I’m sure that many readers, like me, remember the days when DV8 was situated at the Groombridge shops — where Bridge Spar now stands, and where they served “steaks you leave home for”.
BY LE CONNOISSEUR
It was quite an institution and a very popular place to go for lunch or dinner. One thing I remember especially, was the delicious, freshly-baked small loaves of bread served to all-comers, to enjoy munching while studying the menu. Another was the Ebony and Ivory mousse for dessert.
Well, those days were some years ago, and when DV8 opened up again, underneath Pick n Pay in Kamfinsa, those with fond memories of their original home, myself included, were extremely pleased, and curious to go and try out the new DV8 and see if it matched-up to its fine reputation from days of yore.
It looks very different of course, because for a start, it is absolutely huge compared to its former situation, and in fact big by any standards. The premises extend right underneath the Kamfinsa Pick n Pay, and also extend outwards, courtesy of a massive verandah which is sheltered from the elements by thick canvas awnings with “windows”.
The result is a very airy, spacious restaurant in which tables are very well spaced out, so there is no sense of claustrophobia or fear of private conversation being overheard.
It allows patrons a great deal of choice regarding where to sit — in the sunny verandah area, or in a cosy nook deep in the recesses of the large “hall”, that is essentially the “basement” of the supermarket.
There’s also a very well-stocked, spacious bar, and quite a number of customers come simply for a beer and chat. Finally, there’s even a special children’s playroom, complete with qualified child minders, a flat screen TV and movie screenings, bean bags, cushions, colouring books and toys. All told the new DV8 is almost a “complex” in its own right, with its supporting pillars and some dividing walls too, and it works very well.
If one were to criticise anything about the structure and environment itself and the ambience the whole creates, I’d say that the inside is just a little bit too dark for lunchtime, though I’m sure it creates a pleasant romantic intimacy in the evening.
This could be put down to personal bias though, as I prefer restaurants to have really good light. Not everyone does! The décor is based around an old world American West theme, and also works — it could probably be taken even further as time goes by, but it is certainly holding together well and it is clear to comprehend.
Being so large, there is a fair bit of resonance, which could be damped down with the addition of some drapes and awnings and perhaps a screen or two, or even carpeting the currently bare floors.Being almost full, it was fairly noisy inside where we had chosen to sit — though I’ve experienced a lot worse levels of noise in much smaller restaurants.
The menu, plus the placemats themselves, and the cocktail list and wine and drinks list, make interesting and amusing reading. This restaurant has one of the most extensive lists of bar offerings and beverages I’ve ever seen. They offer 45 different whiskies, 46 wines, 28 cocktails, many of them unique to the establishment, 17 liqueurs, 11 milkshakes, and lots of tea, coffee, nine fruit juices and soft drink options too!
The food offerings are also extensive, and include steaks, obviously, with lots of different sauces and options — their former and current speciality — but also, plenty of fish, seafood and chicken options, a vast selection of burgers from around the world, a special children’s menu, several salads, a whole page of starters, and half a dozen puddings.
Family Restaurant 5 Plates Expect to spend US$30 to US$40 a head Kamfinsa Shops