FLAVOURSOME
TUCKED away at the V&A Waterfront – between all the high-end fashion stores – is the Dalliance Restaurant, which offers you a little more than the casual definition of its name.
The restaurant has thrown out its tapas menu and replaced it with dishes that are appetizing, simple but flavoursome; a difficult balance in a space where eateries are always trying to impress yet often miss the mark.
There is a comfortable ease to the decor at Dalliance which has lounge-style seating and, my favourite, the bar-like area that faces the window where you can watch the traffic and the waves.
There is no balcony or deck area, but that shouldn’t stop you from ordering a sundowner; the fresh mango daiquiri is a real treat and the perfect drink before your starter, as it has just the right mix of rum, lime and fresh mango.
There is seafood on the starter and main menus but none of the dishes are cluttered with spices and oils, so you get to taste all the right flavours.
The prawns with chilli, garlic, olive oil and parsley is a great example of the Dalliance style, letting the star of the dish shine and everything else complement it.
The chicken and beef are not a let-down and, if you want to taste something homely and hearty, try the butter chicken curry and naan.
None of the fish or seafood dishes will disappoint either – and neither will the lengthy wine lists, some that will often make your head spin when all you want is a good drink.
Chesray Assur, the Senior Sous Chef at Dalliance, has a steady hand on the dishes which are almost stripped-downed versions of meals that have been tweaked and twisted.
The sirloin in truffle butter is a great example of this; it’s become almost acceptable for restaurants to try and reinvent the wheel – when all that is needed is to keep it simple and serve a good steak. Along with the steak are Duck Fat Fries that are true to the spirit of Dalliance – simple, tasty and filling.
If you want a craft beer with your meal you can choose from a selection; once again, it’s a short and sharp list, quality over quantity.
Dessert is often an afterthought on many menus, and at Dalliance there’s a focus on keeping it sweet, fruity or tangy – and, in one special dessert, serving all three.
Served in a skillet, the marshmallow creation has a base of chocolate and mango topped with toasted marshmallows, with peanut butter drizzled over. It’s a great dessert to share, unless you really do have a sweet tooth and able to eat the entire dish.
Dalliance is a pleasant dining experience, friendly staff, a menu that focuses on quality over quantity and a few added extras that makes it definitely worth your time and money.