La Colombe is so much more than a dining experience. It is theatre and art. A taste sensation and a journey through the senses.
Situated a mere 35 minutes from Cape Town CBD on the hillside on Silvermist wine estate this world renowned fine dining establishment is nestled amongst the trees and has a peaceful atmosphere.
I recently visited the team after they returned from international travels to the USA, Mexico and Japan. Chef proprietor, Scot Kirton, and executive chef, James Gaag have created a menu that is delicately thought out and executed with the utmost brilliance and flair.
With spring being in the air the tables are decked with gorgeous wooden pieces that become part of the dining experience. Florals and flavours are part of the symphony and every mouthful utterly delicious.
The journey begins with a fresh Yuzu and white chocolate palette cleanser that you pick out of a 'nest' on arrival that bursts in your mouth and is testament for what is to come.
I had to start my journey with a cheeky gin because it should be gin o' clock all the time. What's even better? The gin is homemade by La colombe and taste of a warm summer day at a cooling poolside.
I highly recommend doing the full tasting menu along with the wine pairing. Just a warning - you will need an uber post lunch and you will need about 3-4 hours for this experience because you don't want to rush it.
With crisp white table clothes and world class service you are in for a mind blowing treat. The staff move around you seamlessly, adding to the experience with their in depth knowledge and impeccable service.
The food journey begins with a selection of amuse bouche that will tickle your taste buds and wow your senses. Presented as a garden selection with florals, wood and stone, my personal favourite was the delicate lamb roti which quite literally fell off the bone coupled with the margarita it was the perfect fresh, complimentary punch. (Yes we have moved on from the gin keep up!) The selection included Marlin with burnt lime to squeeze and release the glorious juices and then lick off with aplomb. The mushroom parfait was decadent and dreamy, cased between delicate brick pastry.
The sweet potato wagyu drippings, bone marrow and craft beer were next for the bread course. With pull apart bread that you submerge into the drippings it was the bread course of my dreams!
Their sommelier Tongai Joseph Dhafana will drift in and out of service sharing his knowledge on the grapes, wines while keeping you abreast of the flavours you can expect from the immaculately paired combinations.
To keep us on our toes the signature dish of Tuna in a can (this time with a mexican twist) was served with a blind tasting of wine (read: in a solid black glass). I can proudly say I managed to guess the wine correctly but not the estate and it brought a lot of fun to the course.
Followed by the Kerala style Quail, prawn, and coriander which was delicate in its flavours and perfectly executed. Each plate is a work of art with colours and textures complimenting each other.
The fun didn't stop with the naartjie palette cleansers that was fresh in its flavour and brought out on an awesome display of dry ice thearics.
Next, was the fish course of Malay style line fish that is typically paired with Chardonnay however Tongai kept it exciting and shared the Groot Constantia Chenin Blanc reserve which was beyond delicious and the best partner in crime to the malay flavours.
The meat course invites you to select your knife which, for those that appreciate a beautiful sharp knife is the perfect touch. The attention to detail throughout the experience is what makes it so profoundly exciting and memorable. It is so much more than just eating at a fine dining restaurant.
The cheese course asks you to select your desired cheese from various options of blue cheese to mature cheddar but to be honest - I savoured one of each. I simply could not choose only one! I mean who has a favourite child? (The boerenkas won)
Ending off with a banana, Hazelnut tonka and the yummiest Delhiem Edelspatz 2018 - I was in pure bliss. To make my way through a menu where every single bite is more inspired and delicious that the last is just wonderful!
To top it off it doesn't end with dessert but rather with a display of final sweet touches in another spectacular garden display. One of Salted caramel, cashew and almond ice cream with pancakes. Chocolate disguised as acorns and ice cream in pancakes? SOLD!
Bookings are essential for this amazing experience and the menu is subject to change. It is worth every second.
What a spectacular experience at one of the top restaurants in South Africa that had truly made its mark for the rest of the world to see!
Congratulations to La Colombe for being named the 12th Best Fine Dining Restaurant in the World by the acclaimed TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice® Awards 2019.
-Melissa