Dashing Dinner Dates at The Queen Victoria Hotel

Surrounded by mono-chromatically veined marble, deep white leather seats are juxtaposed by the vibrant Technicolor city lights just outside the large windows. The sounds of familiar pop songs are covered on a classical piano.

Dash is the restaurant and bar offering at the Queen Victoria Hotel, named after the Queen’s favourite pet.There is nothing cute about this space, however on the contrary it is the ultimate in sophisticated fine dining.

What more would you want whilst looking into the eyes of that special someone on that one night of the week that has been set aside, just for the two of you?

Forget the kids. Forget the drama at work. Forget the world. Simply, living, finding life, love, all whilst quaffing a glass of something off the wine list that you probably can’t pronounce but hey “It’s date night” and the dimly lit lights remind you of why you fell so hard and fast, when you least expected to.

This was the setting the night I visited the luxe yet laid back dining room in the Queen Victoria hotel, just moments away from the V&A waterfront’s edge.

Contrary to its name, DASH asks guests to be seated, relax, and meander through its affordable 4 course menu and enjoy. With the beautiful city, your company and of course each of the crafted dishes that are ever changing like the seasons and in turn, it’s produce it’s almost impossible not to.

Whilst the menu is creative and offers a curious canvas for the newly arrived chef to cultivate carefully planned courses it is limited in the sense that it only offers 1 menu item per course and dare I say heads in the direction of a tasting menu, just far more approachable.

However that being said there’s also a variety of ala carte options to choose from and the choices are endless.

However at R375.00 per person, how could I say no to an ode to the ocean in the form of Kingklip Carpaccio and Salmon Tart Tare or the generous portion that was the Seared Duck breast and Confit baby Chicken?

I even ate the dessert, my nemisis, chocolate, all shades, shards and textures of it and you know what. I liked it! I wouldn’t think twice if 50 shades of Chocolate instantly came to your mind?

That being said, just like summer romances this menu was never destined to be mor than that and all it ever will be is a vague, yet unforgettable memory. The trick is to remember that there’s always a new adventure, new journey and new menu.

It’s up to you to go out and try it. Here’s to love, life and good Dashing company!