FOOD
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FABULOUS FICKS Location: Plein Street, Hermanus For more information: 028 312 4082 info@icks.co.za The newest addition to the Hermanus restaurant scene is set to charms diners not only with its delectable Pinchos menu but also with its unique setting right on the historic Fick’s Pool. Pinchos (or 'pintxos') is pronounced "peenchos". In Basque, the "tx" combination is like in English the "ch" of cheese, pronounced a bit stronger. Owners, Just and Joke Gonggrijp and their son Daan, who also own Dutchies on Grotto Beach, have every reason to be proud of what they’ve accomplished. All who have visited this restaurant agree that Fick’s Pool had been given a new lease on life with this sensitive and tasteful development. The concept of the restaurant is based on a 'Pinchos and Wine Bar'. Joke explains that the Spanish word ‘pincho’ comes from the verb ‘pinchar’ which means ‘to pierce’. It is used in certain parts of Spain to describe bitesized eats that were usually pierced with a cocktail stick, although it is now used for any small plates of food. Guests will be left gob-smacked as they descend the stairs to arrive at the restaurant set in a sheltered cove, right at the water’s edge and surrounded by unrivalled ocean views. Provision has also been made for the disabled with a brand new wheelchair ramp leading right up to the venue.
1 where musicians can perform. The pool and the area surrounding it have been thoroughly cleaned up. The area is now spotless and the water crystal clear promising to be the perfect place from where to watch the sun set over Walker Bay.
The word appealed to Joke because she had fond memories of family vacations in Spain, and especially “the tastes of Spain”, and also because she is known to always “pinch” Just’s food off his plate when they dine out – much to his annoyance. But now at Ficks, everyone can “pinch” and share food from their variety of small plates.
The irst steps towards creating this “little gem” were taken two and a half years ago when the Gonggrijp’s tendered for an outdoor restaurant, which Just jokingly refers to as “just a posh name for a pop-up restaurant – that means that if it rains the restaurant is closed”. He says the three main objectives that guided them through the design process of this historic landmark was to keep the pool open for public use, to retain the history and sense of place of Fick’s Pool and to preserve the natural environment.
The existing ablution building, which was rather an eyesore, has been renovated and remodelled into a brandnew kitchen, with public restrooms at the back. The decks wrap around Fick’s Pool, hugging the cliff face, with an outdoor wine bar and a stage area under a Bedouin tent
“Because the decks of the restaurant are higher than the pool, they do not hamper anyone wanting to enjoy the water,” says Joke. “It is much the same as at Dutchies, where you can enjoy a delicious meal and the beach and ocean at the same time.”
1: Beef Steak Fillet with Chimchuri Dressing 2: Duck Breast with Orange and Green Olives
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