Who says dates nights have to be actual nights?
When babysitters at night are few, and all but gone AWOL, and night-time adult-time is not looking good on your horizon, don’t dis-count the option of romance in broad day light!
It was our anniversary a few months back and baby wasn’t even THREE months old yet. We were still in the midst of the crazy existence of becoming a family of four. But we knew we needed this break away. So when hubby booked us a table at the charming La Mouette, I did my best to polish my terribly sleep-deprived postpartum-self up! To find clothes that would actually fit, is another blogpost all on its own invovling a super sprint shopping spree, all of 10minutes long, but I digress…
Amidst the hustle ‘n bustle of Seapoint lies this little gem, La Mouette.Lovely surroundings on the grounds of the old Cape Town Mayor’s house. As for this little “frenchie” I didn’t know what to expect- in fact I didn’t care- I was just redonkulously excited to be out, having some adult time with hubby! I did, however, want some gorgeous food that made my taste buds do a happy dance, with divine wine to match. And, boy, did this frenchie deliver! The food is Michelin star standard, as the summer six course tasting menu could attest to.
Every course was interesting ‘n yum. Perfect portions did not leave us overly full. Although, truth be told, I couldnt finish my sirloin- a tragedy, I know! Prices are a little high. But given its location,its to be expected, and the service is more than warm and friendly enough for the price tag.Thank you, La Mouette, for a lovely relaxed way to spend our wedding anniversary.
But before I lose myself into daydreams of their fine food, lets get to the titbits. Hubby, being the responsible driver (sticking to only one Jack Black beer), we went for the 6 course summer tasting menu, without wine (R295). However, there is an option with wines at R475, which comes with their recommended wine for each course. In fact, they take pride in having expertly matched their wines to their food, thereby only enhancing your fine dining experience. Of course, for those of you who are looking for even greater spoils, they do have a 7 course menu,with and without wines. I decided to go with two wines, based on their recommendations.

Getting things started with a trio of yumminess.Clockwise from top left: Pretty anti pasti, goats cheese panna cotta and my fave, Duck in a jar.
So with drinks sorted, and mom and dad nicely settling into relaxed mode, they kicked us off with this pretty lil anti pasti of crispy mozzarella, aubergine pureé, tomato fondue, grilled artichokes, and mushrooms, that was served on funky dark ceramics, resembling a tile – which was actually way cooler than I made it sound right there. Next up, was the gorgeously green goats cheese panna cotta, which was basically a peas, pickled onion, confit shallot, mint oil, chilled pea and parmesan soup. Then my favourite of the lot was the Duck in a jar. Im not sure if it was just the taste, or how they served it, or a combination of both, but I really enjoyed it. It was rillettes, parfait, pistachio crumble, peach and saffron chutney. They were even kind enough to bring me another slice of that grilled “toast” that it was served with. For the mains we had the bone marrow crusted sirloin which was simply divine, and am still kicking myself for not finishing it. Much like all the other courses served before, the flavours of this dish were so fresh, rich and full. But I knew there was more to come, in the form of pickled pear, pear cider gel, walnuts, celeriac puree, and celery. My tummy is still smiling about that. Last but not least was the very interesting hazelnut latté, which was milk chocolate, coffee ice cream, hazelnut foam, along with salted caramel macaroon. It had me at coffee ice cream.

Top: The lovely herb garden out front. Bottom: Another shot of that duck in a jar, just because I liked it so much!
And just why are their flavours so full,rich ‘n fresh, you may ask? Aside from the talented chef behind all these dishes, I believe its because they have their own little herb garden right in front! So if you’re dining alfresco, you’d be able see the chef come snippin’ some fresh goods for your dish that he’s whipping up!

Clockwise from bottom:Bone marrow crusted sirloin taking centre stage, the intersting Hazelnut latté and Jack Black, hubby’s go-to beer.
We felt truly spoilt being served all these delicious and beautifully presented dishes by the warm, and incredibly friendly staff. They were always so attentive, and we never felt rushed through all six courses. We highly recommend it, and are keen to one day return. Their winter menu definitely looks worth exploring!
On that note,keeping in mind that was a summer experience we had, and we’re now in the heart of winter, why not go check out their current winter menu over here. In fact, why not browse their awesome recipes, while you’re there!
What you need to know:
- Tel: 021 433 0856
- Website: La Mouette
- Twitter: Teamlamouette
- Email: reservations@lamouette.co.za
- Address: 78 Regent Road, Sea Point 8005
Whats good to note is that the Tasting Menu is available for the whole table only, to ensure the best possible service for your table.So no mixing of the tasting and a la carte menu. That worked out perfectly for us, as that way the one could share in the other’s sheer dining excitement.
So now that we’ve discovered that we dont always need candle lit dinners for date nights, and that romance is still alive and very much kicking even in broad daylight, we’ll definitely be keeping our fires burning with more of these kinda dates! When the kiddums (and wallets) allow us, that is!!
Have you been to La Mouette? What did you think? Or maybe you’re planning on going. Let me know, would love to hear about it.
Thank you so much! I am always looking for good dating places, will pin this. -M
Marysol Blomerus
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You’re most welcome, Marysol!!I have no doubt it’ll be enjoyable.
You’re most welcome, Marysol!!I have no doubt it’ll be enjoyable. Thanks for popping in!
Thanks for posting this. This is a good way to relax from housekeeping and babysitting. God bless you.
Absolute pleasure, Fanny Johnson! I do hope you get to spoil yourself a little over at La Mouette. You wont be sorry. All mamas need a break. x
Thanks for popping in. Watch this space for more ideas on great spots for chilling out and enjoying fantastic food!
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