Surf Riders Food Shack is fast becoming a serious contender on the Durban food scene worthy of some awards. The beautiful building, plopped perfectly on South Beach, may have a white art stencil outside braying, “burgers, pizzas, cocktails, ice cream”, but it’s so much more.
Breakfast with a twist
I knew things were hotting up when, after the famed beach Surf Riders RetroRobics classes with Eugene on a Saturday morning, my usual eggs Benedict was served with seared tuna and the next week it was with smoked mackerel.
New summer menu launched
With the new summer menu launch, a chilled DJ syncing into soulful summer grooves, Surf Riders has ingeniously created a Friday night social scene introducing its Tap House Friday sessions.
The new menu is a delicious feast. As Italian foodie Lou Gottini praised after tucking into the whole, fi re-roasted fish with sea salt, lemon, garlic and wild oregano, “This is the freshest, most beautifully presented food I have had in a long time.” Indeed, it was magnificent.
The man behind the scenes is talented chef Brendon Newport – formerly chef at Craft Trattoria, and Bean Bag Bohemia – who knows how to cook fresh fish in a wood-fi red pizza oven at high temperature. The red snapper fell off the bone. It was light, perfectly textured and oh so delicate on the palate. Heavenly.
The starter conceptualised by Surf Riders GM Samantha Small-Shaw, was a work of art in taste and authentic design. The smashed, Campariroasted plums getting fresh with the Gorgonzola, mozzarella, rocket, balsamic reduction and light layers of Parma ham, was a taste sensation.
We tucked into the creamy, Chardonnay-splashed lemon zest and chilli langoustine, prawns and clam linguine. Sublime.
The eatery has delish, fresh coast mussels and chorizo served with sourdough ciabatta; tequila chicken wings served with cheese quesadillas; and the classic Surf & Turf Benedict with ham and prawn combo topped with orange and pomegranate hollandaise sauce and flash-fried baby spinach, potato and rosemary toast.
This is a true-blue Durban summer hang-out. It has craft beer and drinks specials and a creative menu for your South Beach feast.
Words: Suzy Bell
Images: Denver Govender
Surf Riders
031 825 8528
