Winter Wining And Dining Winners

One restaurant left a foul taste in our mouths. Their food is mouth-watering; their communication is shocking. More about them later. Let’s move on.

Should I ever complain about anything, roll your eyes. I know, life is a bed of meringue, sugar and spice. I am spoilt and sometimes indulged. But then it’s easy to indulge me. Just take me out for a good meal. Anywhere will do. But. It. Has. Got. To. Be. Good.

Winter isn't a favourite time of year in this house, but for food enthusiasts and travellers exploring the Western Cape, it's a perfect excuse to discover cozy eateries. We often take ourselves and friends to lovely restaurants, bars, bistros, and cafes around every corner, showcasing the region's rich culinary scene.

Here are some places we visited, shared in the order of my photo album-hoping to inspire your own culinary adventures in the Western Cape.

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SPOOKFONTEIN – Hemel en Aarde Valley – Hermanus.

A relatively new winery, quite a way up the valley, with beautiful views of the ocean. The food is sublime. I love the open kitchen, clever design, stunning bathrooms, and minimalist dining room; together, they create a delicious atmosphere in this small restaurant. Although there must be a spook lurking about in the fountain, the atmosphere is one of joyful bonhomie.

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 BOSJES KITCHEN - Near Botha Cellar, Rawsonville –

The building is an architectural masterpiece and has featured in every magazine. I was sceptical, as we’ve tried, unsuccessfully, to reserve a table on several occasions.

We’d just returned from the Kalahari, and a treat was in order. Sundays in Worcester leave much to be desired, unless you’ve invited friends for a braai. So off we went to Bosjes. I was speechless. From the turnoff to the farm, they’ve made extensive upgrades. The little farm school is beautiful, and I can only imagine how this has improved the lives of farm workers’

children who attend this well-designed school. It surely must inspire learning. And so the Community center and church have been upgraded, not a sad, neglected building anymore. No siree.

Inspired by Babylonstoren in Franschhoek, the gardens, vineyards, and open spaces are a genuine delight, showing the care and thought put into creating beautiful, inspiring spaces with the mountains as a stunning backdrop.

The parking area was chock-a-block with cars from all over, especially CAA and a few CW.

The restaurant, with its immense windows and valley views, is magnificent. The maître d’hôte was very friendly and showed us to our table with a view. And we glanced at each other. We didn’t have expectations.

Bosjes Kitchen’s tasteful menu is small but well thought out, featuring standout dishes like the lemon tart, which is citrusy and zesty. Our food arrived beautifully plated, well prepared, and truly delightful, making it a must-visit for anyone in the area.

We left there feeling thoroughly spoilt. We needed to walk, so we toured the gardens and the spectacular chapel with its amazingly scalloped roof. Well done; it’s so nice to know some philanthropists care about their communities and create beautiful spaces where even someone like me can go and experience unsurpassed beauty for a little while.

I will most certainly return in October when the gardens are in full bloom. Maybe to the tea garden this time.

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PEAR TREE BISTRO – Hermanus.

We have champagne days in the Cape, perfect for shedding the winter woollens and dining outdoors with spectacular views of Walker Bay and the whales. Tourists come from all over the world during the winter months, setting their sights on the bay to do whale watching. It’s reputed to be the best in the world. Southern Right Whales come to our shores to birth and suckle their young before they migrate south to Antarctica for the summer.

We do our own tapas-style lunch and order a few starters. I love tasting an array of dishes. It gives me the chance to try a variety of dishes and shows what the chef has up his sleeve. I have never been disappointed, and I can recommend the Spare rib starter—a most generous helping.

Our meals are always long and boozy. Who cares? We love it and will return time and again to watch the world go by on a fine day.

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 SEAFORTH–SIMON’S TOWN –

Years ago, while Butch was in Hong Kong on business, the Absa manager there introduced him to Alice, a young entrepreneur starting her career. She had her sights set on South Africa and the fruit business. It’s almost thirty years later, and Alice has been very successful and is now one of the largest manufacturers of plastic (I know) bags specifically designed for fruit packaging.

Although we rarely see Alice when she’s in Cape Town, we make a point of catching up. This time we had lunch at Seaforth in Simon’s Town.

She brought her beau along and was determined to show Cape Town off—her treat: lunch at this established landmark, which reminds me of Casa Do Sol in Maputo. The menu hasn’t changed in decades, and locals and tourists frequent this family restaurant with its oilcloth checkered tablecloths. I was underwhelmed. I think it’s time to rethink the menu and update the plating and meal quality. A little tired. The days of a wilted salad as a garnish are over.

Although I can’t point a finger at the fried hake and chips I had, I expected to be wowed. I wasn’t. The entire experience felt very 1970s, and the large, piled-high seafood platter had all the right ingredients in generous proportions, but sophisticated diners and tourists expect quality rather than quantity. Our palates are sophisticated, and competition is stiff.

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NUY ON THE HILL – Worcester

Last week, we decided to enjoy a mid-weeknight out on the town in winter. We went for a long-table, wine-pairing dining experience at Nuy.

As the sun set over our beautiful mountains, we arrived at Nuy on the Hill. How lovely to see the same view at night. Setting the scene for what was to come. AC introduced us to their new range of prize-winning gin at a Gin Bar.

We enjoyed the meal at a beautifully laid long table that seated 40 guests. We enjoyed “new” company and looked forward to meeting our dining companions. We were not disappointed and soon became engrossed in lively conversations all around us.

The winemaker Christo Pienaar introduced the wines as courses were served. An excellent selection accompanied the tasty, generous winter menu of Waterblommetjies in Phyllo, followed by an excellent Oxtail and Cinnamon casserole served with charred garden vegetables. For dessert, the Chocolate Fondant was runny, rich and looked as good as it tasted.

Bravo AC! You did a sterling job, and we look forward to attending many more of your Long Table evenings.

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LA COLOMBE – Constantia

Our first visit to the “new” restaurant in the clouds in Constantia. Wow. No wonder guests come from far and wide to dine at this world-class restaurant. Rated as one of our top 10 restaurants, the bar is high, and believe me, they live up to every expectation.

Treats were served as we arrived, culinary masterpieces each one. Not only are the dainty dishes exquisitely crafted, but each delicacy is also beautifully served in very original ways. Here, chefs are artists, masters at their craft. When the chef rolled out his trolley to prepare one of our courses at the table, we were transported back to the days of a chef’s table, popular again but with a contemporary twist. Every dish was a gastronomic masterpiece!

I won't say too much, as I can't do the experience justice, except to encourage each of you to go. Make a reservation; you won't be disappointed. I know Alice was wowed. She’s not a foodie like me, but she was impressed and took endless photographs enthusiastically! A gastronomic experience.

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UPPER BLOEM – Green Point

A small, intimate space has been transformed into a contemporary tapas-style bistro in the heart of Green Point, just 500m from where we were staying. We were seated at the Chef’s table, where we could observe firsthand exactly what was happening in the kitchen.

Too many books have misled me about temperamental Italian and French chefs who, with their noses in the air, perform in kitchens, intimidating cooks and serving staff with their theatrics. The way the chefs quietly went about their business at Upper Bloem could teach them a thing or two. Never a raised voice or a clattering of pots and pans, no drama as the dedicated chefs got on with preparing delicious dishes. The menu changes periodically, inspired by seasonal produce.

Once again, we were in awe as one Tapas course after another, with delicious gifts (amuse-bouche) from the kitchen, were served. I love black mussels, preferably fresh from the sea; serve them steamed in white wine and finished with cream, and I am in heaven. Here, we were served smoked fresh mussels. I had to have the recipe as I am an avid smoker and enjoy the results of my attempts.

I made an enquiry, which was passed down to the chef, who came to our table to explain how he did it and promised to send me the recipe. I thought no more of it. Two days later, in my inbox, the recipe. Well. That impressed. The recipe is a thing to behold. Mussel Pannacotta. The dish has no fewer than 4 components: pannacotta, fragrant oils, smoked mussels, and an edible mussel shell. I salivate just reading the recipe.

Chef Andre not only delivered on a promise; he also demonstrated the techniques this kitchen is capable of. The time, dedication, and passion for producing excellence are clear. My vocabulary lets me down in expressing my admiration and awe. Thank you for keeping a promise and making time to send it to me. I salute you.

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WHALE COAST BREWERY – Hemel-and-Aarde Village, Hermanus

Years ago, a group of us met at different pubs or restaurants in Worcester on Friday evenings for sundowners. It was a wonderful way to get friends together, catch up, and spend a few hours outdoors. This tradition has been continued by our ex-Worcester friends now retired in Hermanus. We joined them a fortnight ago.

The buzz. The crowd. The music. Brilliant. I am sure we will be regulars on a Friday evening from 17h00–18h00 when you can have two craft beers for the price of one! Reservations are necessary, and I can see why. Not only is the atmosphere very festive, but the music was also good, and the beer and open bar lived up to expectations. We ordered a few starters of calamari, which were delicious. So next time you’re en route to Hermanus, don’t drive past the Whale Coast Brewery. They’re pet-friendly too, so the pooch can join you. They make a jolly good hamburger, too!

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REVERIE SOCIAL TABLE – Observatory – Julia Hattingh

We arrived at the long table for lunch. The blackboard menu is concise. We ordered soup for starters and curry as a main course. The server seemed a little taken aback; we thought he might be foreign and less fluent in English, so we didn’t take anything to heart. Our soup was served with homemade sourdough bread, delicious. Homemade butter too. Our bowls were generous portions. Our second course was fragrant, spicy, and delicious: the curry. We’d just tucked in when Julia appeared to ask if we were happy. We were. She took this as a cue to gently break it to us that it was very seldom that her diners had more than one course. Yes. Many of the diners were on lunch breaks from their workplaces in the neighbourhood. This was their neighbourhood kitchen. The penny dropped.

Julia does her long table at night. Then she goes all out with a menu as long as my arm.

The rustic table is laid with family silver and beautiful crockery. All the bells and whistles. Wines accompany each course, and the wine of the month was Opstal, a local Rawsonville wine. We had clearly missed the boat.

We didn’t have dessert. But I wasn’t in the least bit sorry we’d stopped for lunch; we enjoyed the experience, and I hope to be back for the whole long table experience soon.

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ALPHEN HOTEL – Constantia

Although I am ever grateful that our rainfall this year has been good, I must confess that the day we went to the Alphen Hotel the weather didn’t appeal; it was miserable, cold and wet. I needed a log fire, comfort food and a good cup of coffee—no better place to be than the Bistro at the Alphen. Butch had to attend a meeting there anyway, so I was happy to wallow away near the warm fire. By the looks of things, everyone had the same idea, as tables were virtually all occupied at 9h30 in the morning. The coffee was excellent, and my honey-drenched pancakes were divine.

I had my camera with me and consoled myself with a few photographs highlighting the inclement weather.

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FOXCROFT – Constantia

I missed a wedding while visiting my children in Canada. This disappointed the father of the bride, as we hadn’t seen them for a long while. But we made up for it by going for dinner at Foxcroft’s.
The décor is unpretentious, buzzing with clientele, always a good sign when locals support a restaurant when they’re spoilt for choice.

We didn’t know what to expect, although I had investigated surreptitiously and learned that we could expect a fine dining experience. Our server was a tonic. One of “ons mense” and loaded with personality. She soon had our order, after some excellent suggestions. The wine flowed, and our conversation became lively as we enjoyed another excellent meal. Beautifully plated, tastefully seasoned and creatively thought out, our selections made for a wonderful evening catching up with dear friends.

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MAMA RITA’S LA CUCINA – Gansbaai

Rita needs an introduction. We have known Rita for years, serving us on many occasions when we would enjoy light luncheons at a friend’s lovely bistro in Hermanus.

Rita was born to work in the hospitality industry and went on to successfully manage a Guesthouse in De Kelders. Rita is beautiful, friendly, and hospitable and has a way of making strangers feel like family. She always smiles, knows her clients by name, and, if you’re a regular, she’ll offer you your favourite tipple before you’re seated.

But that’s one thing; the other trait is to take the bull by the horns and fearlessly do what she’s always dreamed of. To own and run her own restaurant. She’s just done so—Mama Rita’s Trattoria. For an authentic Italian evening out, there’s no better place in Gansbaai to do so.

A great blackboard menu with pizzas, pastas, and ossobuco among the favourites. I believe there is a Sunday Special menu which will be a hit. Situated across the road from a school, Rita offers parents the opportunity to host children’s parties in the garden. Heavenly, imagine Mom can relax while the children enjoy the activities in a safe environment.

We couldn’t wait to have lunch at Rita’s and made a special trip through. We enjoyed our meal immensely and can recommend it without hesitation.

I know we’ll always stop there to sit on the stoep like typical Italians and watch the world go by while enjoying a chilled local wine and delicious, crispy pizza from her wood-fired pizza oven. Do forgive the spelling mistakes on the board; it happens in Italy too and proves no one is perfect!

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A MEXICAN THEMED EVENING AT Q SQUARE – Worcester

I believe Q Square in Worcester holds quarterly themed evenings; we attended their Mexican evening the eve of our departure to Mabuasahube earlier last month. What a good choice it was to set us on our way. The two eateries were Daly Bread and Hugo’s, with stalls set up outside in the piazza, where a selection of Mexican-inspired meals were sold in a very casual, relaxed fashion from mobile stalls.

A guy was playing guitar, setting the mood perfectly. Although we were all bundled in scarves and woollens (not very Mexican), the evening out was a hit. I was overwhelmed by the number of locals who’d ventured out for the evening.

We ended our meal with a lovely Pasteis De Nata (Portuguese) from Daly Bread. My beloved succumbed to the charms of the gorgeous young Señorita who offered him a Tequila while waiting to be served.

I hope to attend another one of these evenings as they’re really relaxed and fun. We’ll see what’s coming up during the summer months.

P.S. Daly Bread has perfected the Almond Croissant. It’s the best-kept secret in Worcester now.

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HARBOUR HOUSE – V&A WATERFRONT – CAPE TOWN

On a perfect day, there’s no better place to be than the Waterfront. After last-minute shopping before heading home, we always try to fit in a meal at one of the many excellent eateries, indoors or out. It was a perfect blue day. The water was calm; people milled about, shopped, sat on the steps at the amphitheater, or waited in line for a boat trip. Harbour House was our choice. The service is always good, and the meals are excellent. I have never had an awful experience, and this one lived up to all our expectations. From the fresh smoked salmon salad to the cracking crème brûlée, every course was perfect. I scooped up my parcels quite satisfied to return home.

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GIOVANNI’S DELI – Green Point

Finally, a trip to Cape Town is never complete without us popping into Giovanni’s Deli in Green Point. This is my home from home when I need an excellent coffee and croissant. I love the vibe, where locals congregate and chat up a storm while reading the newspaper. The Deli is a housewife’s delight with all the ready-made dishes for a lazy day at home. Plump Spanish olives in huge glass bottles, beautiful bread, cheeses, vegetables and pantry fillers from Italy. They’re all available there.

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GABRIELSKLOOF - N2 CALEDON

I sleep as soon as I have my seat belt clipped in, but I have this uncanny way of waking up just before we round the corner and go downhill towards Gabrielskloof.  That's when I need a coffee and a slab of cake.  I'm particularly fond of the carrot cake, chock-a-block with chopped nuts, coarsely ground carrots, spices, and delicious cream cheese icing.  I have on occasion had their lemon meringues - delicious too.  A wonderful pit stop along the N2 en route to Caledon or towards Somerset West.  For the keen photographer, there are often enormous flocks of Blue Cranes in the cornfields.

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THALI – Gardens Cape Town

It was my birthday, and I could choose a restaurant. I even invited a friend to join us, and Butch phoned to make a reservation, leaving a message after consulting the website to make sure we had the correct times and telephone number. If memory serves, I think he even requested a reservation via their website, but I am not sure. It was the 3rd of July.

We’ve been to Thali’s before and loved our meal there. India is very close to our hearts, and when it comes to food, we’re always game for a good curry. Thali serves the best Indian cuisine.

As instructed, we arrived at 12h00 on the dot. Tables cannot be reserved; it’s all first come, first served, and I wanted to be served.

The restaurant door stood wide open, welcoming us. Someone from the kitchen spotted us and came forward hesitantly, wringing his hands on a dishcloth. I asked for a table for two; sadly, my friend couldn’t make it. Surprised, he said they’re not open for lunch, only dinner.

Impossible, we say; we checked the website and phoned that morning, leaving a message on the answerphone as required, and nope, closed. The website hadn’t been updated, and the message on tape had been ignored.

Flabbergasted, we told him we’d come all the way from Worcester. But it’s no use shooting the messenger. With tails between our legs, we dejectedly slinked off to find somewhere else to eat. I was not impressed.

I found the arrogance of the whole saga disappointing. I have checked and am happy to report that the website has been revised.

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I always try to refrain from giving a star rating as its not possible for me e.g. The croissant from Daly Bread rates 5/5, but then so does a plate from La Colombe the two products are incomparable. I try to be fair and where credit and accolades are deserved I give praise gladly. Sometimes comparing apples with apples is like comparing apples and pineapples. it just doesn't work.

There are often specials advertised on the websites and in various online publications like Eat Out magazine. Do your homework and find out who gives the best deal. One can be surprised on all fronts.

 Bon appetite

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