La Mouette: A menu for November

Onion bhaji and potato samoosa

Green pea soup

Grilled tuna Nicoise 

Strawberry cheese cake

I met Mari and Chef Henry at the very first Twitterati Party last summer. Their space, La Mouette, had recently opened and the Captonian sunshine was giving them (and us) a welcome that reminded me of The Secret Garden. Because it was right there, in the leafy courtyard, that this restauranteur-duo whisked us away into a land of French-inspired cuisine. 

Ever since, La Mouette has been changing their menu each month to incorporate seasonality and to let Chef's ingenuity really shine. To welcome-in November, this team seems to have gone above and beyond and is showcasing 2 tasting menu's, a seafood taster, a list of delectable tapas options and a Summer lunch menu. 

After a keen inspection of all the options my choices would be the fresh tuna tartare with avo puree, toast and spiced tomato jelly; the pan-fried calamari with tomato fondue, wild rocket and Parmesan shards; the succulent morsels of chicken satay-skewered and served with a papaya salad and a lime, chilli and coconut dip. And of course my favourite part of the meal - dessert - held a few things that sounded simply other worldly! Think peanut butter macaroons with coconut sorbet, coriander cress, passion fruit and hint of chilli or  a deconstructed strawberry cheese cake with a shortbread, marshmallow and crème fraiche sorbet. 

Since my introduction to La Mouette (love at first bite) , I’ve noticed the evolution of the offering that started off with distinct French precision. However, La Mouette recently celebrated a glorious afternoon with an Indian lunch and while I wasn’t present, I had a look at the menu. Some elements have made their way through to this season's dining experience with onion bhaji, triple cooked chips with a tandoori dip and fresh chilli that seems to have made its way into a few dishes. This could be heaven for everyone?

Take a look at the full menu's on their site www.lamouette.co.za and be sure to make your way down for a 6 course tasting menu at R120, which is insanely good value for your pocket and a sensory extravaganza. Yes, I went there.  

78 Regent Road, Sea Point

021 433 0856