Upon arrival you can expect a convivial greeting, and a very professional and friendly waiter at your service immediately. With our drinks order taken we were off to the first course - a crisp Chopped Seelan Salad, consisting of finely chopped tomatoes, lettuce, vegetables (carrots/red onion), eggs and parmesan topped with a lovely fresh dressing. Next was probably any seafood lover's dream dish - Seafood Bouillabaisse with prawns, calamari, mussels and line fish. The taste is so refined and clearly derived from crayfish/lobster bisque and complimented with a gentle tomato flavour. Absolutely something you must try! It was our definite dish of the day.
Thankfully we were privileged enough to be given the opportunity to try a few different dishes, I have no idea how I would've been able to choose a dish otherwise! We started off with a portion of the Orange Rotisserie Duck - deliciously moist duck breast on a bed of braised red cabbage and drizzled with a sweet and tangy orange sauce. One bite is nowhere near enough...
Next we had the pleasure of savouring every last bite of the Kingklip Tagliata - fresh and flavoursome kingklip, with a soya-based sauce topped with rocket and a couple strands of cheese. Once again, if you're a fish person, this is a meal you will adore. We kept saying "this is my last bite I need to save room..." then "ok one more bite then I'm done..." but eventually "this is so good I'm just going to finish it!"
The sirlion was served next - with a delectable truffle sauce and roasted vegetables. The ultimate for steak and mushroom sauce lovers! The meat is cooked to perfection and the earthy and refined truffle taste enhances the flavour of the meat terrifically while each vegetable offers a taste explosion so unexpected but definitely keeping you coming back for more.
Last but certainly not least we tried the prawn curry - a zesty and oh-so-lovely celebration of all things curry! This dish offers fresh, succulent prawns in a spicy curry served with rice and crispy papadums. The curry, not to mention all of the above, definitely proves that Seelan offers the best of whatever dish you are craving.
As if we hadn't eaten enough right? Uhm, wrong! Who says no to dessert when your waiter brings you an entire trolley to choose from?! The picture says it all; we had the choice of malva pudding, tiramisu, panna cotta, chocolate ice-cream (which we were told by our waiter we "have to" try), chocolate brownie and baked cheesecake. We couldn't possibly try them all (believe me the thought had crossed our minds) so we selected the brownie, cheesecake and of course the ice cream. All three were exceptionally luxurious in texture and flavour, although the ice cream was a sure winner - it's like your favourite chocolate melted into a cold creamier version... it's mouth-wateringly amazing, truly. But it doesn't end there - just when you think you're eating a really great chocolate ice cream, you are surprised by tiny pockets of basil! Yes, you read correctly, there is basil in the ice cream - and it works incredibly well. Your taste buds are completely invigorated and singing with satisfaction.
Seelan is the compilation of Sundoo's more than two decades of experience in the industry as well as his unique and sophisticated personality. After playing an influential role in the launch of renowned establishments such as La Perla, The Grand, The Reserve Brasserie and Shimmy Beach Club, Sundoo decided that it was the right time to launch his long-time ambition. Seelan provides a taste of St Tropez at the V&A Waterfront, but is not limited to any one style of cuisine - there is something for everybody, and the best part is that no matter what you're in the mood for, Seelan is sure not to disappoint!
"I envisioned Seelan as a destination restaurant also frequented by locals, where people can lose track of time as they enjoy each other's company over a good meal. We have taken great care to ensure that every single element enhances this warm, inviting atmosphere," says Seelan.
"Our menu is an exploration of the common elements between the cuisines of various cultures, and the fresh, wholesome earthiness of this food really appeals to me. I like to use as many fresh herbs as possible but simplicity is key and I select my ingredients with great care to let the flavour combinations speak for themselves."
With all of these first-class features to its credit, the Seelan Restaurant & Bar experience on Quay 5 at the V&A Waterfront holds all the promise of a reputation as stellar as that of its renowned creator.
Reservations: +27 21 421 4906 az.oc.nalees@snoitavreser
Location: Shop No. 8, Quay 5, V&A Waterfront (closest parking: Victoria Wharf Garage)
www.facebook.com/pages/Seelan-Restaurant-Bar/622609704455440
