Towards the beginning of this year, a restaurant in Durban – 9th Avenue Bistro – was recommended to me by a fellow foodie friend. The restaurant is based in the heart of Durban and has won numerous awards. 9th Avenue Bistro is a fine dining restaurant offering varying seasonal menus and wine lists as well as tasting menu options.

I made a booking a few days ahead and drove through from Umhlanga on a Friday evening. Being spoilt for choice with an amazing array of meals, I asked our waiter what he’d recommend. We went along with his recommendation and selected both the slow braised lamb shoulder and the crispy roasted duck to share. The lamb shoulder was served with mashed potato, roasted carrots and cabbage, lamb caramel and minted pickled onions. The lamb was beautifully cooked and quite an enjoyable dish. However, the real winner of the evening was the crispy duck. Up until now I’ve never really considered myself to be a huge duck fan. I enjoy it from time to time but it’s never been one of my favourites. I now believe that is only because up until now I’ve never had duck at 9th Avenue Bistro! The free range duck was served with squash and maple syrup puree, duck jam, lentils and pommes anna (sliced layered potato with butter). The duck was absolutely superb and, without question, the best duck I have ever tasted. A crisped fatty exterior with a tender flavourful centre complimented beautifully by the sweet tasty duck jam. I really loved this dish! For dessert I had the baked pavlova. It was served with lemon chantilly, lemon curd and a refreshing mango sorbet. This was a good choice and well balanced dish.

The restaurant is beautifully set up and has a lovely intimate feel to it; don’t be fooled by its residing centre and parking lot on your arrival. Apart from the amazing duck, which I will definitely be back for, the service was great! I thoroughly enjoyed my experience at 9th Avenue Bistro.