WHAT'S COOKING
8 | EXPLORER
New look and new location for an old favourite Writer Hedda Mittner
I
t’s been a long wait but the day finally arrived when Ocean Basket Hermanus reopened its doors on Monday – in a new location and sporting a brand-new look! According to owners, Gideon and Michele Serfontein, they are very excited about the revamp which is in line with the latest Ocean Basket franchise standards. “We are very accessible, we are still in the CBD and we still have a sea view,” says Gideon. For those who don’t know, Ocean Basket is no longer to be found at Village Square but at Station Square near Woolworths, in the premises briefly occupied by Vonk just before the lockdown, and Col’Cacchio before them. Back in March when the country locked down, many landlords offered short-term relief to their tenants, but Gideon says he and Michele gradually realised that Covid-19 was going to be around for the long-term. “We decided that a different business model was needed,” says Gideon, “one that would entail a more intimate restaurant that was more aimed at the local market and less dependent on tourists.” After reaching a settlement agreement with their landlord, the Serfon-
teins were able to enter into a new lease agreement for their current premises in August – and then came the revamp, which entailed several frustrating delays. It was all worth it, though – the new Ocean Basket has a fresher, more minimalist look, with the predominant colours being white, blue and yellow. The menu offers an astonishing range of dishes at unbeatable prices, and an all-local wine list exclusive to Ocean Basket Hermanus will soon be added to the standard wine list, in order to showcase the area’s excellent wines and craft beers. “We are committed to Hermanus – it’s the right place to be! – and we believe in our tried-and-tested product. Ocean Basket is a family-friendly, value-for-money seafood restaurant without pretences. We look forward to welcoming all our clients back,” says Gideon. Diners will be greeted by familiar faces, as Ocean Basket has managed to retain all their permanent staff. The emphasis is not only on good food and good service but also safety, and all Covid-19 protocols are followed. You’ll find Ocean Basket Hermanus at Shop 2, Station Square Mall, Hermanus. While they are waiting for their phone line to be installed, bookings can be made via email: hermanus@ oceanbasket.com.
Gideon and Michele Serfontein are delighted to welcome diners back to Ocean Basket Hermanus, which reopened on Monday in their new premises at Station Square. PHOTOS: Taylum Meyer
2 December 2020
