It’s an odd thing about life, how certain places, certain people, certain things become part of traditions. There are things we do with people that just belong to the wealth of things we do with that one person. There are things we do at places that belong to the wealth of things we do at that one place. In my journey over the last little while in letting go not only of the person I have shared my life with but also of the places we had shared, I would like to now tell you a little story of a wonderful place filled with romantic traditions and great memories.
Ocean Basket, a place most would consider a relatively ‘normal’ seafood restaurant, is certainly one that is special to me, not only because of my romantic attachments but because, time after time, I have ventured there and have always enjoyed my culinary experience. The Ocean Basket featured this week is the one on Sea Point Main Road, and while there are various branches throughout the city that are lovely – like the one on Kloof Street or the one in the V&A Waterfront – this is the one that holds the most memories of love and joy.
Dining for two becomes particularly enjoyable at Ocean Basket because of their many lovely platters, and it is indeed one of these that also characterises my experience of the restaurant. Soft and buttery fish, creamy mussels, calamari tubes, prawns, and a healthy portion of chips and tasty rice – what more could a seafood lover ask for? And then, of course, there’s the Ocean Basket Village Salad, which, in my opinion, is the best side salad around – none of the green fluffy stuff (aka salad leaves) and only the pure yumminess of cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, peppers, and a delicious chunk of feta. Upgrade the side salad to a table salad, add the seafood platter, and whoola, a perfect dining experience!
I think I might actually take a step up in letting go and moving on and visit my nearest Ocean Basket for a lovely meal and new memories. But, in case I don’t, I beg of you to experience it on my behalf, have a glass of chilled wine, munch some yumminess, and have a hearty giggle at the restaurant’s character and humour, as you’ll find on their menu and in-restaurant blackboards.
So, go ahead and visit the Sea Point Ocean Basket at the St. John’s Piazza on Main Road or give them a call on 021 433 0450, or, alternatively, go ahead and visit them online to get details of other branches. Until next time, here’s to food, love, joy, and memories that will never fade.
And, as last time, for you, with love, eternally.
Written by Benike Palfi
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Review Date: February 2015