Last year, award winning chef Cheyne Morrisby crossed the border of the Republic of Hout Bay and opened his first eatery city-side, SHIO, located in the chic Grey Hotel in De Waterkant. I first ate there in August 2017, loved it, and returned last week with a group of friends. What an exceptional experience – it’s no surprise that the stylish izakaya won the Best Asian-Inspired Eatery at the recent Eat Out Awards, for the second time.
We tried the multi course Kaiseki menu, a traditional Japanese meal that consists of a sequence of small dishes, artistically arranged. Cheyne, whose fusion game has always been on point, has once again curated a next level sensorial experience.
The anticipation starts with his menu descriptions, like this: forbidden risotto, roasted shitake, liquid kimchi, gochujang cream, hot and sour dashi, truffle and nori dust chips…tell me you don’t feel your tastebuds popping at the mere thought? Cheyne’s flavour profiles, sauces and textures are always a culinary adventure.
The service couldn’t be faulted either – we were warmly welcomed by Arthur Gumbochuma and his team, and our waiter Tino was excellent.
ボナペティ, bon appetit!
yellowtail sashimi, liquid kimchi, lime pickle, wasabi oil, coconut gel, crispy onions and a shard of brick pastry
the tiger prawn katsu in hot & sour cream, lime leaf & bonito flakes
steamed edamame beans with lemon butter and smoked bonito salt
What, Where?
The KaIseki menu costs R350pp, excluding wine. To book for lunch or dinner, call 064 661 7474.
Parking is a mission in De Waterkant so it’s best to Uber.
(Images all taken by Allison Foat #CapeTownDiva)