The emotions I felt leading up to my dinner at this Durban "heavyweight" restaurant, was like the anticipation you get on the night of a "Big Fight".
Its It's like a McGregor bout or Tyson "main event", back in the day.
The feeling of excitement, hope and apprehension all rolled into one intrepid culinary journey.
Butcher Block, as a brand, needs no introduction.
This place personifies the term "VIBE". My booking was for 7 pm on Wednesday evening and I expected a more subdued atmosphere – and being mid-month – some empty tables.
Yet I was blown away the second I walked in, there was a young, energetic, professional and relaxed patron outside.
People were enjoying the laid back and comfortable sofa, more popular with those maybe not there to eat, but to soak in the surroundings enjoying one of the legendary BB cocktails, crafted beers and selection of great wines and spirits.
I could gush about the environment and about their sumptuous private dining room, the well-structured outside area with fire-pit and more over sized sofa’s and comfortable seating.
However, I was excited to taste the food ie The Main Event.
Sashimi was an unexpected starter
The menu is well structured with a "fusion" feel to it, this eatery has so much more depth to its potential stereotyping and preconception of merely being a "steakhouse".
My surprise to see the option of "Sashimi" on the starters menu, meant I just had to try this.
I was not disappointed, having had some of the best sushi Durban has to offer, from some of my own personal favourites, the Salmon Sashimi was perfection.
Fresh, superbly presented, silky and smooth to taste, it was faultless and a meal that would make me return.
My guest opted for the "Three Cheese Prawns" (which I couldn’t help but sample, just because of the aroma).
The balance of cheese and cream was perfect, the hit of fresh perfectly cooked and flavoursome prawns was complimented perfectly by this smooth and light sauciness.
Having ventured for a starter I didn’t expect to eat at Butcher Block, I had to revert to tradition for both of our mains — the big steak.
My guest chose the 400 g fillet and I opted for the heavyweight 600 g prime rib.
The cut was perfect. The size was plentiful. The flavour, juiciness, presentation, charring and the smell of both dishes was perfection.
The prime rib was a knockout and the fillet a very worthy contender as well.
The accompaniments and sauces served was nice but the meat was the star and made the biggest impression
I thought I could squeeze in dessert after the starter and main, I couldn’t resist sampling the "Deep Fried Oreo" dessert. Served with silky and creamy vanilla ice cream.
The sweet dessert was the knockout blow, I was out for the count after this and by that, I mean in the best possible way. I was satisfied beyond my expectations.