Jazz nights at Dutchies by Grotto Beach

6pm to 8pm every last Friday of the month

When you think of live jazz, you might picture dim, smoky clubs. Dutchies’s jazz nights are the complete opposite. They happen in a seaside courtyard, in fresh salty air, with sushi platters and 79 wines to choose from. The jazz nights are free and happen every last Friday of the month. 

It’s magical at nighttime. Image: Dutchies

JAZZ UNDER THE STARS

If you’ve ever been to the blue flag Grotto Beach, you’ll know the restaurant right across the road with umbrellas and colourful orange chairs. Dutchies has been a Hermanus go-to for languid girls lunches, seaside birthday celebrations, and family dinners for over 10 years.

During jazz nights it's extra special. The restaurant comes alive with the sounds of bass, sax and trumpets, which echo into the courtyard. This is where friends drink cocktails under old milkwood trees twinkling with fairy lights, and couples dunk salmon roses in soy sauce. Meanwhile, kids run between their parents and the beach, snacking on fresh fish and chips.

Dutchies is right across from Grotto Beach. Image: Dutchies

EXPECT ARTISTS LIKE…

Jazz nights at Dutchies happen from 6pm to 8pm every last Friday of the month. They fill up fast so booking is recommended.

Palm Springs, who have played with the Cape Town Symphony Orchestra, is a regular performer. The band covers classics from artists like Frank Sinatra, Nina Simone and Nat King Cole.

Another regular is soul-funk Simon and Friends, who blends upbeat marimba sounds with the low, sexy rhythm of the sax.

The jazz nights fill up fast so booking is recommended. Image: Dutchies 

SEAFOOD & TRADITIONAL DUTCH DISHES

Dutchies gets its name from owner Joke Gonggrijp’s Dutch roots. The menu reflects her homeland with dishes like bitterballen (mustard meatballs), erwtensoep (bacon and pea soup), and deconstructed stroopwaffel (a waffle-like biscuit with syrup).

There are also five sushi platters ranging from 10 to 18 pieces, fresh hake and calamari, garlic prawn pasta and crab stick wontons.

The fish is sourced locally from Hermanus, besides the tuna, which is from Mauritius. Image: Dutchies 

COCKTAILS BY THE SEA

Dutchies has over 20 to choose from, like Schweeet Melon (watermelon vodka, watermelon chunks and lemon juice) and Hermaten. Originally created by Dutch students, it’s a refreshing mix of vodka, lime, Prosecco, and lemon sorbet.

The wine list is even more lengthy with a whopping 79 labels. Diemersdal, Hasher, Iona, Gabrielskloof, and Hermanus-based Domaine des Dieux feature multiple times. There’s even boozy milkshakes at Dutchies, one of Hermanus’s most loved restaurants.

There’s also classic cocktails like pina colada. Image: Dutchies

JOIN A JAZZ NIGHT AT DUTCHIES

Dutchies jazz nights happen: Every last Friday of the month, 6pm to 8pm
Find it: 1 Grotto Street, Voelklip, Hermanus
Book via: dutchies.co.za
Contact them on: 028 314 1392, info@dutchies.co.za, @dutchiesrestaurant

By Julia Rowley

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MORE SEASIDE SPOTS

Dutchies is owned by the same people as Fick's in Hermanus.

Looking for more seaside spots? Here's our list of restaurants with a view.

10 minutes outside of Hermanus is Milk, a family-friendly hidden gem.

Here's our list of 7+ things to do this weekend.

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