Festive fine dining Christmas feasts in KwaZulu-Natal

This Christmas, KwaZulu-Natal's culinary scene is set to come alive as some of its premier dining establishments prepare to serve an array of sumptuous festive feasts, catering to every taste from plated indulgences to extravagant buffets and delectable gueridon trolley service.

The region's fine dining establishments promise guests an unforgettable experience, infused with luxurious culinary offerings that celebrate the festive spirit.

At the opulent Oyster Box Hotel in Umhlanga, excitement brews as the renowned Grill Room and Ocean Terrace prepare for a Christmas Day filled with culinary delights and live entertainment.

For R3200 per adult and R2200 for children under 12 years, diners can enjoy an exceptional feast in the Grill Room, which accommodates 50 guests. Meanwhile, the Ocean Terrace will host 100 guests at a tantalising price of R2950 for adults and R1950 for children under 12, ensuring both venues are fully booked to the brim.

The Grill Room is set to deliver a fine dining experience worthy of royalty, featuring a splendid menu that begins with artisanal bread accompanied by a cherry and pistachio brioche wreath, followed by a quail Scotch egg, seared scallop served with chestnut velouté and a plated entrée of Wagyu beef fillet.

Adding to the allure, diners will experience the luxurious gueridon trolley service, where food is prepared, finished, or flambéed at the guest's table using a special mobile cart called a guéridon. Chefs will prepare dishes such as salt baked Norwegian salmon with saffron and Roe Beurre Blanc; honey glazed gammon with cherries, pineapple and apple sauce; herb roasted turkey with pan jus and cranberry sauce; and crown roast of Karoo lamb with mint jelly. The dishes are served with accompaniments.

To conclude this extravagant meal, a steamed Christmas pudding, paired with a range of fine cheeses, awaits festive appetites.

Meanwhile, diners at the Ocean Terrace can expect to kick off their culinary adventure with artisanal bread and butter and a choice of appetizers before the buffet showcases an impressive array of hot mains such as seared salmon fillets with dill and champagne velouté; Cape Malay kingklip with prawn tails and almond; crispy porchetta with fennel, apple and calvados jus, Venison bourguignon with Allesverloren Port and sage; exotic mushroom, roast butternut and sage lasagne; cauliflower cheese with black truffle and Parmesan crust; creamed spinach with mascarpone and nutmeg; and crispy duck fat roast potatoes.

The carvery selection features whole roast Christmas Turkey, Josper grilled prime rib, rosemary and garlic crusted crown of lamb and pecking duck with Szechuan pepper.

Dessert options abound, from an ice-cream sundae station to a cheese table filled with gourmet offerings and a macaron and bonbon trolley.

Over in Shaka's Rock, the five-star Sala Beach House guarantees a festive dining experience tailored for families. For R1350 per person, patrons will savour canapés, a starter course of Poached Prawn Tortellini, a family-style festive lunch, showcasing rosemary and thyme crusted roasted leg of lamb, maple and Dijon gammon, sides and trimmings and decadent desserts like summer berry trifle and peppermint crisp tart.

Lunch in Sala Beach House 25-seater restaurant is fully booked for Christmas Day.

Umhlanga's Radisson Blu Hotel's Fire Lake restaurant will entice guests with its delightful buffet at Fire Lake restaurant for R1850 per adult.

The cold selection has oysters and salads, while the hot buffet includes roast turkey, lemon and herb-rubbed leg of lamb, beef Wellington, honey and mustard glazed gammon, grilled prawns, Cape Malay chicken curry, Cape butter sole, slow braised short rib and spinach butter paneer.

Dessert options will also be abundant for those with a sweet tooth.

SUNDAY TRIBUNE