VIRGINIA KERR:"Imagine a balmy South African sunset and a quirky restaurant nestling under the shadow of Table Mountain. From the outside, it looks like an ordinary house, but once inside and up the stairs one is transported to gourmet heaven, at least we were, when we ate there 10 years ago.
The owners describe Emily's Restaurant as a "training restaurant of the culinary art institute of Africa" and it was voted one of the top 10 restaurants in South Africa in 1995 and 1996.
As a starter, we both chose "iced chilli and tomato soup romancing with Absolut vodka contrasted against corn on the cob ice cream". We felt very adventurous in our choice and couldn't believe how these differing tastes could compliment one another so perfectly. My main course was "Calvados-flamed pork fillet with apples, glazed onions, balsamic sauce and spaghetti of baked beetroot" . . . another culinary triumph.
To round off the meal, I opted for a "galette of ice-cream inspired by Hungary's dobos and topped with spun sugar." By this stage I was in seventh heaven, and when the opportunity came for me to buy a copy of the menu, I jumped at the chance. It is a permanent reminder of a wonderful gourmet experience, in a magical setting, with a special person.
BUT I'M NOT . . .
So, it's off to the kitchen to rustle up a quick risotto using olive oil, butter, onions, arborio rice, white wine, chicken stock, Parmesan cheese and a little bit of cream - fairly quick, and delicious."
In conversation with Marie-Claire Digby
Virginia Kerr will give a rare live performance at the Pavilion Theatre, Dún Laoghaire, Co Dublin on Saturday, September 13th at 8pm. Tickets €25/€20 from www.paviliontheatre.ie or 01-2312929.
Emily's Restaurant is now at Suite 202, The Clock Tower, Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town, South Africa. www.emily-s.com