On Saturday I was one of six hundred invited guests attending the double launch of the newest additions to The Kove Collection’s 15 establishments, most located in Camps Bay, Bilboa restaurant and Chinchilla Rooftop Café & Bar, both with a spectacular view over the Camps Bay Beach.
A few weeks ago I bumped into The Kove Collection owner Paul Kovensky outside the construction 
area of his new establishments and he kindly showed me around both. On Saturday it was the first time that I saw the completed restaurant, and Café and bar. I had not previously met Simone Kovensky, who has an active role in the restaurant collection, but met her at the launch and I was photographed with Simone and Paul.
Bilboa is spelt differently to the name of the Spanish city, and I was told that it is the name of the American city which is spelt this way. Bilboa is on the first floor of The Promenade building, closest to La Belle Bistro & Bakery, on the same floor as Umi, and above Zenzero. Sliding doors allow many diners to sit on the sea-facing 
terrace, to savour the view. A bar counter is at the far end of the restaurant, but we did not see it set up for the restaurant, given the large number of guests that had to be accommodated. We were offered bubbly by Boschendal, both Brut and Rosé, Corona beer, and Thelema
wines. Canapés offered included sardines, roast lamb, halloumi, 
Chicken strips, prawns, and halloumi asparagus.
Nearest the Bilboa kitchen door was a display of lobster and oysters on ice, but these were not served to the guests.
The media release we were sent describes the menu as being contemporary Mediterranean-seafood-inspired.
After one and a half hours we were invited to go upstairs to Chinchilla Rooftop Café and Bar, just as sunset was approaching. Paul had told me that the name was that of a character in a children’s book, a Rabbit, and he loved it so much that he changed the name from the previously selected one. The Rooftop Bar has been created on top of Bilboa, with a bar counter down the one length of the space, housing the bar and the DJ desk, unfortunately blocking most of the view of the 
Twelve Apostles, but the need for protection against the fierce South Easter is understandable. 
Decor is African inspired, with woven basket style lamps. The roof top is only covered with bamboo branches. Café chic design mixes art, food, music, cocktails, and ambiance.
Moët et Chandon was in the house, and prepared cocktails with its champagne, to which they had added berries. 
More canapés and Boschendal bubbly was served here. No speeches were made, the guests just having a good time, connecting, and enjoying the music played by the DJ. DJs will play on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday 
evenings, until the bar closes at 21h00. DJ Tess Prins will play on Fridays and Saturdays, and DJ Colin on Sundays. Wesley Hill is the Bar Manager, and will keep an eye on the Bilboa Bar too. I met him last month during a media visit to The Yard in the Silo District in the Waterfront.
Bilboa restaurant and Chinchilla Rooftop Café and Bar, The Promenade, Camps Bay, above Zenzero. Tel (021) 286-5075 www.kovecollection.co.za www.bilboa.co.za www.chinchillarooftop.co.za Twitter: @chinchillacpt @kovecollection Instagram: @Chinchillacpt Chinchilla open daily from 12h00 to 22h00
Chris von Ulmenstein, WhaleTales Blog: www.chrisvonulmenstein.com/blog Tel 082 55 11 323 Twitter: @Ulmenstein Facebook: click here Instagram: @Chris_Ulmenstein