Everybody who is anybody has been seen getting their groove on at The Dutch, Umhlanga’s favourite late-night food, live music and spin doctor destination.
Since its inception, the Dutch has maintained an understated but authentic reputation when it comes to their food and cocktails but now, with their first year behind them, they have shifted gear and launched an updated “fusion tapas” menu along with a whole bucketful of fresh rock ’n roll cocktails. Incentive to get your shake back on before the bands kick in or the DJ milks his decks.
Sundowners and 4-7 business meets have been the venue’s key focus, as has the swing into an early pre-party filler as opposed to heavier meals that tend to take the edge off a potentially big night out.
The Summer Tapas Menu
The tapas portions are deliberately small. The idea? You order a number of mixed dishes for the table to experience and enjoy a multitude of engaging tastes. The staff is well sorted when it comes to suggesting cocktail pairing – so if decision-making is not your thing, be assured the “sugar men” will gladly advise.
Nelly rocks The Dutch’s kitchen – and she’s spent years honing her sushi-making in premier Japanese kitchens, including top-drawer dinner lounges. Try “In the Raw” – freshly prepared sashimi – or “Bubba Gump” – tempura prawns with chili and ginger soya – or even “Magic Mushrooms” … putting your chopsticks down could pose a problem!
Those that prefer keeping it “old skool” can get stuck into good-old-fashioned fish and chips or baby beef burger sliders.
If the need is for something more substantial, the “Bonneville Burger” is your best bet: a homemade beef patty or a chicken fillet with Asiago cheese and caramelised onion and bacon jam, served with waffle chips. It’ll make you dance!
The Gorgonzola-stuffed butternut risotto balls are kick ass; and the “Tataki” (flash-seared salmon) is soft, “buttery” and just spicy enough to command the attention of the Bullet, a bourbon-based cocktail.
Delicious new Cocktails just in time for summer
Barman (or court jesters as they are known) toss glasses and cocktail shakers around like extras from Cirque du Soleil. If you’re after a Moscow Mule cooled in copper, or a Mint Julep served in silver, the mix masters will gladly provide.
The Dutch hosts live music generally every night, including DJs, from Tuesdays to Saturdays. Look out for its gig guide on their social media platforms or get details of upcoming acts at www.thedutch.co.za.
