Food: Alex Dodd
With places like Mo Better Noodles, Chohk Dee Thai, El Turko, El Cubano and Mezze, Durban is fast becoming a contender for the chi chi cuisine capital of South Africa. Somehow each establishment’s signature feel and attention to detail leaves you feeling like the Banana City’s on the money. There’s a currency and freshness on the Durbs foody scene that gives dining out an international feel.
Unlike Johannesburg’s Melville, where the caf dcor is so depressingly homogenous you tend to lose track of exactly where you’re tucking into your tramezzini (culinary dja vu is the order of the day), Durbs eateries seem to be committed to variety and invention.
One of the latest new attractions is a halaal gourmet pizza spot on Windemere Road catchily named luna blu. The place is perfect for hot and heady summer evenings with its casual atmosphere and street tables beneath a stylish maroon canopy.
Some of the tantalising options on the pizza toppings front include: the Pollo e Zucchini (chicken breast, baby marrow, tandoori spices and avocado); Nova Scotia (smoked salmon, red onion, fried capers and olives); Brie and Cranberry (Cranberry base, mozarella, and brie cooked then topped with cranberry).
Taken in by such a tantalising depar- ture from the good old Margherita, but paralysed by choice, I went for the Panzerotti Crema – freshly made half moon pasta stuffed with butternut and fresh herb mixture, drenched in a creamy garlic sauce. The slight sweetness of the butternut, the boldness of the garlic and the strong simplicity of the flavour made it a dish that merits revisiting.
Being a halaal joint, luna blu doesn’t serve booze, but makes up for it with thirst quenching options like caf latte, mochaccino, Horlicks and Segalight Iced Coffee served straight from the can, “the way they like it in the US of A”. Alternatively you can take your own bottle. The restaurant also offers free home deliveries, but the service is ace and the vibe worth stepping out for.
luna blu is at 427 Windemere Road, Durban. Telephone: 23 4665