TH: ****
GS: ****
RL: ****
BH: ****
Average Rating: ****
Caveau is one of my favourite restaurants – the food never disappoints and the wine list impresses again and again. And so, when it became time to do our “C” review, it was a natural choice. Two branches, conveniently situated in the heart of Cape Town and the middle of Newlands, respectively, both offer the same excellent dining experience. We decided to visit the Heritage Square branch for our “official” review. This branch is in a well maintained historic building just off the Heritage Square parking area, and offers open air seating on a street side terrace, as well as an intimate indoors seating with dark wood and warm leather seating.
Things however got off to a rough start. I’d seen a Sushi special advertised in their newsletter, promising a 12 piece platter accompanied by 3 wines for R150 per head, so we grabbed a table in the sun and ordered away. We quickly discovered that this wasn’t available at the Caveau restaurant, but rather only at the attached Caveau Deli – and we couldn’t order it whilst seated at the outside terrace section. We moved indoors to a quaint and sunny enclosed courtyard – it looked perfect for an afternoon’s late lunch. We wanted dinner though, and with members of the party not all wanting Sushi and the limited selection available through the Deli menu, we quickly found ourselves seated back in the restaurant again, and clamouring for drinks and a menu.
The menu came along shortly, although it didn’t arrive as much as it was stood up adjacent to the table. The Caveau menu is handwritten on a blackboard and changes daily – it offers a selection of Tapas and slightly larger mains courses. Our options on the day had something for everyone, and our problem was one of too much choice. We alleviated this a bit by ordering a variety of tapas to start, and sharing them around the table. This was a great success, with nothing going unappreciated. Specifically, the saffron risotto with wild mushrooms and lamb koftas won acclaim from around the table. Come time to order mains, here was some heated negotiation around who could order the veal with saffron mash and the grilled sole with a wasabi mayonnaise – as it turned out, the sole was perfection, whilst the veal was slightly overcooked and tough.
As an establishment, Caveau is as much about the wine as it is about the food – their wine list is extensive, detailed and like the menu, it’s difficult to choose from so many appealing options. Thankfully, their wide selection of wines by the glass means you don’t have to. And at a full third of the bottle to the glass, I’d heartily recommend ordering this way – there are some fantastic discoveries to be made and you never feel cheated. In particular, the Vin d’Orrance Chardonnay and the Jordan Blanc Fume stood out, although the Tamboerskloof Shiraz has never failed to please with its welcoming fruitiness and warmth.
A comparison of the two restaurants might be in order – both offer the same excellent food and generous wine list, but the ambience at the Josephine Mill branch is a definite win. It’s fun and lively without being pretentious, whilst retaining a degree of classic elegance which is less pronounced in the Heritage Square restaurant. Josephine Mill offers an upstairs wine bar, indoors restaurant as well as outside seating adjacent to the Liesbeeck river, with an awning for protection from the worst of the rain and sun, and heating for colder evenings. Waitering staff at both are friendly, helpful and know the ever-changing menu well
Ambiance: ***
Service: ****
Food: ****
Wine: ****
Bathrooms: ***
Caveau Wine Bar & Deli - Heritage Square / 92 Bree Street / Heritage Square / Cape Town / Tel: 021 422 1367 / Email: info@caveau.co.za / www.caveau.co.za
Caveau Wine Bar & Deli - The Mill / 13 Boundary Road / Newlands / Cape Town / Tel: 021 685 5140 / Email: themill@caveau.co.za / www.caveau.co.za
After a recent trip to the other side of the county RL and I returned to Cape Town with a need to touch base with the city and the delicious foods it offers. We were also in the mood to try something new. What can we say - we love to bring our adoring public updates on our culinary experiences.
221 Waterfront is a classically elegant new dining establishment in Cape Town’s tourist hub, the V&A Waterfront. But do not let this deter you if you’re a local as, although the prices are in line with 221’s upmarket status, they won’t break the bank.
Dishes range from sushi and entrees to a variety of seafood, meat and poultry dishes. The dessert options are a little on the thin side, but I thoroughly enjoyed my Baked Bree starter and 221 Fillet. The Baked Bree was beautifully presented as a trio of phyllo pastry parcels, and the cheese perfectly matched with a delicious mango syrup and cracked pepper. The fillet was “grilled to perfection”, tender and surprisingly large for the price of R130. It too was combined with an exciting and well thought out sauce which you’d have to try for yourself.
RL enjoyed her Fresh Asparagus starter which came with a warm and subtle Hollandaise sauce, but unfortuntately found the Trio of Risotto Balls dry and flavourless. Dispite this unlucky choice, we would both recommend giving the restaurant a try.
221 Waterfront / Upper Level / Victoria Wharf / Shop 221 / V&A Waterfront / Cape Town /
Tel: 021 418 3633
Posted on: December 23rd, 2008 BHCarlyle’s
An incredibly popular spot in Devil’s Peak, Cape Town, Carlyle’s is well known for their casual, friendly atmosphere and delicious pizzas. (And you know how much we like - and judge - our pizzas!) Be sure to try the Thai Chicken for a surprisingly sweet, and tasty treat. You can even choose to upgrade this option to prawn instead of chicken, or do half half!
Carlyle’s also copes perfectly with large groups and makes some mean pastas, salads and desserts. In summer, numerous fans keep the small downstairs section cool, allowing the guests to heat things up themselves with flirtatious banter and carefree laughter.
Upstairs boasts a bar and tv for those who don’t want to miss their sporting events with a cold beer in hand, while the remaining space and outside section are perfect for chilling with friends over a few drinks.
Much like the restaurant, service is capable and relaxed, and you’re sure to find the prices reasonable.
Carlyle’s / 17 Derry Street / Cape Town / Tel: 021 461 8787
Posted on: December 5th, 2008 RLBizerca
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Posted on: December 5th, 2008 RLAubergine
See Featured Restaurants.
In our quest to find the best pizza in Cape Town (as if anyone could compare to Butler’s) and bring you cool little spots for a quick bite, BH and I decided to try out Chiappini’s Pizza in Green Point, an establishment brought to us by the same group that owns Cafe Manhattan in De Waterkant. (Look out for “Russel” their sketchy man logo).
Anyway, we popped in after work one evening, but unfortunately I think this establishment is probably more of a lunch spot. Granted, we were there at a rather strange time, but the place was completely empty with one lonely manager hanging out in the bar section.
Never-the-less, BH and I are not shy individuals so we happily took a seat as the only patrons in the tastefully decorated room. And I’m rather glad we did. The selection of meals, which ranges from pizzas and pastas to salads, is small but well thought out with some classic combonations balanced by some more adventurous flavours. Everything looked delicious and we had a tough time choosing.
The pizzas are served on a paper thin base, which I personally love, and the ingredients looked fresh and tasty. They were also even distributed, which I think is an important characteristic of a good pizza. Luckily, I enjoyed the pizzas as much as their decriptions, so, although we needed to add a little salt to bring out the flavours, we were well satisfied.
With a few more bodies, the atmosphere would have been great, so I’ll happily recommend Chiappini’s, although I recommend trying it for lunch or later in the evening.
Chiappini’s Pizza and Pasta / 30 Chiappini Street / Green Point / Tel: 021 421 5666 / www.chiappinis.co.za
I’m a long standing fan of the Wang Thai. Consistently good Thai food and decent service for a reasonable price – what more could you ask for?
Situated in the basement of a small shopping/restaurant complex just off Constantia Road next to Groot Constantia Winefarm, you’d be forgiven for missing Wang Thai altogether. Keep an eye out for the signage above the narrow staircase that descends into the darkness below. Don’t worry, you’ll be greeted with warm smiles from the Thai-dressed hostess and waiters below, and the interior of the restaurant might not have a view, but its cosy intimacy more than makes up for this. We have had the odd bad experience with damp smells coming from the display cabinets (one of the downsides of being in a basement we suspect), but this has not been the norm and moving to a different (less pungent) table was gladly accommodated. The interior could, admittedly, use updating, as it’s getting a little shabby, even in the dark.
The main draw card, however, is the food (as it should be). Don’t leave without trying the Satay Chicken skewer starter, and the Spinach Cones (a do-it-yourself wrap using spinach leaves with various fillings to choose from) are fun, fresh and delicious. Be warned – the chef likes his curries hot, and even mild Green Curries are served spicy, so as to show the true flavour of the curry. There is always the option of some extra coconut milk on the side to cool it down, if you’re not into hot food. Various non-spicy dishes are also available, from several oyster sauce dishes, to the deliciously tender ostrich medallions. Give the deserts a miss – they have never been up to the standard of the rest of the food. Coming from someone with a definite sweet-tooth, this says a lot.
A fairly standard wine list is available, and corkage is reasonable, should you choose to bring your own.
Overall a fantastic place to grab a good meal on those nights you just can’t face getting into the kitchen yourself.
Wang Thai / High Constantia House / Constantia Road / Constantia / Tel: 021 794 0022
The Forrester’s Arms, affectionately known as Forries by…well…pretty much everyone, is the epitome of a neighbourhood pub. A favourite amongst UCT students, it’s a popular place to stop off, have a draught, and watch whichever seasonal sport is playing on the numerous TV’s. On big game nights it can be crowded and raucous, so if you’re not into that, give those times a miss. When it is busy (which tends to be most evenings) it’s advisable to order drinks directly from the bar, as service is slow to non-existent unless you’re eating.
The décor is traditional with wood-panelling, several heavy, wooden bars complete with polished draught taps, and a roaring fire in winter. The main summer draw card is the pretty back garden, tree-filled and shady in typical Newlands style, and popular with young families at lunchtime. There’s also a small playground with a jungle gym for the kids (or the more intoxicated adults).
The food is fairly typical pub-style, with the surprising addition of some decent seafood dishes, such as the mussels in a cream sauce served in a potjie pot, or the deep-fried calamari strips.
Forrester’s Arms / Newlands Avenue / Newlands / Cape Town
Posted on: December 4th, 2008 THBertha’s
Situated right on the water’s edge in the Simonstown Waterfront, Bertha’s could not ask for a better setting. Unfortunately, like so many restaurants with beautiful views, they have fallen into the trap of coasting along on the reputation of their surroundings, and allowed the actual restaurant to fall into disrepair. The shabby wooden panelling, worn ceramic tile floors and scratched, table-cloth-free café tables are far more suited to an old-age home dining room, than a reputable (and not altogether inexpensive) restaurant.
If, however, you can ignore the dilapidated décor and focus on the (lime green faux leather) menu, you will notice a wide variety of food on offer, from seafood to steaks to burgers and pastas. Keep an eye out for their daily specials. I took advantage of the “Kilo of Prawns” and my R99 could not have been put to a better use. In general the prices are what one would expect from an average city steak house – think around R115 for a fillet with sauce.
The food is good, not exceptional, but the views are beautiful, the atmosphere casual and lively, and the service friendly and fast. Somebody get this restaurant a makeover, because under the grunge lies a gem ready to be uncovered.
Bertha’s / Quayside Centre / 1 Wharf Road / Simonstown / Western Cape / Tel: (021) 786 2138/48 / www.berthas.co.za
Posted on: December 2nd, 2008 RLBeluga
I have to admit it. I am a Beluga groupie. I love the vibe, the food, the people, the unmistakable energy. Sure, the service may be a little up and down depending on the waiter you get, but you’re sure to have a good time.
Friday evenings pump in the outside café section, so if you’re looking for somewhere a little quieter, rather book for later in the restaurant itself. The restaurant space, although large, has an intimate, romantic and elegant feel and any date or dining partner is sure to feel treated.
This is further complimented by the fine food. Each dish, from the starters, main and sushi to the desserts, is beautifully presented with the flavours balanced from one bite to the next. Believe me, this is no easy task in a restaurant of this size! Some of my favourite dishes include the Cheese Soufflé, Salmon Lasagne, Lamb Shank and the Wild Mushroom Gnocchi. The Steaks are, of course, also excellent and always served “to perfection”, as they say. Definitely worth a try.
Wine is another contributing factor to this restaurant’s success. Like the dishes, there is a huge selection available, and you’re sure to find something to suit your mood and tastes. There’s even a wine attic above the bar, which you can choose to visit, or book out for your own private function.
My verdict is that Beluga restaurant is a must visit location for locals and tourists alike. Although service may be sketchy at times, the food is delicious, wines varied and prices fair. Sit back, relax and enjoy one of the best restaurants Cape Town has to offer.
Beluga Restaurant / The Foundry / Prestwich Street / Green Point / Cape Town /
Tel: 021 418 2948 / Email: info@beluga.co.za / www.beluga.co.za
