There’s something about seafood that makes a meal feel like an occasion. Perhaps it’s the holiday flavour, perhaps it’s food that’s made for sharing, or perhaps it’s simply the joy of having everyone around one table.
So when we were invited to try the new Ocean Basket at Windermere Shopping Centre, we decided to make an evening of it and take the WHOLE family along.
We started with a selection of drinks, including wine, cider, beer, a cocktail and plenty of water, while a lovely little plate of freshly warmed Portuguese rolls arrived with garlic, chilli and tartar sambals. It was a thoughtful touch and particularly welcome while we waited for our drinks.
The menu offers plenty of variety and, with something to suit everyone, we decided to order a selection to share.
Three of us chose the Calamari Trio, with strips, tubes and heads, while two opted for Seafood Combos, choosing their preferred seafood, sauce and side. Both were tasty choices, with the calamari and chips proving especially popular around our table.
The 12 Prince Prawns were perhaps less successful. The prawns we received looked considerably smaller and less generous than the menu photograph suggested, which initially had us wondering if the wrong dish had arrived. It was a reminder that presentation and expectation are very much part of the dining experience.
My choice, however, was the new Epic Bomb, a combination of Golden Crunch Prawn Cali, Rock Shrimp Tempura and Firecracker Calamari Roll. At R195, it was certainly one of the pricier dishes on our table, but it was also my favourite. It was absolutely delicious and, judging by the number of hands reaching across the table, it quickly became everyone’s favourite too.
There was still room for dessert for two, who opted for Marcels Frozen Yoghurt Sticks in Lemon Poppy and Salted Caramel.
Our visit wasn’t entirely seamless. Drinks took longer than expected and the service felt somewhat disorganised at times, while a few practical details at the branch could do with attention. As one of the newer locations, these are hopefully the sort of teething issues that will settle as the team finds its rhythm.
But the evening also reminded us why eating out together matters. We shared food, laughed, tried things we might not normally order and, most importantly, enjoyed time together as a family. We were grateful for that opportunity, and it became the part of the evening we appreciated most.
Look out for these October treats
If you’re planning a seafood lunch or dinner in October, keep an eye out for Ocean Basket’s seasonal specials. The Reel Love Platter offers prawns, calamari, fish, rice, chips and creamy lemon sauce, while the Summer Wave brings together queen prawns, fish, calamari, mussels, rice and chips.
For a more casual seafood fix, the Shore Thing combines fish, prawns, calamari and chips, while Sushi20 offers a generous 20-piece sushi selection.
And don’t forget the Ocean Basket app. We were helped to download it during our visit, and discovered OB Rewards, which lets members earn points, as well as the chance to play Burn the Bill when dining in. If you win, Ocean Basket covers the bill, excluding the tip. Now that’s a fun way to end dinner!
Details: Windermere Shopping Centre, 163 Lilian Ngoyi Road, Windermere.
