Pigalle is a fabulous location in which to celebrate. With a wingspan greater than most restaurants, the grandness of the former Green Point ice-rink encourages grand gestures and largess. Although not expensive of itself, (there is a minimum R100 spend on food per person), it is very possible to be drawn in by the superb service (the staff seem to glide about as if on ice skates) and grandeur of the venue, and order the seafood platter for two when the line fish was all you intended.

Start with the black mussels (R46). I’ve had them twice now and both times asked for a spoon to drink the magnificent sauce - a velvety white wine, butter, paprika and cream delight.

The Baby Kinglip (R97) is served with a variety of sauces but I opted for the chilli and ginger beurre blanc. The dish is accompanied by pilaf rice with shrimp which elevates it from simple starch to something delicious in itself. People who don’t enjoy kingklip because of its subtle taste will enjoy its offspring, which has the firmness of the parent, but a wonderful flavour too.

I was least impressed with the baked cheese cake (R35) which I expected to come with a luscious chocolate ganache. I found it too drying on the palate without the benefit of extra sauce to lubricate its passage from mouth to hip.

With Ian Smith’s jazzy band and the invitation to dance the night away, it is difficult to leave.

Pigalle, 57A Somerset Road, Green Point. 021-421-4848

Since visiting 95 Keerom Street chef/patron Giorgio Nava at his Karoo farm near Graaff Reinet, I’ve become a slave to his lamb cutlets (R95). While they are not as spectacular as when he cooked them for me in the kitchen at Towerwater, they are better than I’ve had at any restaurant. Start with the Gnocchi with gorgonzola and walnuts (R54) and select the polenta with parmesan to accompany the lamb.  

95 Keerom Street, Cape Town. 021-422-0765

The Sunset Spur in Gordon’s Bay has an unrivaled position right on the beach which may account for its popularity even at 4pm on a Sunday afternoon. The restaurant looked as busy as I expected it would be over lunch. The views are spectacular and, as a tummy filler, the mushroom burger (R34.95) works well. I found the sauce too soupy but enjoyed the burger and I have always loved chips bathed in their creamy sweet sauce. The waffle (R18.95) disappointed as it was spongy rather than delivering a bite.

Sunset Spur, Beach Road, Gordon’s Bay 021-856-2676.

I’ve always thought of Avron’s Place as a Kosher “Spur” but without the benefit of jacked service. My burger (R35) was excellent value given that kosher meat is much more costly that regular meat and I selected vegetables instead of chips and onion rings. I also enjoyed nibbling on my nephew’s beef ribs (R79) which were sweet and sticky but require dental floss and a shower on completion. 

Avron’s Place 19 Regent Road, Sea Point 021-439-7610.