African Import Blends Seafood, Steak and Sushi

 
The 220-seat Cape Town Fish Market now operating beside the entertainment landmark London Palladium is the first European branch of a casual dining seafood chain which has opened 25 branches - some of them up to 500-700 covers - around South Africa in the past decade. Notable features of the franchised concept, created in 1997 by South African entrepreneur Douw Krugman, includes teppanyaki and tempura cooking of a wide range of seafood, much of which can be chosen from a wet fish counter, plus a separate section offering the quicker option of conveyor-belt sushi. A variety of seating, with granite-topped tables, matches group and individual customer needs. Plentiful blue lighting and a large, wellstocked aquarium emphasise
 
CTFM's focus on seafood but the menu extends to several non-fish options including steak, chicken, curry and noodle dishes, plus plenty of peri-peri, the chilli-based fiery sauce. Most dishes at CTFM are essentially international in character apart from Potjie, an African seafood stew, and at present all fish is obtained through UK sources. Typical spend per head is just under £30, excluding wine, which covers an extensive list from South Africa. Best sellers so far are seafood combos (e.g. prawns and calamari) which can be shared between two people for £39.95
 

 
www.capetownfishmarket.co.uk
 

 
| 15 April 2008 |