Revisiting An Old Favourite - Moggs Country Kitchen

It takes a vagabond to change the mind of someone who, for no apparent reason, renounced their enthusiasm or support. At the time, I was shocked! Moggs Country Cookhouse, a favourite eatery in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, had, for years, been one of our regular watering holes. We’d go there on a whim or an invitation. Then, one day, my beloved said he wasn’t particularly interested in returning. It’s not my business to argue. I accept his decision. I must confess we decided not to keep returning to the same eateries, as there are so many to choose from.

On Saturday morning, while Butch was out on his weekly cliff-path walk, I scrolled through TripAdvisor, and as luck would have it, Moggs Country Cookhouse came up three times. BAM in my face. The restaurant we’d agreed on before he set off was closed. This was a take-the-bull-by-the-horns moment, and I telephoned their number. We got ourselves a table.

I was nervously excited. Hot and out of breath, Butch returned from his walk. I put it out there. With a shrug and no flinch, Butch said, 'Fine. Good start.' I was ecstatic.

The drive up into the valley is always a good one. Restaurants along the way had full car parks, a good sign. Business is booming. Cyclists were negotiating the ups and downs of the single track while joggers pumped their way up the hill. We were unanimous; there’s no way we’d ever attempt the route on our bikes. Not only are we petrified, but our coordination is shot and we lack confidence. It comes with age.

Moggs sits on a farm plot in a rustic cottage built by the owner and her daughters years ago. With time on their hands during lockdown, the restaurant was revamped; the old stoep now has stack doors and opens onto a veranda that invites relaxation. The renovations have brightened the space, making it feel welcoming and cosy while preserving its charming, rustic atmosphere.

The Winter menu features signature dishes such as Duck Spring Rolls and Osso Buco, highlighting Moggs' focus on hearty, flavourful dishes that appeal to food enthusiasts.

Each course was perfectly executed, beautifully crafted, and beautifully plated—every mouthful dreamy, flavoursome, and exactly what I expected. The pulled duck filling fell off the bone. We shared, and the portions were perfect. We had no intention of spoiling our main course.

Osso Bucco is one of my favourite Italian winter dishes. I can easily garnish and present enormous platters and big casseroles to diners, but plating an individual portion of casserole has never been my forte. The plate set before me was beautiful, with no spills or smudges to detract from the steaming, perfectly garnished dish.

We dined like royalty, chatting and even greeting a couple we knew who’d stopped for a coffee and a small bite before resuming their road trip.

Unfortunately, my milk tart Brûlée wasn't available, so they suggested a few other options. I declined and accepted Butch’s offer of ice cream from the food truck parked at Onrus beach. I needed a pause before the next course, anyway.

I love that vegetables, herbs, and flowers are harvested from the large, well-kept kitchen garden, and that seeing the owner weeding her garden in her large straw hat was so pastoral and lovely.

We decided we’ll be back with Liam in tow. He’ll love the large lawn, jungle gym, and swings.  Moggs Country Cookhouse is a perfect spot for families, with plenty of space for kids to play and enjoy themselves.

Butch and I agree and highly recommend this lovely restaurant. It suits small and large parties, families, and first dates. Reservations are essential, so plan to secure your spot and enjoy a relaxed dining experience.

President Ramaphosa has ordered restaurants to close once again. The clanging of the steel gate reverberates across dining out because of COVID restrictions, yet I can’t help but make our lunch reservations on the lawns as soon as we’re able to go. Make your reservations, too. Soon the spring menu will replace the winter menu. With the winter solstice last week, we passed the halfway mark of this winter.

https://moggscookhouse.co.za/food/

Telephone: 076 314 0671