Food
Review: Big Easy Wine Bar & Grill Durban by Ernie Els
Durbanite recently had the opportunity to review the Big Easy, we loved the cosy homey vibes, the atmosphere was relaxed and friendly. Décor was fab, with a notable wall dedicated to Ernie Els. This gives patrons some insight into his life as a family man and professional golfer.
Our chosen wine for the evening had to be from Ernie’s collection, the Big Easy, White – Chenin Blanc (which we thoroughly enjoyed). The Wine Bar offers an expansive selection of South African premier wines along with fine whiskies, craft beers and some of the world’s choicest cigars.
Big Easy Winebar & Grill Bar Area
The best place to begin… the start(ers)
The homemade corn bread served with a sweet chilli butter reminded us of home. The Cape malay shrimp samoosa was my top pick. With the home-made spiced coconut chutney accompanying it for a ‘lil bite – not too fishy – it was just rite. The grilled rolled pork belly and bacon was also a favourite. To spice things up it was served with a sticky braai sauce marinade, jalapeno and pineapple salsa.
Moving onto mains
For mains the hubster opted to try something different. He went with the chef’s recommendation of the bacon wrapped crocodile medallions. Never having tried crocodile before, this was a treat with the portion size being notably big. The dish was served on a bed of spicy carrot and sweet potato mash with a brandy and smoked mussel sauce, which lent itself to the sweeter side of things. Overall the dish was tasty and quite rich in flavour. I would recommend going lite on the starters to really enjoy the flavours of this main.
I tried the baked line fish which was absolutely delicious. It was light, fluffy and cooked to perfection. Served on a bed of west coast smoor smoked snoek and onion rice with a creamy mussel, lime and fresh coriander sauce to compliment.
Big Easy Winebar & Grill
Sweet tooth?
By dessert time we were quite literally stuffed (with takeaway boxes mind you!) and so opted to share the Dark Chocolate Cardamom Crème Caramel. Go BIG or go home, rite? Every bite was sent from heaven and the entire dessert was surprisingly lite. But then… there is ALWAYS space for dessert.
To Ayanda (manager), Phiwe (our loooooovely waitress) and Samkelo (chef) – thank you for the wonderful dining experience. Top class from start to finish.
For a full look at the menu and other dining options at the Hilton Durban, click here. If you enjoyed this review check out our reviews of Vasco’s Restaurant as well as the Hilton Durban!
ARE YOU…
Planning a trip to Durban and not sure where to stay?
A Durbanite looking for something new to do?
A foodie or wine lover looking to expand your horizons?
Then look no further and hook yourself up with a stay or visit to the Hilton Durban!
If you are looking for things to do during your stay at the Hilton Durban in and around KZN, check out this list of 20 things to do!
Author: Tee
Freshness You Can Trust, Impact You Can See! 🐾
Looking for treats that are genuinely good for your furry (or hoofed!) family members?
Welcome to Barkies—where every treat is baked with love, fresh ingredients, and a commitment to animal welfare.
We believe in complete transparency. Our treats are always homemmade with fresh, natural ingredients, and we are proud to tell you exactly what goes into every single bite.
✨ Year-End Combo Special: Spoil Your Pup! ✨
To celebrate the year, we’re making it easy to spoil your dog with the best of Barkies:
Item Details
12 Pupcakes Choose your dog’s favourite flavour!
500g Fresh Dog Treats Choose your flavour!
Combo Price R220
This is the perfect package for holiday gatherings, puppy parties, or just showing extra love!
🌍 Treats with a Heart
We’re not just about delicious treats; we’re about giving back. Barkies donates 20% of every single sale to incredible animal charities right here in Durban. When you buy from us, you’re directly helping local animals in need.
🥕 Simple, Delicious & Safe
Our treats are simple but delicious and contain no nasty preservatives. Please store all Barkies products in the fridge or freezer to keep them fresh.
We make treats for dogs, cats, and horses!
🎉 BARKIES YEAR-END COMBO IS ON! 🎉
Get 12 Pupcakes + 500g Dog Treats (Flavours of your choice) for R220!
✅ Homemade, Fresh & Natural
✅ Treats for Dogs, Cats & Horses
✅ 20% Donated to Durban Animal Charities!
ORDER NOW: WhatsApp Bianca on 076 190 0442 (Collection or Delivery available)
Author: Shelley
The wait is almost over — the 2025 Durban Botanic Gardens Trail of Lights is a few weeks away!
What’s New This Year:
💫New lighting displays – surprises around every corner
🎠 Mini Golf – a playful new family favourite
🎅 Santa’s Workshop Upgrade – we’ve teamed up with our friends at Build A Bear South Africa and Toy Kingdom to bring you a Workshop zone bustling with fun.
🌌Forest Walk – explore even more illuminated beauty across the Gardens along our low sensory forest walk.
🍫 Ms Claus Craft Café – indulge in holiday crafts with Ms Claus and her team of merry elves.
🍔 Expanded food garden serving up festive treats for every taste and budget
Why You’ll Love It:
✨ Durban’s No. 1 festive family event
🌿 Set in Africa’s oldest surviving botanic garden
🎶 Wholesome entertainment, food, and joyful atmosphere
❤️ Supports the Durban Botanic Gardens Trust & local charities
The Best Part?
🎟️ Flexible Ticketing!
Plans change — we get that. With our flexible ticket system, you can reschedule your ticket up to 24 hours before your booked date at no additional cost making sure your festive season stays stress-free. T&Cs apply.
🎟️ Book your tickets here — popular dates sell out fast!
Author: Shelley
There’s no better place to be out and about in South Africa than Durban in winter. Especially this past week and more! It’s school holidays, the horses are racing at Greyville, the surf’s up at Ballito… and it’s the East Coast Radio House + Garden Show at Durban’s Exhibition Centre.
Durbanites came out in their droves – 65 000 of them over the course of nine days – to suss out what the Show’s dynamic theme bright spaces.fresh living had in store for them! The Warmest Place to Be showed off new looks, new colours, new and much-loved brands… and visitors were loving it!
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There was something for every member of the family, every day, every evening, on the hour, every hour… and then some! “I thought it was a fabulous Show all round,” said one visitor, “Plenty to see and buy, lots of delicious food, a good place to meet friends, and very well organised. Bring on next year!” Whether basking outside in the glorious Durban sunshine, listening to live music from favourite musos, tucking into something delectable at one of the fab foodie stands, or picking from a packed calendar of crazy events for kids of all ages, we had the holidays sorted!
The East Coast Radio House + Garden Show is renowned for its legendary Big, Better, Bumper Competitions, and this year, winners walked away with a combined prize value topping R300 000! From a kitchen to a cruise to a Business in a Box, there were loads of very happy winners when their names were the chosen ones!
This year saw many stand-out brands on stands, and for the Show’s Judging Team, selecting the best of the best was a battle… from deliciously dark and moody looks from The Kitchen Studio, to fresh, natural and beachy furnishings and furniture from The Patio Warehouse; a contemporary cool kitchen versus a very pretty and appealing one – two looks, one brand, from Woodnet Exclusive Kitchens, Bedrooms and Bathrooms. Outdoors, Craig McAllister, owner of Ikonik Luxury Furniture, was delighted with Durban’s response to his glorious outdoor furniture, as was Ops Manager of Easigrass and Adriya Sports, Charlene Coetzee: “Such a great opportunity to showcase the wide range of Easigrass applications!”
The doors closed this last Sunday on The East Coast Radio House + Garden Show 2025 and, with tens of thousands streaming through the gates, even more foot traffic than last year! Show Director Cairey Baxter-Bruce was delighted with the level of support shown by the exhibitors, the Show’s partners, and, of course, the visitors: “It was clear that exhibitors recognise the value in using the East Coast Radio House + Garden Show platform for their product or services. The support of our Show and buying from our exhibitors and vendors means we – and YOU, the visitor – are supporting local businesses and companies, which is vital for our current economy. We’re also particularly delighted with the range and number of new exhibitors, as well as the high standard of the kitchens, designers and decorators who’ve returned to the Show. In addition, this year, it’s been immensely gratifying that collaborations and organisations like KZNEDTEA, DTIC, and GEPA (Ghana Export Promotion Authority) have chosen to showcase their products and talents here.”
The East Coast Radio House + Garden Show is not simply a highlight on the local calendar, but provides a valuable, annual economic and tourism boost to the city of Durban and the KZN province as a whole. A big, warm thank-you to Durban and KZN for coming out to support local!
Author: Shelley
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