On arrival, we noted at least one or two Ferrari's and/or Maserati's parked out front - evidence of the calibre of clientèle. But, don't assume this joint is purely for the crème de la crème. Once you walk through the door, you quickly notice the vast mix of age, race, nationalities and class, all made to feel like absolute royalty.
With a fun dining approach to food and a wide selection of fresh seafood, tender steaks and high quality meat options, as well as mouth-watering sushi (from the hands of master sushi chef, Yasuhiro Yoshimura) and gourmet, wood-fired pizzas, Shimmy not only caters for groups of friends with eclectic tastes but is also the perfect venue for an intimate lunch or sumptuous dinner for two.
There is room for all, literally, the place is massive! Once again though, don't assume that because they have the space that you'll be offered a menu, bookings are highly essential! But, don't fret, if you're the type to make plans at the last minute, or you feel like hanging out at an exclusive beach/pool with a view, you'll be warmly welcomed to enjoy drinks and fun in the sun at the bar, pool and beach area.
Ok, now that you fully understand how stylish Shimmy Beach really is, let's get to the experience we had there over the weekend. Warmly greeted and shown to a fantastic table - check. Quick and friendly service from our exceptional waiter Jerry - check. Next come the starters, and might I mention how enticing the menu is! We started with a portion of prawns, calamari and crayfish tails each encrusted in a different batter and deep fried - Amazing!
For mains we ordered a seafood platter, and salmon fillet, along with accompaniments such as sweet potato chips and broccoli and peas. Let's start with the platter - Oh my goodness, this was pure decadence. Crayfish, prawns, langoustines, mussels, fish, calamari and calamari tentacles, all cooked to PERFECTION. (My favourite was the calamari tentacles - they were tiny bite size bursts of flavour!) Ok, now the salmon fillet - Mine was done Asian curry style, which was beyond delectable. You could also try the lemon and olive oil flavour, or with pine nuts, currants, saffron and capers - whatever floats your boat.
We ordered cheesecake for dessert (which we could just about fit into our bellies after all that seafood!). Man oh man, what more can I say? The standard was completely upheld, and the meal was ended off with utter satisfaction and delight. With a view to die for and enrobed in ample luxury, we savoured each bite of our last course all the while enjoying the up market, trendy yet chilled vibe.
For the calorie-conscious, Shimmy Beach Club has put together their "Skinny Liscious" menu which is available between 5pm and 7.30pm daily. The menu combines elements of the existing menu but allows patrons to stay within their calorie "budget" by stating how many calories are contained in each meal. Along with the sushi and pizza menu, the dishes on the "Skinny Liscious" menu can be ordered from the luxury of one of the Shimmy Beach Loungers.
Shimmy also caters for the younger generation with a set "Kids" menu and dedicated children's play area complete with child minders, ensuring that everyone is catered for.
"We have created Shimmy as a venue with an emphasis on fun dining - combining playful elements with the more traditional and elegant," says Chef Seelan Sundoo. "All in all, we cater for everyone and encourage people to come to Shimmy to enjoy themselves, relax and eat delicious, well-constructed food."
There you have it - Anyone who's anyone, should without a doubt experience the finer things that Shimmy Beach Club has to offer. At least once, but as often as possible!
Shimmy Beach Club is located in South Arm Road, V&A Harbour Waterfront, Cape Town. Telephone: 021 200 7778. Email: moc.bulchcaebymmihs@ofni.
