The Shortmarket Club - Appetizer

There is a new kid on the block and it’s called The Shortmarket Club but trust me, there is nothing rookie about this spot

Owned by Chef Wesley Randles, his mentor and legendary Chef Luke Dale Roberts (Test Kitchen and Pot Luck Club,) Simon Widdison (and a few others) The Short Market Club is the hottest new spot in Cape Town and it is not even open yet! 

This exciting new restaurant will be open from the 27th of June and I was lucky enough to get a “behind the scenes” look (tasters included.)

Marked by a beautiful manhole with an owl, fox, hog and butterfly you know you have found what you are looking for when walking down Shortmarket Street.

The Décor is exquisite and the first thing that makes an impression as you walk up the stairs from a humble entrance into the Grand parlour. You get the feeling that this is going to be an exclusive club that not everyone can get an invite to. You are surrounded with woodwork panels created by artist Pete Eastman and stained glass doors that will leave you breathless. The main bar area sports black and white mosaic tiles with small tables - The perfect spot for a pre dinner drink.

As you enter the main dining area it is nothing short of glorious. With high ceilings and classy leather booths I couldn’t help but notice the attention to detail right down to the copper light fittings. I got the feeling of a grand 1920’s speakeasy and felt as if I was stuck in some by gone era during prohibition. Baz Luhrmann eat your heart out.

The main wall of the dining room is the next thing to impress you - It is a beautiful wall of what initially seems to be the main butterfly collection from the museum of natural history. However, on closer inspection you realize that it is an extensive artwork created by artist Mark Rautenbach made up of all the notes, photographs and memories of The Test Kitchen and Pot Luck club burnt into butterfly wings. Wes shared with me that Sandalene, Luke’s wife, had been creative voice behind the magnificent décor along with input from Wes and the Luke Dale Roberts team.  

The menu is going to be one that will pay homage to Wes’s path so far as a chef. A “modern interpretation of the classics” if you will. 

Having followed Luke as far back as La Colombe, Test Kitchen, Pot luck club and Naturalis - the menu is sure to blow your taste buds. With everything from Tomahawk steaks to lobster this menu is something I cannot wait to experience! 

Whether it’s a girls night out filled with cocktails and indulgent food or the setting for an industrious breakfast meeting, The Shortmarket club is ready to serve its eager customers. They will be open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and from what I can gather (and have tasted) it is going to be an experience to savour. 

A big thank you to Head Chef Wesley Randles for his time and for allowing me a sneak peek of what is sure to become not only one of the Mother Cities Gem’s, but undoubtedly an additional peacock feather in our proud countries culinary cap.

-Melissa

Nomad winelands Stellenbosch

Do you guys know the Star Fish Story? Well here is the long and short of it. 

A wise man was walking along the beach and came across a young man throwing star fish back into the ocean. He asked the young man why he was doing so. The young man replied, 'the tide is going out an the sun is up. If I don't do it they will die.' The old man responded that he couldn't possibly make a difference as there is miles and miles of coast line covered with star fish. The young man picked up a star fish and threw it back in the ocean. As it hit the water he replied, "It made a difference to that one!" 

I guess that is what it is all about. I recently adopted this attitude and became flexitarian. I try to eat vegetarian as much as possible and save meat for special occasions. This attitude, combined with my thirst for trying new places, lead me to Nomad in Stellenbosch. Owned by Keri Bainborough, a passionate vegan, this little spot boasts a menu with that would satisfy the hungriest of farmers with a meaty option, but also - for a change - inspire and delight a vegan who hungers for a delicious food experience! The interior is modern but warm with a beautiful pizza oven as the main feature. We decided to sit out on the balcony over looking the dam. 

The order of the day for me was to have a three course vegan meal. I can safely say that every course was simply delicious and inspired. I had the sweet potato gnocchi served with crispy greens, sweet potato crisps and tomato broth – R75 to start and my mom had the Red quinoa falafel with pepper purée, confit cherry tomato, rocket and toasted pine nuts – R75. I cannot say no to a sweet potato! For mains I had the vegan burger with grilled aubergine, Moroccan olive pesto and vegan mozzarella – R95. My mom had the vegan curry which boasted full on coconut flavour and was really good! For my sweet tooth I had the vegan cheesecake served with blueberry compote and homemade ice cream - R60. The menu reminded me that with a little creativity and thought I could create amazing meals at home that didn't contain any animal by product! It really can be a bit of a trip if you think about it. Most people have the response of "all they eat is bunny food" but Nomad is proving that this is not the case. I even had vegan cheesecake and ice cream. 

So next time you find yourself in the area pop in and try something vegan. Make a difference to that one star fish. 

Here are the details if you want to make a booking: 
Call: 0218652456
Email: info@nomadrestaurant.co.za

-Melissa

The Conservatory Cellars Hohenort

I once read a saying, “You don’t have to have a silver spoon in your mouth to enjoy good food”

The last few weeks I have made a commitment to myself. It’s a commitment to start eating at the wonderful places Cape Town has to offer. I am on a food journey and that also means I cannot become a creature of habit, which for me is very easy to do.  I like value for the money I spend, so I tend to eat at the same spots all the time. I also realise that this is a silly habit. Why? Simply because all the odd coffees and random meals quickly add up to being able to eat at some of the best places Cape Town has to offer!

So this is my new adventure, to get out there and try something new.

My first stop was The Conservatory at Cellars Hohenort.

This restaurant is really something special. As you walk into the dining room there is a tree that is over 100 years old in the center of the room in cased by glass walls. You can look in on this majestic giant and the energy it offers the room is peaceful and calming. I really enjoyed sipping on my wine while watching the squirrels dart around on the tree. It feels like Cellars Hohenort has really respected nature and in fact, embraced it. The service is sharp and the dining experience 5 class.

I often get asked about the price of the experience and I must say they are brilliant for the amazing food that gets served up by the phenomenal Peter Tempelhoff and his team! I moved my way through the whole menu and there was not a moment of disappointment! The cheese soufflé (R95) is a must along with the confit duck (R195), which was all washed down with a crisp Chenin Blanc (my favourite.) The desserts were well thought out and the flavours spot on and it all was so well translated in the presentation. I had the banoffie marquis R70 which was not only beautiful to look at but also to eat!

After lunch I took a long slow walk through the gardens. It felt like I was walking with giants and I could not help but wonder the stories they could tell. To see the gardens is a treat and a perfect way to end an experience of world class dining!

So next time you want to spend money on an average take out, think of this; maybe if you save that money just twice you could end up experiencing something not only a different, but also something great!

If you would likt to book (which I recommend) here are the details: Tel: +27 (0) 21 794 2137

-Melissa

Inside and You're Out

If there is one thing I am a huge fan of, it is a good burger! Marked by a bright orange door on Bree Street next to the Red Bull Studios is a burger bar that not only has an inspirational story but also serves up one of the tastiest burgers in town! Inside & You’re Out is a unique name. Their burgers are pretty unique too - the artisan cheese of your burger is on the inside of the patty, making it a juicy mouthful with a different spin. But, where did the idea for IYO come from?

The owners Jonah Lewis and Jean-Marc Lenferna de la Motte started the company in 2013 at the tender age of 22. Inspired by wanting to serve ethically sourced food and creating a business that gives back in terms of being eco-friendly, the pair set out to create one of the best burgers in Cape Town and that is exactly what they did winning the Mercedes Eat Out Best Burger in the Western Cape 2015.

The atmosphere is chilled and the menu varies from small bites to burgers, salads, sides and sweets. The burgers are forever changing, as the Chef Jean-Marc likes to keep things fresh in the kitchen. My personal favourite is the Dew Truffles (R98) and sweet potato fries , and do not get me started on the Oreo cheesecake served with the perfect side of milk! (R50) IYO stocks a great variety of local beers and now has a deli with delicious local products! Get the theme? Support local!

So next time you are around Bree Street pop in and try these burgers! With exciting developments, such as expanding the restaurant and opening a bar, these guys are the ones to watch! I look forward to a bright future, one as bright as the orange from Inside & You’re Out!

Here are the details: 103 Bree Street upstairs, Cape Town CBD 8001

-Melissa

Dalliance - V & A waterfront

Tucked away in the V&A Waterfront on what they call the Golden Mile is a sweet spot called Dalliance. Owned by the Kove Collection this restaurant has the slogan “a little love affair” and that is exactly what it is.

The principle behind the urban eatery is that you order tapas and share. This concept might seem foreign to most people as we are used to ordering a meal to have for ourselves. Initially I had slight anxiety that a few tapas would not fill me, as I am not exactly your salad loving kind of girl. The Chef Junaid Patrick and his wonderful selection of tapas soon laid my fears to rest. The menu boasts several dishes that I can highly recommend - and that doesn’t often happen. 

 While working my way through the menu I was impressed by the outstanding service from the waiters and their knowledge on the food. I like it when I have several questions that I can fire at the waiter and he can answer me immediately. It shows the staff is well trained and that there is communication between the Chef and the waiters.  

The menu is divided into seafood, meat, vegetarian and sweets. It’s a simple layout with delicious options and I suggest ordering from all the varieties. I must say, the vegetarian spread is well thought out and the goat’s cheese salad is a must try!

The décor is classy and modern and left me impressed. You can view the staff working with your food, which is always a plus for me.  Dalliance also has a great selection of cocktails that I attempted to make my way through and everyone was as tasty as the last!

My top five dishes:

Garlic Prawns R105
Dukka spiced tuna R90
Fillet béarnaise R115
Goats Cheese R50
Chocolate beignet R60

This post is sponsored by Dalliance, opinions are my own.

If you want to make a booking here are the details:

Tel: +27 (0) 21 418 1037
Email: info@dalliancerestaurant.co.za

Shop 7216A, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town, South Africa

Opening Hours:
Monday to Sunday, 11am to 11pm

-Melissa