Aubergine Bistro

Food:

Chef Chris Black continues to serve his classic dishes with a modern twist in this popular fine dining establishment. And so it should be: his seafood risottos, variations on seared tuna and hearty rabbit casseroles all stand out from many enjoyable outings. The trend now is more towards two- or three-course set menus with a choice of five starters, mains and desserts. It means everything is fresh and seasonal, and you’ll find something new on every visit.

Wine:

A good, substantial list that takes in both notables and newbies. Plus some mature brandies and a range of the best liqueurs.

Service:

As to be expected from one of Durban’s best: efficient, knowledgeable and well trained.

Ambience:

It’s smart, modern and inviting in muted tones that fit its name.

And...:

The lunchtime two-course set menus prove excellent value. (FC, October 2011)

David
30-Sep-2011

We did not enjoy our recent experience at Aubergine unfortunately. There was a lack of vegetarian meals, the steak was of poor quality and on top of that a mandatory 12.5% tip was added to a table of 9. 10% is generally customary for large table bookings and this should be stated upfront. Previous outings here have also been disappointing - a waiter forgetting to put an order through resulted in one of our group members not receiving food. Other experiences include not being allowed corkage as it was a Thursday and this was considered the weekend - gladly this seems to have changed. So overall our experience has been disappointing.

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Candace
18-Aug-2011

Having read Vera's review below, I have to say that I'm very suprised by her comments. I eat at the Aubergine often, and have to say that it is my favourite restaurant in the highway area. I have always found Chris Black and his team to be very warm and hospitable. The food is always delicious! Any way, with bread rolls as delicious as the Aubergine's I feel sorry for anyone with a gluten allergy - yum!

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Chris Black
18-Aug-2011

As the owner of the Aubergine, I feel I must respond to this inaccurate and unfair account of what happened. To start, the guests were a walk in. If it was a special occasion and they had booked in the morning, we would have gone out of our way to accomodate them on their special night. It is extremely difficult to accomadate a gluten intolerant vegetarian with strong dislikes for a large number of ingredients with no prior notice when we are fully booked. Contrary to Miss Hales dismissive comment about thinking out of the box, my restaurant is based on hospitality and consistency. I am sorry we could not please your mother but without prior notice of such specific allergies and dislikes I sincerely doubt any restaurant would have pleased them.

Warm Regards

Chris

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Vera Hale
16-Aug-2011

What was intended as a special evening out in celebration of my mother's birthday turned into a disgraceful performance on behalf of Aubergine's head chef. Aubergine's website claims that their head chef''s desire is to satisfy and delight every customer who frequents his establishment couldn't be further from the truth. Tonight, my mother, a coeliac sufferer made a simple request for a dish to be prepared that would not contain gluten. In this day and age when food allergies are the norm, this request should be simple and possible. In the case of Aubergine, not only was this considered impossible but my mother was requested to leave the restaurant! Not only has Aubergine shown its incapacity to think out of the box and deliver meals that appeal to all palates but most unbelievably this restaurant has shown how its proposed ideals are just that, ideal. I am very disappointed to say the least and any of you out there looking for a dining experience that steps away from the generic, give this place a skip.

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Comments

Simon
19-Aug-2011

Not that Chef Black needs any help in defending himself but, why (and I use this term in its loosest association,) do guests who have afflictions not bother to call ahead and discuss their challenges with the chef. Making a plan at 10am is a breeze to being dropped in the soup in the middle of a busy service.

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Lynda
18-Aug-2011

It would have taken you two minutes to phone the restaurant to warn them of your mothers allergies and to ask them to prepare a dish that would be suitable for her.

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