Plenty of fish in the sea

It’s a new year bringing new possibilities and encouraging fresh beginnings. It seems that at the Beacon Island Lifestyle Resort, it’s time to cling to the old clichéd catch phrase- ‘there are plenty of fish in the sea’.

As the waves crash against the boulders, a number of young boys and their dads are scattered across the smooth rocks in tight huddles. Looking intently at each other, this bonding experience appears to be more then just a holiday activity. It is a memory in the making; a learning experience that will be carried into the future.

Another group made up only of children are squatting around pool of water between the rocks looking for easy prey. “There are lotsth of fith in thiths one,” says a little boy with a lisp to the rest of the crowd. Using a white fishing net, the younger boys keep themselves amused as the older men fiddle with their fishing rods, dangling bait from rather sinister looking hooks.

“Mom, I need R20” says a young boy to his mother who is soaking up the sun. “For what?” she replies with a slightly drowsy tone or as mothers do to the incessant demands of their young ones. “For fiishh” he says rolling his eyes as though it is obvious, “Bait!” he cries. Knowing that he’ll be kept busy for the rest of the day, she hands over the money with ease and the two seem satisfied with the transaction. Peace and quiet for hours of unlimited exhilaration gave the impression that a fair trade had taken place.

Another mother goes to check that everything is alright, then tiptoes over the rocks back to her chair overlooking the small beach in front of the hotel. “Did they pose for you?” she asks, “They’re not very good at posing” she says. The Steele family from Johannesburg have been coming to the resort for five years with their children. “I’ve been coming since I was a kid though” she adds, “it’s lovely here.”

Most of the fish caught wouldn’t end up on anyone’s plate, but that’s not to say that a lot of fish don’t get eaten at the restaurants. “Most people order fish,” says one of the waitrons serving guests, “It’s fresh and it’s nice for people who don’t usually eat fish at home” he adds. The menus offer a range of delectable fish dishes- simple yet tasty and suitable for a ravenous appetite.

A definite must try for fish lovers, particularly raw fish lovers is the sushi. Mandla, the sushi chef, has been flown out from Johannesburg to cater for the season demand of the much-loved Japanese style cuisine. “Lots of people enjoy my sushi” he says with pride. Ordered from a local business, Robberg Seafood Safaris, the fish is delivered daily ensuring quality and freshness. The vegetables are also sourced from local green grocer: Uitsig Fruit and Vegetables providing the added benefits of local trade tariffs, value and wholesomeness.

After enjoying some sushi ourselves, we found another satisfied young customer eating a plate of sushi outside Café Estoril. “The sushi is amazing” he said. His friend also joined the conversation saying, “we came here for the sushi, we have a house near Robberg 5 but my friend is from England so we decided to come here because we heard the sushi’s really good.”

But if fish isn’t what you’re looking for (other than through a pair of diving goggles in appreciation of their beauty and grace) the vegetarian sushi options could be for you. The avocado maki makes for the perfect healthy starter/ late afternoon or between meals snack. That leaves you without the hassle of organising a quick bite to eat and allows for more time to check out the other of fish in the sea!