Review:  Blowfish (at the Dolphin Beach Hotel)

It was one of those Sunday mornings when you wake up and immediately start thinking about where you will go for lunch.  The four of us decided on seafood, and rattled off the usual spots.  Then someone mentioned Blowfish, and we were off.

Firstly, let me say that we were lucky to get a table, not having a booking, that overlooks the ocean and Table Mountain, arguably the most photographed scene in the world.  Once seated, we were presented with the wine list, which I must say is quite comprehensive. The weather was looking lovely and we were planning on having fish so we opted for a chilled Chardonnay, which did not disappoint.

The menu is limited, and I remember wondering if some of the pages might have gone missing.  In any event, we settled in at the sushi bar and had fantastic California Rolls, something else I cannot pronounce (it had orange caviar toppings) and (my personal favorite) Smoked Salmon Nigiri.  Delicious!

Back to the table, the waitress waiting to explain the "Blowfish experience" to us, whereafter I understood the limited menu.  Let me break it down for you:  They have what can only be described as a "fish deli/market" inside the restaurant, with a knowledgeable (and very entertaining) fish-expert (?) behind the counter. 

He then took us through the almost 20 different kinds of fish, starting with the origin, texture and then moving on to taste, whereafter he moved on to the prawns, crayfish and calamari.  Once you have decided on what kinds of fish you want, and how you want it prepared, (spicy, lemon & herb or garlic) each piece is weighed and you're billed accordingly.

Back to the table where we waited, each for our individually compiled plate of fish food.  After another glass of Chardonnay it arrived, and we were very excited.  To cut a long story of succulent fish, tangy calamari and scrumptious prawns short, it was short of magnificent.

The bill came to around R200 per person, which included the wine (about half a bottle per person) which we felt was a bit expensive, but worth it.  It was definitely an experience to remember and is often talked about.

Give it a try, I can certainly recommend Blowfish.