December is all about relaxing and celebrating the hard work we’ve put into the year. So, if you’re looking for the ideal place to enjoy the best of the season, Circus Circus Chartwell is the place to be. Located on the iconic Chartwell Drive in Umhlanga, this restaurant boasts a tropical theme full of greenery which even extends to the design of their menus!
We were welcomed by the amazing Hlobisile who took care of us throughout the entire experience. She guided us through their seasonal menu and suggested the best drinks and meals to try. We started off with a few refreshing cocktails to set the chilled mood, as we enjoyed the laidback atmosphere. Sipping on the Peach on the Beach, Blood Orange Gin Metropolitan and Circus Clown, we noticed they were all the colours of the vibrant sunsets we get here! These cocktails captured the essence of summer with their fruity and spiced flavours.
For starters, we chose a variety of dishes that show off the versatility of the menu. The Crispy Squid, served with curry aïoli, carrot, purple cabbage, pickled ginger, peanuts and coriander, was the perfect way to begin our food journey. With red onion, carrot, peppadew and spiced Mozambican aïoli, the Cajun Crumbed Mushrooms had the whole table discussing how the flavours complemented each other. The Jalapeño Poppers challenged our bravery and spice tolerance and added a little kick for our tastebuds to enjoy.
For the mains, Hlobisile advised us to try a Circus Circus Chartwell classic: Spicy Pescatore pasta, made with prawns, calamari, fresh mussels, chilli, oven-roasted tomatoes, white wine and garlic and topped with parsley and a touch of cream. The chilli notes enhance the wine-based sauce and brought out the taste of the seafood components. Every pasta dish is available with penne, tagliatelle or spaghetti.
The Classic Flame Grilled burger brought some variety to the table with a 200g beef patty, peppadew mayo and gherkins. Let’s not forget the thick-cut chips and crispy onion rings we absolutely loved!
Sometimes you just want a lighter meal, so Circus Circus Chartwell has created the Sesame Citrus Salad. This is a refreshing combination of orange, peanuts, sliced purple cabbage and carrot, pickled ginger, crispy noodles, mint, coriander, garden greens and sesame dressing. Available as a vegan and chicken option, this dish is perfect for summer. The sesame dressing combined with the pickled ginger and the crunch of the salad elements provided a burst of zesty taste with each forkful.
We ended off the night with some sweet treats, a crème brûlée and chocolate brownie, to round off our culinary experience. Time flies by in good company and good food – you barely notice the sun setting outside.
www.circuscircus.co.za/
Instagram: @circuscircuscafe
Shop 15, Lighthouse Quarter, 14 Chartwell Drive, Umhlanga
Words by Cristina Govender