The Elements Cafe Bar at the Beverly Hills Hotel, located at 1 Lighthouse Road, Umhlanga, hosts a weekly curry buffet every Wednesday evening. This lunch set features a variety of Eastern dishes that, in the author's opinion, deserve more attention in Durban.
The author notes that Elements has always been appealing due to its simple atmosphere overlooking the pool and garden. In the evenings, visitors can enjoy views as if they were on an ocean liner, and on a hot day, one can relax in the coolness of the covered veranda. The venue is considered one of the best on the KZN coast, and the staff is welcoming, creating an atmosphere of relaxed luxury.
During a media tour organized by Durban Tourism, guests were treated to a performance by singer, composer, and host Eric Kahnchem. His warm, rich tenor and friendly nature attracted the attention of ladies who danced to old and new love songs.
The buffet was a true feast. Dishes included pane puri filled with chickpeas and coriander water, small tandoori chicken kebabs, and exquisitely spiced shrimp skewers. There was also a large salad assortment, which the author likely would have approved of, given her preference for simple salads with feta, olives, and fruit served with homemade curry. Additionally, there was a bread station featuring roti, papadum, crispy mint samosas, and various types of bread.
Numerous chutneys and marinades were offered; the good lime marinade and coriander chutney stood out, along with various additions such as coconut flakes, chili flakes, and traditional Durban sambal. The author started the meal with fish masala, prepared in a thick tomato sauce with a noticeable tamarind flavor. Crab was also presented.
Despite the table settings, napkins, and clothing looking as if after a Halloween party, the author confirms that the crab curry was worth it. It was quite tender but had a wonderful aroma, and the portion was exceptionally generous. Other dishes included lentil curry and chicken curry with peas, which the author did not manage to try but looked appetizing. A special highlight was Beverly's famous potato lango curry, which featured rich, tender meat with deep spice notes. It was flavorful but not overly spicy and paired well with roti.
For those preferring a lighter option, there is curry used for fried meat sandwiches served with french fries and salad. The chefs also offer a range of Indian-style desserts. These included sweet treats and jalebi, which were crispy and sticky but not excessively sweet, as well as an interesting sooji and ghee cake reminiscent of Turkish semolina cake, but with a characteristic cardamom note. Furthermore, there was a pink jelly-like dessert inspired by Bombay Crush.
The meal concluded with a Magnum ice cream cocktail mixed with whiskey and cherry liqueur, garnished with a cherry. Following this, Eric Kahnchem performed several soulful songs while in Durban for several weeks between trips to Thailand.
The good news is that Beverly Hills has shed its 'Heavenly Bills' reputation. The buffet is offered at an excellent price—395 rand per person, significantly cheaper than ordering an appetizer, main course, and dessert at a regular restaurant. Besides curry, Elements offers a small but very competent bistro-style menu if curry is not the preferred choice. The author recalls having an excellent steak last year here, served in a rich peppercorn sauce with real, hand-cut potatoes, which was simple yet executed perfectly.