Eat Big at The Big Easy Durban

The Big Easy is situated at The Hilton Hotel in Durban. Having eaten here twice  I can truly say the food , service and staff are amazing.

Two Saturdays ago Mum and I headed off for lunch to The Big Easy. It was a cool day and Durban almost fooled us it was winter. We were warmly welcomed into the eatery which this time around we had entered through the hotel main entrance while the last time we entered via the ICC. Our friendly waiter Vuyo showed us to our table.

The restaurant for midday was busy as there was a Baby Shower in the outside eating area. Private functions can be hosted here with a selection of menus to suit your taste buds and your pocket. The ambiance is rather “easy” going and casual which makes it a perfect spot for a catch up with friends.

The Story of The Big Easy

Having travelled the world, I have developed a good feeling for what I look for in a restaurant good hospitality in a fun, relaxed environment in which to enjoy the end of a long day,  spending time with friends over a great bottle of wine and a meal.” – Ernie Els

The big question is has this been achieved ? YES  and YES again.
The menu is available for both lunch and dinner with daily specials. Seasonal changes affect the menu as Head Chef Janine Fourie is committed in bringing farm to table. All ingredients are locally sourced , free range , organic and from Artisan suppliers. Using the best ingredients Chef Janine has created a fantastic South African menu and incorporates popular South African dishes with a modern twist. The open plan kitchen allows you to see your food been prepared and Chef Janine runs a very calm and smooth kitchen. The staff have excellent knowledge of the menu and are able to offer you suggestions.

A well stocked bar includes a large number of excellent wines including wine from Ernie Els. For those who do not like wine there is Craft Beer on offer as well as a Cocktail List. Now I do love my cocktails and love trying out new ones. After looking through the menu and the suggestion of Vuyo I had a Cocktail inspired by a popular Durban treat Pineapple with Chilli. There is also a selection of non alcoholic cocktails which Mum sampled.

Chef Janine prepared sample starter tasting boards for Mum and I so we could get a taste of the new additions to the menu. A beautifully presented board of starters arrived a vegetarian one for Mum and a meat one for me. Was was very impressed with her board and suggested to Chef Janine that this board should be added as a vegetarian option to the menu. Everything was well-flavoured and presented very artistically. I did not finish my Starter board as I had my eye on the Salmon which I was craving all week. And I was definitely not disappointed with this delicately seasoned dish which was not overcooked.

During our last meal here I opted for the Steak and I was not disappointed. My Steak was well seasoned as served with a variety of side dishes. The Steak was tender and very flavoursome and was the best steak I have eaten in ages. My knife glided through the steak like a knife through butter. Mum on that occasion opted for the Paneer Makhani a favourite dish of her’s and was not disappointed. Both our meals were too big to finish and we had to take home doggy bags.

For dessert Chef presented us with a platter of sweet treats which included my all time favourite Creme Brulee and Carrot Cake. Each dessert was beautifully crafted and I felt bad destroying each piece but my mouth loved me. Mum wanted coffee to finish off her meal as she had read in a local newspaper that accordingly to Councillor Logie Naidoo the best coffee in Durban was served here. And indeed the coffee was good and got the thumbs up from Mum.

The Big Easy Menu

The menu has a wide variety of meal options which include light meals , grills , sandwiches and even platters to share. The portions are Big and worth the price. At first thought one would think overpriced menu but that is not the case as the menu is well priced.

Staff

All the staff are very pleasant and polite. They all have good knowledge of the menu and are able to explain each dish as well as offer options.

How to Book at The Big Easy ?

To make bookings one can :
Call : 031 – 3368166
Mail : bookings@bigeasydurban.co.za
Will I be back YES ! Besides the normal meals there are often wine and food pairings and special events like Father’s Day Brunch.
Be Inspired !
Ciao
xxx

PS . I was hosted at The Big Easy Durban on both occasions but like always my opinions are my own.