Catch of the day

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@eatout_southafrica

Catch of the day

Wednesday, February 2nd, 2011

This sounds corny, I know, but I am a real sucker for calamari and octopus. This week I’d like to share my round-up of the softest and tastiest plates. Sometimes it’s a bit touch and go. Just the other day I ordered a dish of simply prepared calamari tubes that were tough and rubbery and definitely not fresh from the sea. But when restaurants get it right – soft melt-in-the-mouth rings, crumbed, stuffed, battered, dusted, pan-fried, deep-fried or grilled – then you know it’s so worth it.

My inspiration was the lightly dusted salt-and-pepper calamari rings that we ate on Sunday night at The Woodlands Eatery in Vredehoek. We ordered two bowls to start; hot and crispy rings with a touch of seasoning, some peppery rocket, lemon wedges and tartar sauce. I had to be quick before the family gobbled them up. I’ll be back for more! The peri-peri prawns were also a hit and worth a mention, the sauce was the best I’ve had in a while – full of wine, garlic and chilli.

On holiday in December we found a great Greek restaurant called Kostas in Fish Hoek. The plump dolmades are home-made, like everything else on the menu, including the tarama. I’m not talking about the pink face cream variety, but rather about fresh roe folded into garlic bread, spring onion and dill. And the slightly pickled octopus fresh from the Kalk Bay fishermen had the perfect bite.

The Flamingo at The Troyeville Hotel in Joburg is well known for its spicy calamari, which is always perfectly fresh. If you want something posh, try the octopus carpaccio at Nobu at the Waterfront. Last time I had it three ways with zingy, vibrant dressings made from miso and ponzu. And Chapman’s Peak Hotel serves the best pan of calamari ever, it’s consistently moreish.

I welcome your favourites, as always, so please let me know of any I can add to my catch.

Happy eating!

Abigail