Posted on: April 28th, 2011 RLVoila!
Voila! in the Cape Quarter is one of my favourite, relaxed cafe spots. Located in the central courtyard, this restaurant is surrounded with buzz and atmosphere, has good service and, on a day with clear weather, is the perfect place to chill, have some coffee, a little lunch and partake in some serious people watching.
Their breakfasts and cakes are always firm favourites, but I’ve also found their pastas and new Butter Chicken Wrap greatly enjoyable. For a bit of fun try the Hot Dog - a large baguette with tasty Frankfurter, wrapped in paper, and served with 3 sauces.
Voila! / Shop 42 / The Square / Cape Quarter / 27 Somerset Road / Green Point / Tel: 021 421 1237 / Email: info@voilarestaurant.co.za / www.voilarestaurant.co.za
Eating Alphabetically is pleased to announce that you could win a double set of complimentary tickets (x2) to the PnP Taste of Cape Town Festival on Thursday 5, May or Friday 6, May. (Please note that this gets you free access into the venue and does not include crowns or a Taste wine glass.)
For those who don’t already know, Taste of Cape Town brings together 14 of Cape Town’s top restaurants to serve their fabulous, trend-setting signature dishes that have made them so popular with foodies, critics and basically anyone who appreciates good food. The impressive list of participating restaurants includes; Bistro 1682, Pierneef a La Motte, Societi Bistro, Signal, Planet Restaurant, Fyndraai, Gold and Nobu - to name just a few – guaranteeing that there will be something sensational on offer to appeal to every palate and taste.
If you would like to win 2 tickets to this event, simply join our facebook page, and email info@eatingalphabetically.comthe answer this easy question: How many restaurants will be participating in the PnP Taste of Cape Town?
Terms and Conditions:
Winners will be notified by email on Friday, 29th April 2011. Judges decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into. Prizes may not be exchanged for cash. Winners must present proof of ID when collecting their tickets from the Media and Competition Desk at the Festival.
For more information visit www.tasteofcapetown.com
UPDATE:
Congrats to Kara Bresgi, the winner of our double set of complimentary tickets!
Posted on: April 17th, 2011 RLOverture
The EA Team was recently invited to dine at Overture at the Hidden Valley Wine Estate. I’d love to be able to say that we went incognito, but alas, it didn’t quite turn out that way. Keep that in mind when reading our latest review for, as much as we enjoyed our time at Overture, it’s possible we were looking at this fine establishment through somewhat rose-coloured glasses.
Disclaimer taken care of, lets move onto the good stuff.
As you wind your way up the Hidden Valley drive and across the walkway of the stylish, yet still vernacular estate building, you can’t help but notice the fantastic view. Tucked away from even the hustle and bustle of Stellenbosch, the environment surrounding Overture is relaxed, quiet and warmly inviting. Be warned however, it can get incredibly hot, so be sure to dress lightly on warm summer days.
Luckily, the restaurant is well positioned, and while you might over-heat in the wine tasting area, Overture itself experiences a pleasant breeze below a weathered, rustic wood pergola on the veranda. The “interiors” are tastefully appointed; natural colours with hints of mustards, highlighted with crisp whites in the form of detailed linen while small touches of wood in the form of novel side plates, lend a sophisticated but still relaxed air to the table settings.
Much like the decor, the menu shows restraint in both design and dish selection and allows you to choose from a 3 Course, 4 Course or full Tasting Menu option. Each of these is available for pairing with a wine per course. An additional option worth looking into, as the wine by the bottle selection is a little pricey, with no lower range wines on offer. Then again, when you make your way the distance to Overture, “saving” probably isn’t, and shouldn’t be, your greatest concern. Rather sit back, treat yourself, and enjoy the experience.
We were lucky enough to be treated to a 5 hour lunch and full tasting menu of almost every dish available, with wine pairings, and can safely report that, no matter which course, or wine option you select, you’re sure to enjoy the culinary delights.
To tease your palate, guests are treated to an amuse bouche of Hot Wings. Yes, you heard right; following Chef Bertus Basson’s belief that food should be enjoyed for its flavours and the general love of food, even in upmarket restaurants, he presents you with this good, wholesome indulgence and expects you to dine with you fingers. Not that anybody seems to mind. In keeping with his culinary skill however, the wings themselves are perfectly crisp and delicately spiced, with just the right amount of heat. They are then served casually on a wooden board, much like the side plates, and presented with a dipping sauce to complete the dish. The sauce, somewhat of a surprise in flavour, accompanied the Hot Wings well, but would have been equally as tasty with a fish dish.
Following this course was a range of Starters, including Braised Rabbit and Foie Gras Terrine, Pole-caught Tuna Niçoise and Mushroom Risotto. The Terrine, a rich, but well-balanced dish, presented a new texture and flavour with every bite while the Tuna Niçoise was a pleasing take on the usual salad. Fresh tuna sashimi, accompanied by crunchy green beans, red onion and quail egg, made for a visually appealing and light dish. The Risotto again intrigued us as every bite brought new flavours. Each individual element from the risotto itself, to the smoked garlic and Buffalo Ridge mozzarella, although “good” on their own, really came into themselves when combined with each other element.
The Main course brought a wonderful Sole Petit Pois, my personal favourite of the day, and a Five Spice Pork Belly with sour fruit salad and coconut rice. Both these dishes really stand out as incredibly works of culinary skill. The Sole was perfectly cooked and well balanced with roughly chopped bacon, which added a touch of salt to the meal, and olive tapenada. I was particularly impressed that the tapenada didn’t over-power the dish, which can so easily, and so often does, happen. The Pork Belly came complete with crackling so well rendered that even those of us who usually turn away from “bubble-gum-chewable-pork-fat”, tucked in with enjoyment. The Pork Belly itself was rich, flavoursome and meaty. A definite winner.
We were then treated to a pre-dessert donut. Our full bellies groaned at even this small addition, but our taste buds delighted in the light, airy pastry and its surrounding creamy yoghurt. And then, the coup de grace; the Vanilla Profiteroles and Cheese Platter. The Profiteroles were again light and airy, but with a creamy, custardy centre that was only outdone by the rich, dark chocolate sauce. Again, a dish that compliments the philosophy of simple, but enjoyable, dining. The Cheese Platter rounded off the meal well, but be warned, if you don’t like blue cheese, this probably isn’t the right choice for you.
Over and above this epic dining experience, I also have to remark that the service throughout the meal was impeccable. Each and every server involved, from the bus boys and waiters to the managers and wine steward, managed to find a perfect balance between professional, unassuming and friendly. When you needed help, they were there; when you needed information, it was provided; when you wanted to be left alone to appreciate the food and company, you were miraculously alone. In truth, every upmarket restaurant should aspire to the level of customer care that we enjoyed that day and I would like to believe that every guest at Overture receives the same service.
The afternoon was completed only by a chat with Chef and Owner, Bertus Basson; a gentleman who clearly loves what he does. A concept further reiterated by the slogan on the back of his shirt: “We do it cause we love it”. While many claim it, you can’t help but feel that Bertus lives it. At home in the wine estate surrounds, Bertus reminds us that dining is about enjoyment. It shouldn’t be overly forced, pretentious, or exclusive. Rather he feels that dining, even in an upmarket restaurant such as Overture, should be readily accessible and just plain good. A belief he is taking through into his newest endeavours.
Having experienced Overture for ourselves, Bertus clearly knows what he’s talking about, and we encourage all to take the plunge, make an afternoon of it, and visit Overture at least once.
Overture / Hidden Valley Wine Estate / Annandale Road / Stellenbosch / Tel: 021 880 2721 / Email: info@dineatoverture.co.za / www.dineatoverture.co.za
The Caviar Fine Food Deli is adding a selection of coffee brands and accessories to their store.
From mid April you can expect to find Caffitaly Capusule Coffee Machines, Ecaffe capsules, Saeco Domestic Coffee Machines and premium brand accessories. This comes just in time for winter - ensuring you can look forward to great cup of freshly home brewed java first thing to start your day.
Prices include:
Caffitaly Capsule Machines R2299.00
Saeco Domestic Machines R1999.00
Ecaffe Coffee and Beverage Capsules
Prezioso / Corposo / Intenso / Delicato / Cremoso R44.00
Morbido R45.00
Tea Al Limone (instant lemon tea) R46.00
Tea in Foglie (Natural tea) R46.00
E Ciok (Hot Cocoa) R61.00
Stunning milk frothers and cappuccino cups also available.
Caviar Fine Foods / Shop 6201 / V&A Waterfront / Tel: 021 418 0909 / Email: deli@caviar.co.za / www.caviar.co.za
By popular demand, the Jazz Brunches at Winchester Mansions continue to occur every Sunday from 11h00 – 14h00 at a cost of R195 per person.
After a frenzied weekend, unwind at Harveys restaurant in the seductive romantic courtyard or whilst overlooking the mesmerising Atlantic Seaboard from the terraces and enjoy live jazz shows performed by prominent local and international jazz artists. With a glass of fine wine on arrival, a complimentary Sunday newspaper and a brunch buffet that ranges from breakfast to scrumptious desserts, guests can also indulge in “braai” and sushi on the menu. All dishes are prepared by the Executive Chef Jochen Riedel and his team.
Creating the perfect mood in the unique setting of the Italian style courtyard, Harveys hosts various jazz artists from week to week, often showcasing new and upcoming talent.
The next few Jazz Brunches feature:
17th April – Andrew Lilley Trio featuring Monique Hellenberg
24th April - Jason Reolen, Wes Rustin and Maurice Gawronsky featuring Abigail
Peterson
To book a table and for more information, contact 021–434 2351 or email harveys@winchester.co.za.
A new restaurant has just opened up in the Waterfront, and although we haven’t tried it out yet, we thought you might like to know about it.
“Dash is the restaurant and bar offering at the Queen Victoria Hotel, named after the Queen’s favourite pet. Pioneered by highly acclaimed executive chef, Stephen Templeton, the 40-seat Dash offers patrons an elegant yet relaxed experience with a touch of drama in the presentation of his well-crafted menu. Taking his cue from the basis of all contemporary cuisine, a classic French style, Stephen focuses on the unique flavours of each ingredient, which, except for the caviar, are all sourced locally.
While Dash caters to guests of the Queen Victoria Hotel, it is also a stand-alone restaurant and bar that encourages patrons from near and far to enjoy its delectable cuisine. The bar is the perfect after-work drinks venue, with an extensive selection of single-malt whiskies and wines. The signature royal purple of the bar stools, the gleaming mirror ceilings and double-sided fireplace enhance the prevailing sense of wonder, together with the panoramic view in front of you.
The menu at Dash is concise and well priced, and changes every few weeks when new ingredients become available. Stephen and his team even went the extra mile to source a home-grown 18-month mature cheddar cheese called the Queen Victoria, which was sourced from a local dairy in Prince Albert.
The interiors of Dash complement the sense of drama Stephen achieves with the contents of the uneven, oval-shaped plates. The artwork is supplied by the Everard Read Gallery across from the Portswood precinct and every few months it is replaced with new work by local artists. The parquet wooden flooring, black leather seats, quirky black Gregor Jenkin tables, and other-worldly mirrored wall unite to create an intimate and provocative space. Stephen believes that going out to dine should be a formal occasion and have a theatrical element to it. Between the aesthetically pleasing dishes he has created and the dramatic interiors of Dash, this principle is expertly executed.” - From Dash Website
Breakfast: 7:00am - 11:00am, Monday to Sunday
Lunch: 12:30pm - 3:00pm, Monday to Sunday
Dinner: 7:00pm - 10:30pm (kitchen closes), Monday to Sunday
Dash Restaurant and Bar / Queen Victoria Hotel / Portswood Ridge / V&A Waterfront / Email: res@queenvictoriahotel.co.za / www.newmarkhotels.com/restaurants/dash-restaurant/
Available while stocks last, Sinns is offering the following tasty lunches for R50 this Autumn.
- Veal bratwurst and creamy mash
- Pepper steak, egg and chips
- Juicy Moroccan chicken breast burger
- Fresh Sinn’s gourmet salad
- Curried Asian chicken noodles
- Deep fried baby calamari
Due to popular demand Sinn’s will also be running their 3 Course Dinner Special with glass of wine at R150 per person. This offer includes a choice of 2 starters, a fish or meat main and a decadent dessert.
Sinn’s Restaurant / Wembley Square / Gardens / Cape Town / Tel: 021 465 0967 / Email: indulge@sinns.co.za / www.sinns.co.za
If you’re looking for a hot and happening breakfast spot, with substance to back up the hype, look no further than Caffé Milano. Situated in a typically unassuming (from the outside) Upper Kloof Street cottage, you’d be forgiven for missing the very small sign that announces Caffé Milano’s presence. You can’t, however, miss the constant stream of trendy people coming and going from the place from mid-morning onwards.
The (completely justified) pride and joy of this eatery are its fresh, handmade, traditional Italian pastries, by ex-Roundhouse pastry genius, Vanessa Quellec. If you have any hint of a sweet tooth, you’d be crazy not to try her incredible Sticky Buns - an absolute steal at R18. If you’re anything like me you’ll be sorely tempted to order a few extra to take home.
More savoury breakfast options (served till 12) are also available, at great prices. Think Eggs Benedict, Smoked Salmon Croissants, or eggs and bacon done any which way you choose.
Pair this with great coffee, freshly squeezed fruit juices, and a gorgeous interior, and then fill it with happy, busy people and you’ve got Caffé Milano.
Caffé Milano also serves lunches from 12, and tea and cake from 4pm.
We highly recommend.
Caffé Milano / 153 Kloof Street/ Cape Town / Tel: 021 426 5566
It’s that time of year again, and the restaurants are starting to bring out their winter menus. Catharina’s in the Steenberg Hotel has the following on offer:
2 Course set lunch menu at R165
3 Course lunch at R195
3 Course dinner at R215
(booking essential)
Catharina’s / Steenburg Hotel / Steenberg Golf & Wine Estate / Constantia / Tel: 021 713 2222 / Email: reservations@steenberghotel.com / www.steenberghotel.com/dine/catharina
