If you are looking for a quick, easy to make starter then my Smoked Peppered Mackerel Pate, is simply perfect! The idea for this recipe, came from my darling sister in-law, in the UK. [Read more…]
Dash Restaurant and Bar {Review}
Grant and I recently found overselves at Dash Restaurant and Bar for a romantic lunch! With life being so busy, it is not something we get to do very often but it was complete bliss.
Dash Restaurant and Bar
You will find Dash Restaurant and Bar in the popular V&A Waterfront, in Cape Town. This hidden gem is tucked away in the unique Queen Victoria Hotel. The five-star boutique hotel, is an intimate space with gorgeous interiors and creative flare!
Dash restaurant at the Queen Victoria Hotel, is named after the Queen’s favourite pet. The space however is not what I would describe as cute and fluffy but rather the epitome of sophisticated fine dining. The 36-seater restaurant offers diners an elegant yet relaxed experience, with a touch of drama in the presentation of the well-crafted menu.
We started off our lunch with a wonderfully boozy cocktail! Their signature pomegranate cocktail was wickedly delicious. If we did not have to hit the shops after lunch, I would definitely have had two!
For starters Grant decided on the Soup of the Day, which happened to be his favourite, a spiced Butternut Soup! The cheesy toasties were perfect for dunking.
My starter was a rather colourful Caprese Salad, with a selection of tomatoes and rustic ciabatta croutons. It looked like summer on a plate!
I really loved the creative presentation of each dish and Grants main was definitely the dish of the day! The Salmon with Sticky Soy Glazed Fish Cakes and Apple and Mustard Seed Chutney was as beautiful to look at, as it was to eat!
My Sirloin Steak, served with textures of mushrooms, sweet and sour cabbage and sweet potato fries was as scrumptious! I particularly loved the earthy mushrooms, which complimented the steak really well.
Naturally we could not leave with trying a desert! The Vanilla Créme Brûlee was everything a desert should be, decadent, yet balanced and not too sweet! The shortbread biscuits and tart black cherries were a real treat.
We both really enjoyed our meal at Dash Restaurant and Bar and were quite sad that it had to come to an end! I know we will definitely be back, maybe for dinner this time or even for a few of their amazing cocktails.
Contact Details and Location:
Contact Tel: +27 21 418 1466, Fax: +27 21 418 1475 or email [email protected]
Physical Address: Portswood Ridge, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa
Fabulous FranscHHoek Eating Out
Franschhoek is one of those places, that will steal your heart if you let it. If it does, you will be smitten forever! Exquisite natural beauty, world-class food and wine, as well as luxurious accommodation make it a perfect destination. [Read more…]
Majeka House Afternoon Tea
Majeka House Afternoon Tea
I have always preferred coffee as my hot beverage of choice, until very recently, when I discovered the wonder that is loose leaf tea!
Afternoon Tea – another recent revelation for me, has definitely become an art form! It is an occasion to be lingered over and enjoyed with like-minded individuals, who appreciate the pure artistry involved.
Taking tea in the afternoon, dates back to the early 19th century, when the seventh Duchess of Bedford, invited London socialites to stylish soirées. Invited guests would enjoy a selection of teas and dainty sweet and savoury eats, as a mid-afternoon pick-me-up.
I was recently invited to Majeka House, to experience their first offering of Afternoon Tea. This was my first visit to Majeka House, which in and of itself was rather exciting!
Majeka House
Majeka House is situated in historical town of Stellenbosch, in the Cape. It is the ideal spot, to use as a base to explore this beautiful area! Majeka House offers guests luxurious accommodation, wonderful service, a sophisticated bar and restaurant, as well as a professionally run spa – what more can one ask for?
Majeka House Afternoon Tea
Majeka House is continuing the civilized tradition of old, with the introduction of their very own decadent afternoon teas. Majeka House Afternoon Tea is served everyday between 2.30pm and 5pm but booking is essential. No matter the occasion, tea at Majeka House will be an exclusive, personal affair, with five-star service to match!
The Experience
In honour of the first ever Majeka House Afternoon Tea, tea expert Mingwei was invited to perform an authentic Taiwanese tea ceremony for us.
This was my first authentic tea ceremony and I loved every minute of it! We learnt so much about the history of tea making and drinking, as well as the amazing health properties of tea.
Inspired by the colours and flavours of Green Tea, Rooibos, Black Ceylon and Vanilla Ceylon teas, resident chef Tanja Kruger has created themed Afternoon Teas. On offer is a Green Tea, Red Berry, Chocolate and Vanilla themed Afternoon Tea.
Served individually on a tiered cake stand, guests can select one of the themed menus, which will be paired with the appropriate tea.
You can look forward to a selection, which may include: a Savoury Scone and Madeleine, an Éclair, Fruit Tartlet, Miniature Roulade, Macaroon (a house speciality), Meringue and Marshmallow.
All the teas we sampled were amazing but my favourites were the Cranberry Tea and the Blood Orange Tea. As far as the decadents eats go – my savoury favourite was the Salmon Mousse on Rye and sweet was the Frangipane and Apple Tart. Writing about it is making my mouth water!
The Majeka House Afternoon Tea is R200 per person, which includes a selection of loose leaf teas, and a coffee or a glass of sparkling wine.
For those looking for something even more special, Afternoon Tea can be combined with a relaxing spa treatment at the fabulous Majeka House Spa. The price of R700 per person, includes a 30 minute Back, Neck and Shoulder Massage, a 30 minute Express Facial, the use of the Hotel’s beautiful indoor swimming pool, Jacuzzi, Sauna and Steam Room (before and after treatments), and the Majeka House Afternoon Tea experience.
Contact Details & Location:
Afternoon Tea is available daliy but booking is essential: Call 021 880 1549; or email Majeka House. Majeka House, Spa and Makaron restaurant is situated at 26-32 Houtkapper Street, Paradyskloof, Stellenbosch. For more information, you can visit the Majeka House Website.
Image Credit: 1,4,5,6,7,8,9,10 ©FAR Photography{Inspired Living SA} and 2 & 3 Majeka House
Disclosure Ranking:4
Terroir New Winter Menu
Terroir at Kleine Zalze ~
When the invitation to visit Terroir Restaurant, at Kleine Zalze, arrived in my inbox, I was over the moon! Disgracefully I have never been to Terrior before, so it was definitely high time I got there.
Just to mention one important fact before I discuss the new Terroir Winter Menu – I absolutely adore Kleine Zalze red wines, I would go as far as to say that they are among my favourite, favourites!
About Terroir ~
Terroir restaurant opened its doors in October 2004 and has since become one of the most sought-after gourmet destinations in the Cape Winelands, placing Stellenbosch prominently on the culinary map.
The restaurant is located on Kleine Zalze, a family owned wine farm in Stellenbosch, which has risen to prominence both in South Africa and internationally, thanks in particular to its award-winning Chenin Blanc and Shiraz wines.
I was quite surprised that the interior at Terroir is rather understated, what I would call country elegance – not pretentious at all! I am not sure exactly what I was expecting but I think something a bit more stuffy. The surprise was rather pleasant and I found the atmosphere warm and inviting.
Terroir recently celebrated its 10th anniversary with the launch of ‘Terroir –the Cookbook’ (Struik Lifestyle), which depicts the synergy between the restaurant’s deceptively simple food and the highly acclaimed wines of Kleine Zalze.
The Chef ~
Terroir Head Chef Michael Broughton’s cooking style is grounded in classical French techniques and his trademark sauces have become the cornerstone of the award-winning chalkboard menu.
Since opening in 2004, Terroir, thanks to their inspired chef, has achieved an Eat Out ‘Top 10’ restaurant award eight years out of 10 – a remarkable achievement in the Cape. Readers of Condé Nast Traveler US have just voted Cape Town as their third best food city in the world.
Even though Terroir is very popular with international vistors, Michael had loyal, local customers in mind, when creating the new Winter Plates offering, in addition to the a la carte menu.
I want to portray warmth, comfort and generosity on the plate, while still offering value for money. The Winter Plate is a hearty meal in itself, but it may just as easily form part of a two-or three-course meal simply by choosing extra courses from the a la carte menu. It really depends on the occasion or how hungry you are. ~ Michael Broughton.
Winter Plates ~
The Winter Plate selection includes a choice of Dry Aged Angus Sirloin or Fish of the Day, which is complemented by a glass of Kleine Zalze Vineyard Selection wine.
Winter Plates are served with inspired accompaniments. To die for roast potatoes, twice-cooked fries or roasted root vegetables accompany the steak and a crunchy winter salad or a ragout of tomatoes, white beans and mussels, pair well with the fish. Accompaniments will change throughout the season, depending on the produce available.
Chalkboard A la Carte Menu ~
To wet our appetite, before the main tasting, we were presented with freshly baked bread and a selection of delicious canapes.
For starters we had the Fried Buffalo Mozzarella, Grapefruit, Brown Butter and Baby Beets. A delicious combination of creamy cheese and the earthy flavour of baby beets. The starter was paired with the Kleine Zalze Barrel Fermented Chardonnay, which complemented the dish beautifully!
Wintry newcomers to the chalkboard menu include a starter of braised chicken wings with corn, ginger, miso and boudin blanc as well as a Vietnamese-style Pho, given the Terroir touch.
The Pho was an aromatic combination of Fillet of Angus Beef, Egg Noodles, Foie Gras, Sprouts, Greens and Tofu and was paired with the Kleine Zalze Cellar Selection Pinotage 2012.
I have always loved the combination of fresh egg noodles, crunchy greens and a punchy broth. A pho may be a humble dish, but the same fundamental cooking foundations I believe in still apply. ~ Michael Broughton.
Main courses include a succulent springbok pie with corn and curry butter, roast chicken with foie gras, truffle and mushroom and lamb two ways with yoghurt cream, smoked paprika and mint oil.
We tasted the Springbok Pie, with Bacon, Baby Veg, Curry Butter and a Slice of Loin, for mains. It was utterly divine and definitely my favourite dish of the day!
The Springbok Pie was paired with my favourite Kleine Zalze Vineyard Selection – Shiraz!
For dessert we enjoyed a sophisticated but fun take on a classic Rum Baba, made instead with with Cognac and served with Marshmallow Ice Cream, Chamomile Jellies, and ‘Tie-dye’ Pineapple. I must admit I was a bit concerned that the marshmallow ice cream would be too sweet but it was absolutely heavenly! Desert was served with the Muratie Amber Forever 2013 desert wine.
Alternatively you can end your meal with Roast Pear, Hazelnut Cannoli, Chocolate Sorbet and Orange Cream.
Whether a Winter Plate or a multi-course feast from the a la carte menu, the creation of every dish produced in Terroir’s kitchen speaks of authenticity and provenance, and is a labour of love. ~ Terroir
I highly recommend you try the new Terroir winter menu! It was an absolutely delicious introduction to this wonderful restaurant!
The Winter Plate includes a generous glass of award-winning Kleine Zalze Vineyard Selection wine (a choice of red or white) and costs R195 per person. It is available, together with the a la carte chalkboard menu, for lunch and dinner, from 1 May 2015 to 30 September 2015, Monday to Sunday (including Sunday lunch). {Not available to tables or groups of 9 pax or more.}
To reserve a table, call 021 880-8167 or email Terroir.
You can also take advantage of the 2015 Winter Special: Eat & Stay at Kleine Zalze Lodge , which Includes 1 Night Accommodation at the Lodge, Winter Plates at Terroir and more, starting from R650 p/p – for details check out the Kleine Zalze Blog.
Photo Credit: 1,2,3 Terroir, 4 – 13 © FAR Photography {Inspired Living SA}
Disclosure Ranking:4
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