The Bistro at Klein Constantia

by Sandy Cadiz-Smith // February 22, 2018 // No Comments

Today we’re heading into the leafy Cape Town suburb of Constantia. And down a long and winding road to the historic Klein Constantia wine estate. It nestles on the upper foothills of the beautiful Constantiaberg and dates back to 1685.

Klein Constantia is famed for producing some of South Africa’s top wines including the famous Vin de Constance which was already recognised in the 18th and 19th centuries as one of the best sweet wines in the world. Jane Austen and Charles Dickens wrote about it and it was a favourite of Napoleon, King George IV and Bismarck. It is a wonderfully delicious after-dinner drink.

We were headed for lunch at newly opened The Bistro at Klein Constantia. A meander through the beautifully cool tasting room and we were showed to our table on the terrace under the shade of a Jacaranda tree looking out across the estate. So peaceful! Just where you want to chill out for lunch on a hot, sunny day.

What’s on the menu

The menu offers a choice of four starters, three mains, one dessert and a local cheese plate. And everything sounded delicious. We opted to share two starters between the three of us.

The coal-baked beetroot and Chèvre Frais salad was the perfect summer starter. The beautifully smokey beet was perfectly matched with the crispy leaves and the creamiest of goat’s cheese.

Beautifully fresh salad with the creamiest of cheese

Next up, this delectable country pork terrine. How I love a terrine, they take so much effort to make, it’s always a real pleasure to enjoy someone else’s handiwork. This was a particularly luscious one, served with the sweetest of relishes.

The tastiest terrine with a sweet relish

One of the main courses was vegetarian and had two of my favourite ingredients – asparagus and tomato – too good to resist. All topped with a beautiful hollandaise-style sauce and local aged Parmesan. The tomatoes were slow roasted and beautifully sweet and the silken sauce was the best accompaniment for the fresh, crunchy asparagus. I could eat this dish every day!

A wonderful plate of saucy asparagus

The Wagyu skirt steak was beautifully tender and flavoursome and served with crispy little shoestring potatoes and a delightful salsa verde. Classic Bistro food.

Tender steak and crispy shoestrings

For dessert we all shared the rich chocolate almond torte which was served with zesty lime cream and berries.

It’s torte time with fresh berries on the side

And we couldn’t resist also ordering a local cheese platter which came with amazing watermelon preserve and wonderful muscadel grapes from the estate.

The tasty selection of local cheese and fruit

It’s harvest time in the Constantia Valley and we watched truckloads of freshly picked grapes being delivered. Wonderful to see, knowing that they would soon be on their way to becoming my favourite of drinks.

Freshly harvested grapes are delivered.

I had to take this picture looking up towards the magnificent Jacaranda tree with the brilliant blue sky behind. Always look up I say!

Looking at the azure sky through Jacaranda leaves

And here’s the view as you’d drive out of the estate. As if it wasn’t already hard enough to drag yourself away!

Stunning vineyard and mountain views

Today’s price point

R400 for 3 courses

R300 for 2 courses

Wine starts at R200 a bottle

The Bistro is on Klein Constantia Wine Estate which is at the end of Klein Constantia Road in Constantia.

Our return visit to Beau Constantia

by Sandy Cadiz-Smith // February 17, 2018 // 2 Comments

I rarely blog about a restaurant twice – especially when the visits have been so close together. But today I’m making an exception with a return lunch at Beau Constantia’s Chef’s Warehouse. We had a fabulous lunch there in January which you can read about here. Today it was time to celebrate Terry’s birthday with lunch on the terrace overlooking the glorious valley and I had to share these stunning pictures with you.

I love the concept – Tapas for 2 – eight delicious dishes served as three courses. No decision making and a chance to try everything. Here’s what we tucked into.

The cold seared tuna was served on top of Moroccan-spiced aubergine, fresh milk curd and toasted cashews. I do love a bit of seared tuna and todays offering went perfectly with the Moroccan spices and the different textures combined to make for a delightful plate.

The tastiest of tuna with Moroccan flavours

The line fish sashimi was served with BBQ pineapple atchar, fried onion and curry leaf crumb and coconut cream. I loved the delicate flavour of the onion and curry leaf crumb and the light-as-a-feather topper.

Yellowtail sashimi with delicate curry flavours

Beef tartare came with a chilli and Madagascan black pepper dressing and sourdough croutons. One of the best tartares ever – there were tiny pieces of avo and mushrooms in the meat and the croutons were so light and crispy. Also loved the porcini dust which finished the dish.

The best beef tartare ever with hints of chilli and porcini

This place really knows how to make the perfect risotto! Last time it was mushroom, today we enjoyed a parsley risotto, with smoked bone marrow, salted lemon and pecan nut salsa and a red wine reduction. Spectacular! I loved its vibrant greenness and the hint of lemon from the salsa was a lovely surprise for the tastebuds.

Vibrant and comforting parsley risotto

My favourite dish of the day – the char grilled lamb rib was served topped with preserved tomato and Korean chilli dressing and with asiette of heirloom tomatoes and smoked milk ricotta. The lamb was slightly crisp and melt-in-the-mouth and the dressing added a real chilli kick. The tomatoes are always a joy at Chef’s Warehouse, today they had a wonderful smokiness and were topped with beautiful purple basil leaves.

My dish of the day: soft and crispy lamb rib

The flaky grilled hake came with a fried maize and ginger crumb, braised sushi rice and a toasted Szechuan and black pepper sauce. Beautifully sweet fish with a spiced sauce.

Sweet and spicy, flaky hake

The char grilled springbok was rare and tender and served with smoked pear and garlic puree, pickled pear, burnt butter and cassia bark jus. Such an attractive plate of food – with an added delicacy of deep fried Brussesl sprouts – so yummy.

Beautifully tender local springbok

Our charming waitress, Jess, informed us that the Chef changes a few of the dishes every week. So after about three weeks it’s completely different. I’d better book to go back then – you do have to book quite a bit in advance. Well, it is officially the fourth-best restaurant in South Africa. And certainly my favourite.

It was lovely sitting on the terrace on a lovely, still day. It’s often windy in Cape Town which can limit your al fresco dining opportunities. What a valley view it is.

The beautiful view in blues and greens

Today’s price point

Tapas for 2 is R700 for two people.

Chef’s Warehouse is at Beau Constantia wine estate, Constantia

SeaBreeze Fish & Shell on Bree Street

by Sandy Cadiz-Smith // February 6, 2018 // No Comments

Today we’re heading for lunch at SeaBreeze on Cape Town’s Bree Street. It’s a street on the edge of the City Bowl District (CBD) that I love meandering up and down. It’s home to our favourite pub The Crazy Horse (which sells English bitter to my husband’s delight), and plenty of bars, coffee shops, cafes and restaurants. It seems every year more open, yet none close so there’s even more to chose from. It’s all happening in Bree Street.

SeaBreeze Fish & Shell is up towards the mountain end of the street. Always handy when you have something as magnificent as Table Mountain to use as your landmark. It describes itself as “Celebrating the Mother City’s seafood heritage” – bring it on I say.

What’s on the menu

Of course it starts with with oysters. Three kinds in this case – Knysna (from the Garden Route), Saldhana (from the West Coast) and Luderitz (from Namibia). Everyone who loves oysters has their favourites, for me they can’t be too big or too creamy so it’s Knysna every time. They have that perfect just-from-the sea flavour.

Juicy, saltily delicious Knysna oysters

The grilled prawns came deshelled with red slaw, sesame mayo, chilli nuts and some crispy noodles on the side. The sesame mayo was a wonder, perfect to dip those plump prawns in and add a bit of crunch with nuts and noodles. As we were up for a long lunch we asked if we could finish our starters before we ordered our main courses, our waitress was more than happy to accommodate us. What this did mean is that one of our party liked the prawn starter so much she ordered it again as a main-course portion. Now there’s a good dish!

Tasty, fresh prawns with plenty of crunch

I love fresh tuna but can’t face it if it’s been even slightly overcooked. I don’t know it seems to take most of the flavour out and and also gives it a mushy sort of texture, terrible way to ruin a beautiful piece of fresh tuna. So I was happy to hear the words: “Well done, medium, rare or blue” when asked how I wanted mine cooked. Blue is the answer obviously. And this is what I got. A perfectly seared plate of delicious tuna served with charred cos, anchovies, quails egg and tomatoes.

Perfectly seared blue tuna

And now for something different – fish bunny chow. Bunny Chow (or Bunny) was originally a fast food dish of a hollowed out loaf of bread filled with curry that was created in Durban, where there’s a large Indian community, in the 1940s. According to Wikipedia was also sold in Gweru, Zimbabwe during World War II and is still sold in Kadoma, Zimbabwe which is where I was born and grew up. Now there’s a bit of a surprise! Can’t say I saw any of those sort of bunnies around town in my childhood.

Bunny chow with creamy Malay flavours

The bread was beautifully light, kind of brioche-like and the curry was Cape-Malay style, so mild and creamy. A delightful dish, one that makes me want to return purely so I can have one!

Taking the lid off the bunny chow

SeaBreeze has a lovely chilled atmosphere and as befits its name has a seaside feel to it even though you’re not that close to the beach. The menu is all about things from the sea, though there is a steak choice available. But really you need to go there to celebrate the flavours of Cape Town’s choice seafood.

The beach-style interior in blue and white

Today’s price point

Lunch for two including two starters, two main courses and a bottle of wine comes out at R655 (around £39 at today’s exchange rate).

SeaBreeze Fish & Shell is at 211-213 Bree Street.

Delightful Italian fare at Osteria Tarantino

by Sandy Cadiz-Smith // February 1, 2018 // 8 Comments

Today we’re heading for the villagey feel of Cape Town’s De Waterkant. It’s a colourful world of cottages and cobbled streets that’s also home to myriad cafes, bars and restaurants. Plenty to see here, just make sure your footwear is comfy – you’re going to have slopes to deal with.

Our lunchtime destination was Osteria Tarantino towards the top of the hill. Though we did stop halfway up for a refreshing g&t on the verandah of The Grey Hotel – I do love a verandah, even the word conjures up happy images for me. There’s also a chilled rooftop bar which we had to check out. Thumbs up all round. Time for lunch.

Osteria Tarantino is a family-owned little eatery where you’re welcomed with open arms. The menus are chalked on blackboards and the owner Enrico Tarantino (and yes surely he’s related to Quentin!) explains all the available dishes with passion. Making it really hard to choose one, they all sound irresistible. So while we tried to settle on our mains we ordered some Tuscan cigars to keep us going.

What’s on the menu

The sweetest of Parma ham is wrapped around soft, creamy stracciatella cheese and peppery rocket. These are little parcels of heaven with the perfect mix of flavours and textures.

All the pasta is freshly made on-site. The signature dish is called 4Ps. Porcini, parmigiana and pancetta make up the main ingredients of a delightful tomato-based veal mince sauce that is served with pappardelle ribbons. This is the generous pan which is a portion for two.

The amazing pan of 4 Ps

Luscious ribbons and delicious sauce

My indulgent dish was the magical-sounding fiocchetti pasta. Little hand-made flower-shaped parcels filled with sweet gorgonzola and served with a creamy porcini sauce, topped generously with parmesan. Soft and satisfyingly creamy, this is a cheese lover’s dream.

Beautifully rich and cheesy fioccheti

A closer view of the delicate flowers

This is food cooked with love and passion. Pasta dishes can’t be more perfectly made or more satisfying to eat. I’m telling you – it’s a fact. My little flowery parcels were certainly some of the best pasta I’ve ever tasted.

We then couldn’t resist ordering a tiramisu to share (who can resist a tiramisu?) which was beautifully moist with great coffee flavours and a touch of liquor. All made by the lovely Michele who is Enrico’s stepson and looked after us so well on our lunchtime visit.

Perfect flavours of coffee and booze

One of the beautifully chalked blackboards

Lovely wine and balsamic

What a lunch! We left with hugs from Michele and John (yes we had officially become part of the Tarantino family) and promises to be back soon. Now there’s a promise I’m going to keep.

Candice makes friends with the family – the lovely Michele

Today’s price point

We paid R1,100 (around £65 at today’s exchange rate) for lunch for three people.

This included one starter, three pasta dishes, one dessert and two bottles of wine.

Osteria Tarantino is at 125A Waterkant Street, De Waterkant, Cape Town.

Chefs Cape Town for a unique dinner concept

by Sandy Cadiz-Smith // January 29, 2018 // No Comments

Today we’re up for a night out with a difference at Chefs Cape Town where they are dishing up a new approach to dinner. There are no menus, no fancy decor and just three meal options which change daily and are posted on their website. So you can check it out in the morning to make sure there’s something you like the sound of.

When you arrive, there’s an iPad on your table to recheck your options and make final decisions. Our three main-course choices were chicken, fish and a vegetarian tomato-based dish, they all sounded good to me. There are no starters.

Another unique aspect of Chefs is that you’re served by one of the chefs – there are no waiters (and therefore no need for tipping). Your food – consisting of a main and sides is brought to you displayed on their signature tray. And very attractively displayed, too.

The spiced yogurt chicken with its delicately rounded Indian flavouring was served with a perfectly matched selection of sides and condiments. Delicate carrot and coconut salad, zesty tomato relish, creamy raita and the softest of buttery pitta bread.

Delicious chicken with equally delicious sides and condiments

The chicken sat on a bed of beans which matched wonderfully with the sauce.

Up close to the juicy, flavoursome chicken

Chefs Cape Town: carrot and coconut salad

A tower of coconutty carrot salad

The herby fish was served with triple-cooked chips, a tasty sauce, corn relish and green salad accompaniments and on a bed of asparagus. Quite a picture in shades of green.

Herbed fish and a beautiful tray of green

Close up of the herby fish and asparagus

There’s one dessert that also changes daily. Today’s we enjoyed wood-fired meringues served topped with juicy tropical fruit and berries. Lovely passion fruit and mango flavours were perfect with the soft yet crisp meringue.

Fruity wood-fired meringue and ice cream

The wonderful tropical fruit selection

This is certainly a no-frills night out. The small eating area has the feel of a cafeteria and there’s no ceremony in serving the food. Which makes it a pretty quick in and out. However, the restaurant was full, making for a lovely buzz of chatter and the chefs were friendly, helpful and welcoming. Most important of all, the food was really delicious and good value. Plus that limited choice does have its upside – less issues with menu-indecision. Does it for me.

Today’s price point

We paid R1330 (around £79 at today’s exchange rate) for four people.

That included a main course each, three desserts and two bottles of nice red wine.

Chefs is at 81 St Johns Street, Gardens, Cape Town. It’s only open Monday to Friday.

Classic brasserie fare at Jackson & Rye

by Sandy Cadiz-Smith // November 27, 2017 // No Comments

Jackson & Rye in Wardour Street is one of those places that instantly feels comforting. I do love a classic brasserie/bar and that’s exactly what you’re getting here. With tables laid around a central bar the restaurant advertises New York-inspired food with lots of Parisian influence. See what I mean, a typical brasserie.

As well as old favourites like sole meuniere, mushroom risotto and bavette steak, there’s also a selection of delicious salads and a good range of other steaks – as you’d expect.

The starters all sounded amazing. “I could eat everything on here,” I said to my dining companion, – don’t you love that? They sounded so good in fact that we decided to share a selection so we almost did taste everything.

First up a tasty morsel from the “For the Table” section. The brisket croquettes were served with horseradish, creme fraiche and pickled red cabbage. Beautifully rich, saucy meat encased in crispiness and perfect with the horseradish dip.

Deliciously rich croquettes ready for dipping

The seared beef carpaccio was served with walnut and celery salsa, garlic aioli and shaved Parmesan. Do love a plate of carpaccio and this was a particularly good mix of flavours and textures.

Carpaccio in shades of pink and green

The salt and pepper squid was served with crispy vermicelli noodles and their house sesame and lime dressing.

Tender squid and a delightful dipping sauce

A creamy ball of burrata came with a smoky tomato relish and walnut gremolata. Perfect fresh burrata with a bit of zest and crunch in the sauce.

Creamy burrata and a zesty sauce

Crunchy skewered chorizo prawns came with a mango and chilli mayo. Plump prawns with a delightfully crisp coating.

Crunchy, tasty skewered prawns

Jackson & Rye is the sort of place I can imagine become a regular haunt. I mean, how tempting does this bar look? Book me in!

The temptingly welcome central bar

Today’s price point

Five sharing plates which was plenty for two people cost £36.70.

Wine starts from £16.50 a bottle (white, rose and red).

Jackson & Rye is at 56 Wardour Street.

There are also branches in The City, Chiswick, Richmond, Kingston and Guildford.

Eating Covent Garden

Cook, eat, explore

eating out

The Bistro at Klein Constantia

What’s on the menu

Today’s price point

Our return visit to Beau Constantia

Today’s price point

SeaBreeze Fish & Shell on Bree Street

What’s on the menu

Today’s price point

Delightful Italian fare at Osteria Tarantino

What’s on the menu

Today’s price point

Chefs Cape Town for a unique dinner concept

Today’s price point

Classic brasserie fare at Jackson & Rye

Today’s price point