Award-winning 9th Avenue Bistro has been at the forefront of Durban dining since its opening in 2001, showcasing fresh, local and seasonal cuisine. Dishes range from modern interpretations of bistro classics to examples of cutting-edge gastronomy.

Husband and wife team Graham and Gina Neilson took over 9th Avenue Bistro after having travelled and worked in the States, the UK, Bermuda, South America and the KZN Midlands. While Graham and his chefs strive for perfection in the kitchen, Gina manages the front of house.

The bistro will be among the restaurants featured at the first Pick n Pay Taste of Durban (in association with Orbit Sugarfree Chewing Gum) at Suncoast Casino from Friday 27 July to Sunday 29 July 2012. The festival will also showcase an array of wine, beer and delicious produce from KZN and around the country, as well as interactive cooking classes and demonstrations. (Visit www.tasteofdurban.com for more information.)

We caught up with Graham in the run up to the Taste of Durban to hear more about his insights and food inspiration.

How would you describe your cooking style?
?Modern bistro.

What are the flavours of Durban?
?There are too many to list! But sea air combined with the smell of curry sausages being braaied is quintessential Durban to me.

What is your favourite part of Durban?
?Durban beachfront and Morningside, where I live.

What is your favourite local ingredient?
?It changes all the time but the Jerusalem artichokes coming through at the moment are fantastic.

Who has influenced you most in your career?
?My first boss, French chef Thierry Billot, inspired me enough to keep me in a kitchen and want to get better.

What is your key to a successful dish? ?
Seasoning and balance.

What dish do you mostly cook at home? ?
Anything I can cook on a braai; I even cook pasta dishes on the braai.

Where do you get your inspiration from?
Trying new ingredients and/or new ideas.

What do you expect when you eat out at other restaurants?
I guess you set your expectations according to the restaurant, but I’m definitely not fussy.

What will you be serving at Taste of Durban 2012? ?
Salmon tartare with a Russian-style salad and potato crisps; hot-pressed lamb shank with garlic aioli, pea and radish salad, and lamb jus; and Amarula and white chocolate cheese cake with salted caramel ice cream and candied pecan nuts.

Try this delicious recipe of prosciutto-and-basil-wrapped prawns with salad, courtesy of Graham. For more information on Taste of Durban and other events in your area, visit our events pages. Also check out our list of the best restaurants in Durban, as chosen by our editor Abigail Donnelly.