Today we’re enjoying lunch at one of the grand old ladies of Cape Town. Aubergine has been on the city’s restaurant scene since 1996, owned and run by German chef Harald Bresselschmidt. It has a well-deserved reputation for consistently exceptional food and we like to dine there whenever we visit Cape Town. But this is something a bit special, as for the first time ever, it’s open for lunch (on Thursdays and Fridays). So we had to give it a try.
As luck would have it, the weather was stupendous, one of those still, balmy Cape Town days that makes the world seem like a perfect place. Made even more perfect by being shown to our table in Aubergine’s beautiful courtyard. Bubbles ordered and time to peruse the menu.
I love tapas so was delighted to discover what they are calling a “Create your own small plate lunch menu”. Love a small plate – you can eat more of them, you see – so more opportunity to taste different dishes. While we pondered our choices this beautiful box of mini bread arrived, complete with butter and a small pot of delicious rillettes to spread over it. So cute.
Small Plate Number One
We all went for different dishes, lucky you, you can get the full flavour of what lunchtime at Aubergine looks like. These delicate yet meaty chicken spring rolls are served with a zesty chilli dip and coriander nut chutney.
My fish dish was a kabeljou tiede served with ribbons of zucchini and bronze basil and lime oil. Kabeljou is a local South African fish, my favourite at the moment as it happens, and this is kind of like a ceviche. Tiede means warm in French which is how the dish is served, just slightly warm and it’s light, tasty and luscious.
Small Plates Number Two
Squid ink arancini is served with fried calamari and guacamole. There are some decidedly under par arancini (risotto balls) around so I don’t generally expect much from them but this one was beautifully plump and flavoursome. Beautifully presented, too.
My second dish was this beautiful pasta dish. Pappardelle is served with chicken of the woods – which is a type of wild mushroom – and lemon thyme. I love it when fresh pasta has such flavour and a beautiful texture that melts in your mouth like this plateful did. Sublime.
The line-caught Cape Sea Harvest has a distinct Eastern influence, served with pak choi and nori lime sauce. This exotic fish is marlin which is kind of like a meaty cross between tuna and swordfish.
Small Plates Number Three
I had to go for the grilled lamb fillet and lamb kidney bean ragout. I am particularly partial to a lamb kidney and it’s not something I often see on a menu. What a treat! And what luscious lamb, too.
Beef paillard (which is a kind of flattened steak) comes with duck fat potatoes and spinach in tomato creme fraiche.
Small Plates Number Four
Three small plates each later and we still had room for dessert. How’s this for a delightful combo – lemon cheese cake with kiwi and Pina Colada sorbet. The flavours of a tropical paradise on a plate – and how beautiful does it look!?
My choice? Cheese of course. Four local South African cheeses served with condiments. My type of pudding.
And finally – a taste of Spain. Fresh and crunchy churros are served with chocolate sauce and tonka bean ice cream.
A meal at Aubergine is always completed with another little box of treasures – sweet ones this time. A perfect ending. Loving the lunchtime Aubergine.
Today’s price point
You can choose to have either four or six of the small plates on offer. We went for four and it was plenty of food, I don’t think I could have eaten any more. Food is well-priced at R360 for four plates or R540 for six plates.
Aubergine is at 39 Barnet Street, Gardens, Cape Town.
