cape town restaurants

Experiencing La Petite Colombe, Franschhoek

Experiencing La Petite Colombe, Franschhoek
Experiencing La Petite Colombe, Franschhoek
Experiencing La Petite Colombe, Franschhoek
Experiencing La Petite Colombe, Franschhoek
Experiencing La Petite Colombe, Franschhoek
Experiencing La Petite Colombe, Franschhoek
Experiencing La Petite Colombe, Franschhoek
Experiencing La Petite Colombe, Franschhoek
Experiencing La Petite Colombe, Franschhoek
Experiencing La Petite Colombe, Franschhoek
Experiencing La Petite Colombe, Franschhoek
Experiencing La Petite Colombe, Franschhoek
Experiencing La Petite Colombe, Franschhoek
Experiencing La Petite Colombe, Franschhoek
Experiencing La Petite Colombe, Franschhoek
Experiencing La Petite Colombe, Franschhoek
Experiencing La Petite Colombe, Franschhoek
Experiencing La Petite Colombe, Franschhoek
Experiencing La Petite Colombe, Franschhoek
Experiencing La Petite Colombe, Franschhoek
Experiencing La Petite Colombe, Franschhoek
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Experiencing La Petite Colombe, Franschhoek

Tucked away in the magnificent establishment that is Le Quartier Français is a restaurant that has had an incredible reputation for as long as I can remember. Its a place that I have been dying to visit - but for some reason never materialized, until now.

I finally got to experience La Petite Colombe and I can wholeheartedly confirm that it was well worth the wait.

Sister to the magnificent La Colombe, where I recently dined (you can find out more about that here); this intimate restaurant might be the little sister but it certainly doesn’t shy away from boldly stepping into the limelight in the flavour department.

Situated just 45 minutes from Cape Town in the wine-loving town of Franschhoek this restaurant is run by the talented La Colombe team and each and every dish is an artwork, with dramatic servings reminiscent of a Rembrandt.

The space is clean and elegant with minimal art on the walls and a beautiful view of the garden outside. Visiting on a rainy day meant that we were tucked into the warmth of the restaurant. My favourite thing about the experience is that the table setting is yours for the afternoon. This means that you can indulge in every aspect of the meal at your own pace until you ready to part (which will be an undertaking of sweet sorrow, I assure you). Each course is bought out in due course and the intervals between dishes allow you to appreciate and appraise each subtle flavour offering at hand paired with exquisite wines by sommelier Elton Damon.

When you find yourself in the hot seat at La Petite Colombe, you will certainly not be disappointed.

I recommend finding overnight accommodation or returning to your home in an uber because the truth is, you should be appreciating the full tasting menu and with the wines being as good as they are, you will want to enjoy every last drop.

You will start the journey with a variety of amuse bouches such as porcini, sherry, hazelnut, and thyme to spiced chicken chawanmushi. My favourite was the smoked snoek and curried labneh that was served with the Morena Brut Rose. There is something about smoked snoek that just makes me feel like I am home. Maybe it's the Capetonian in me?

We then moved on to the bread course. Butter shaped into sweetcorn, which was a reminder about the attention to detail that you can expect from the La Colombe kitchens, served with oatmeal and honey bread. What's not to love? Paired with a gorgeous local beer Hey Joe 'special Beige' - I have to admit; I don't usually drink beer but I absolutely loved the pairing with the beer’s crisp flavours and lightness.

I always think to myself - can it get any better if this is just the bread course and the amuse bouche rounds? The answer when visiting La Petite Colombe is a resounding YES! It does only get better.

Next was the Malay Tuna, avocado and coriander paired with one of my favourite estates; Hidden Valley's sauvignon blanc Voignier 2019. It has the perfect sweet note to compliment the curried spices that enveloped the tuna.

When I see scallop its the same as you had me at hello. It is one of my all-time favourite buttery textures and flavours. Not much compares and when it is treated with respect as an ingredient it sings. And sing it did in the scallop, pork, wild garlic, celeriac, and katsuobushi.

Paired with the La Chataigne Semillon 2015. Could it be possible? Had I found a favourite? So early on in the game?

Oh wait, the heavy hitter was yet to arrive. So for those that don't know this about me, duck is my death row meal. Yes, if I could have one last final dish, it would be a beautifully prepared duck. So, of course, the duck, langoustine, mussel and ham paired with Domaine Des Dieux 'Josephine' Pinot Noir 2011 was beyond spectacular. Maybe I am biased, you are going to have to go visit and let me know. All I can say is that if this was my last meal and glass of wine, I would be very happy.

Nothing clears the palette on a taste journey like the perfect sorbet and of course in true fashion the sorbet at La Petite Colombe is just out of this world. Frozen bowls that have edible flowers in this as if capturing a moment in time arrive with a perfect watermelon hit followed by a burst of geranium.

To be honest Karoo lamb can be a little, well, robust in flavour. Which is, of course, probably what you are after if you are eating lamb. Truth be told though, not on this round. The lamb was utter perfection. It was delicate in all the right places yet hit all the spots of big flavour that you would expect on your final course before wandering down the road to the sweet valley. Served with salsa verde, pumpkin and smoked olive this dish was paired with Mooiplaas 'Rosalind' 2011 bringing in the big red and leaving you sucker-punched in pure taste sensation.

Quick Sidebar Ok? - so let's take a moment. Not only were all the dishes absolute perfection but so was the service. The staff is beyond knowledgeable on each and every ingredient and I found myself in an incredible conversation on sustainability and the power that these types of establishments have in the sustainability and sourcing top-quality ingredients from ethical farmers and fisheries. This is where I choose to eat my meat and this is where I choose to vote with my dollar. The utmost care has been taken from the inception of these ingredients to honour them and to support farmers that are doing better in this current climate of mass production vs free-range.

Next was the cheese. Yes, that perfect little twirl and piece of art is the cheese course. La Colombe and their creativity never cease to amaze. The pastry as delicate as hand-woven lace and the cheese Boerenkaas paired with buckwheat and rhubarb. You will find yourself sipping on Avondale 'Armilla' Brut 2011. Just because it was the second last course didn’t mean it was missing anything.

It delivered on texture with its crunch, creaminess with the cheese and the perfect sweetness with the wine. If I haven't said it enough, perfection.

How better to finish such a spectacular lunch than with the perfect sweet/tart taste explosion. Possibly one of my favourite desserts to date. Simply because of its balance in flavours. The fresh tropical punch of the passion fruit and perfect sweetness of the pineapple left me wanting more. But more I could not. Winding down the road of flavour town is not to be taken lightly. I was full to the brim. I couldn't possibly fathom another bite.

Then in walked the sweet treats of roasted marshmallows inviting you down the road of childhood nostalgia and making you find space, because, well… no one says ‘No!’ to a roasted marshmallow. The perfect final bite to a world-class meal and experience.

There is something to be said for collecting fine dining experiences the same way we collect art. It's not a thing that you can buy but rather an experience which is better shared but also wonderful alone. To marvel at what is possible with food and to experience creativity on this level is truly something I cherish. Thank you La Petite Colombe. I can assure you it won't be so long before I wander down your road again!

-Melissa

Having high tea at The Cellars-Hohenort

Cellars Hohenhort
Cellars Hohenhort
Cellars Hohenhort
Cellars Hohenhort
Cellars Hohenhort
Cellars Hohenhort
Cellars Hohenhort

On a sunny afternoon in Cape Town, I managed to find my way to one of my favourite establishments. So much so I have visited all three hotels and dined at all their restaurants and you cannot blame me - home to The Green House and under the watchful eye of Farrel Hirsch the The Liz McGrath Collection The Cellars-Hohenort is in a league of its own and now, you can go and have high tea whilst overlooking the impeccable gardens. A fast way to feel very grand and indulge in decadence.

The high tea runs daily from 15h00 to17h00 at R245 per head including coffee or tea. If you are more than 12 people then the offer moves to a buffet-style high tea. The stands are extensive with the perfect journey from savoury to sweet and each bite offering a unique taste sensation. I must confess that I had to have a mouthful of each unique tart, quiche, brownie or macaron. It couldn't be helped and it was well worth it. The quiche won my heart and I will return for it!

It made the perfect girls date with a bestie and loved every moment of sitting outside in the winter sun taking in the views whilst catching up. After high tea taking a stroll through the gardens is a wonderful attempt at burning off the calories consumed. However, not to feel bad because life is full of indulgences and the high tea experience at Cellars should be one of them!

Bookings are essential.

For more information or bookings, contact:

reservations@collectionmcgrath.com | +27(0)21 794 2137

-Melissa








Cavalli Estate Winter Menu

cavalli wine estate
cavalli wine estate
cavalli wine estate
cavalli wine estate
cavalli wine estate
cavalli wine estate
cavalli wine estate
cavalli wine estate
cavalli wine estate
cavalli wine estate
cavalli wine estate
cavalli wine estate
cavalli wine estate
cavalli wine estate
cavalli wine estate
cavalli wine estate
cavalli wine estate
cavalli wine estate

I have a wild obsession with horses and a wild obsession with food. So when the two collide with art and beautiful wine not only do you have one of my favourite places to visit but you experience the excellence that is the ever-stylish Cavalli Wine Estate.

A mere 40 minutes from Cape Town CBD is the scenic property of Cavalli Wine Estate. At only 5 years old, the estate is a mere babe amongst their bigger, well-publicized counterparts, but they have established themselves as a real contender in such a short space of time nevertheless as one of the provinces best (and one that tops my list of Sunday excursions).

The estate is 100 hectares in size and at the heart of it is their flagship restaurant. The decor is contemporary with a strong element of art and design. Not only upstairs in the main dining area but also the magnificent gallery that is a level below. It's no wonder that this amazing estate has received the Eat Out Style Award.

Micheal Deg is head of the kitchen and producing elegant well thought out dishes with seasonal produce, perfectly balanced that will leave you perfectly satiated. Each dish is brilliant. This winter you can expect a starter of slow-cooked octopus, fermented black garlic aioli, squid ink crisp, and radish served with a Fynbos dressing followed by barley & mushrooms, parmesan custard dish. For mains diners can look forward to a confit duck leg served with orange, red onion marmalade, mustard pommes mousseline and black kale. For dessert, the Tonka bean crème caramel palmier is the perfect ending to this dining experience.

Vegetarian diners are also well taken care of this winter, with a starter of a parsnip, truffle and honey velouté, 65°C free-range egg, mushroom ragout, and crispy enoki served with smoked crème Fraiche. The main a pearl couscous risotto, dressed with red pepper, homemade almond yoghurt, and pickled naartjies served with a kale crisp.

With his zero-waste attitude and seasonal produce grown in their lush gardens, there isn't much not to love about the experience. Sitting in the winter sun and sipping on their 'Filly' Chenin is something I could do full-time thanks to Farai Magwada, Front of House Manager and Sommelier for Cavalli Restaurant. As he says "The ‘Filly’ Chenin Blanc is the ideal all-rounder. “It’s incredibly elegant, and it balances freshness and a richer flavour profile. It’s a wine that caters to a diversity of palates.”

The Cavalli Private Collection of South African Masters is frequently rotated in the portico situated within the main gallery and two memorabilia rooms allocated nearby showcase a remarkable collection of rugby and sporting memorabilia.

So if you find yourself wanting for art, food, and wine then I suggest you find yourself ambling through to this magnificent establishment this winter. You might even find me there!

For more information call 021 855 3218, send an email to info@cavalliestate.com, visit www.cavalliestate.com or make contact via @CavalliEstate #CavalliEstate

-Melissa



The perfect lunch spot - Chefs Cape Town

The perfect lunch spot - Chefs Cape Town
The perfect lunch spot - Chefs Cape Town
The perfect lunch spot - Chefs Cape Town
The perfect lunch spot - Chefs Cape Town
The perfect lunch spot - Chefs Cape Town
The perfect lunch spot - Chefs Cape Town
The perfect lunch spot - Chefs Cape Town
The perfect lunch spot - Chefs Cape Town
The perfect lunch spot - Chefs Cape Town
The perfect lunch spot - Chefs Cape Town
The perfect lunch spot - Chefs Cape Town
The perfect lunch spot - Chefs Cape Town
The perfect lunch spot - Chefs Cape Town

If you are looking for a great lunch spot serving delicious food then I have the answer. Its called Chefs and it is a local spot here in Cape Town that really impressed my palette. You can find them on St Johns road in Gardens. They close at 3 pm for lunch and reopen at 5:30 pm.  

The experience starts with entering what seems to be a cafeteria. A simple white interior with a working kitchen and table lined up in a row. I must admit that, on arrival, I wondered whether I had just arrived at a school cafeteria to have lunch. Well as the saying goes, don't judge a book by its cover. 

The restaurant is filled with beautiful natural light and its white walls create a fresh atmosphere. The menu is viewed on an Ipad with amazing food images that leave you inspired.

The menu isn't a very long one but it also doesn't need to be as the options are cohesive, well thought out and deliver.

The food is served on classical cafeteria styled trays and is nowhere close to what you would receive from an average lunch hall. 

It delights.

I enjoyed feasting on all the 'compartments' of my meal and tasted my way through the menu enjoying the arancini balls and lamb provencal. I must admit my OCD got a little bit of a kick out of the fact that the food looks so organized on the trays. Every bite was thoroughly enjoyed. 

If you are looking for something lighter then I would recommend the fish soup. I love the fact that you can pop in at Chefs on a busy work day and within an hour be satiated without compromising the quality of your lunch. A great place for a work meeting or perhaps to treat your partner to lunch. if you haven't tried them, then nows the time! 

-Melissa

Experiencing ONE at Cavalli Estate

Experiencing ONE at Cavalli Estate
Experiencing ONE at Cavalli Estate
Experiencing ONE at Cavalli Estate
Experiencing ONE at Cavalli Estate
Experiencing ONE at Cavalli Estate
Experiencing ONE at Cavalli Estate
Experiencing ONE at Cavalli Estate
Experiencing ONE at Cavalli Estate
Experiencing ONE at Cavalli Estate
Experiencing ONE at Cavalli Estate
Experiencing ONE at Cavalli Estate
Experiencing ONE at Cavalli Estate
Experiencing ONE at Cavalli Estate
Experiencing ONE at Cavalli Estate
Experiencing ONE at Cavalli Estate
Experiencing ONE at Cavalli Estate
Experiencing ONE at Cavalli Estate
Experiencing ONE at Cavalli Estate
Experiencing ONE at Cavalli Estate
Experiencing ONE at Cavalli Estate
Experiencing ONE at Cavalli Estate
Experiencing ONE at Cavalli Estate
Experiencing ONE at Cavalli Estate
Experiencing ONE at Cavalli Estate
Experiencing ONE at Cavalli Estate

I was recently invited to experience One at Cavalli Estates restaurant. Run by executive Chef Michael Deg; One is a celebration of a single fresh hero ingredient from the garden showcased in classic dishes that let the ingredient shine. Created to celebrate Michaels appointment I couldn't wait to experience what he has on offer. 

Our ingredient was Celeriac. I must admit I was a little sceptical as I haven't had many great celeriac dishes. A humble root vegetable that tastes a bit like it’s cousin, the celery. 

The setting in gorgeous with a modern upmarket bistro interior with strong lines in the architecture. The patio has two fire pits, which I imagine would be wonderful in winter and overlooks a vista of magnificent mountains. Since it was a hot summers day it was most welcome to sit close to the waters edge with a light breeze, misting spray and crisp wine. 

It has been a while since I have had such a perfectly paired wine to meal experience. Farai Magwada is the sommelier and hats off to him! Each and every wine was perfectly in sync with the meals I experienced. Of course, this also meant I finished each and every glass of my five-course meal. Not a bad way to spend a Sunday in my opinion. 

The flavour journey began with a celeriac gazpacho that reminded me how much I love simple things such as the flavour pairing of pea and mint. Topped with goats cheese it was, melt in your mouth creamy. Paired with Cavalli's Vendetta, a white blend that is one of their premium flagship wines - it was by far my favourite wine. 

The journey continued through celeriac tartare topped with crisp ginger served with an easy drinking rosé. 

One of my top dishes of the day was the vegetable dumpling in an umami broth. Perfectly paired with Paul Cluver's Gewurtztraminer. Also, a spectacular wine that was matched with an equally spectacular dish. I will dream of those flavours for a while to come! 

The top dish of the day award goes to the Roasted Cauliflower and celeriac pureé. The dish was inspired. Its flavour profile reminded me of a bobotie (a South African curried mince dish) with its saltiness and curry spice but then it was elevated by the macadamia nuts and fried caper berries. Each bite had texture and flavour that was bursting at the seams. 

If you find yourself at the estate make sure to visit the Well Worn exhibition. I worthwhile visit exploring some of the amazing art from great South African Artists and a perfect way to end off a gorgeous afternoon! 

-Melissa 

*this blog post is sponsored by Cavalli estate. All opinions are my own.