Today we’re heading back to an old favourite. The Food Barn is in picturesque Noordhoek, about a 40-minute drive from central Cape Town. It’s the baby of genius chef Franck Dangereux which opened in 2006. We’ve been here plenty of times and enjoyed the the most fabulous food every time. It has been a while since our last visit, though, probably because the abundance of restaurant choices in Cape Town means it’s pretty much impossible to get round to all of them. Big mistake to miss out The Food Barn, though, as we were about to be reminded.
It’s a beautiful drive over the iconic Chapman’s Peak to Noordhoek from our base in Green Point. Time to appreciate the sheer magnificence of the beautiful city that is Cape Town. The Food Barn is part of the Noordhoek Farm Village which is home to a range of quirky eateries, bars and shops. It’s a casual yet comfortable space and we’re soon seated with a glass of bubbles and menus to peruse.
What’s on the Menu
Memories of flavours come flooding back as I go through the tempting menu choices. The starters all sound so incredible that I don’t even turn over and look at the mains as it’s hard enough to decide from the first page.
I start with this beautiful plate of fresh tuna tartare with truffled cauliflower pulp, sweet nori salsa, seared prawns and roasted garlic aioli. An incredible mix of tastes and textures and the freshest of tuna. It’s so, so good to be back.
One of my dining companions went for the prawn tian with tomato, aubergine, avocado confit, prawn fritters and a red pepper and chili syrup. This is her favourite starter and the one she orders every time she visits. She loves it that much. And doesn’t it look irresistible.
And for the final starter – Bouillabaisse. A substantial and rich fish soup packed with line fish, mussels, prawns, saffron mash and rouille and served with little cheese toasties. I’m not sure you’d get a better one in France, the depth of flavour and fresh ingredients make for a highly satisfying bowl of deliciousness.
Okay, back to the superlative starter selection. So superlative that we all decided to have a second starter instead of a main course. This is the wild mushrooms and ricotta raviole with seared shiitakes and truffled fontina cream. One large raviole (hence raviole and not ravioli) and a perfectly silken truffley sauce. Satisfyingly indulgent.
And my choice – the duck confit raviole with leeks and ricotta, rosemary grilled cherry tomatoes and a rich rosemary jus. The pasta is filled with the most luscious of richly delicious duck and served in a broth so packed with depth of flavour.
So starters all round, then. Honestly, the portions are seriously generous and easily work as a main course for me. Why oh why have I waited so long to return. This is my reminder to myself – don’t ever forget your favourites. You named them that for a reason. And you need to keep coming back for more.
Today’s Price Point
Lunch for three (two starters each) came to a total of R890. That’s a mere £37 at today’s exchange rates! Seriously eating out in Cape Town seems to get more fabulous and better value by the day. We also had a lovely bottle of Foodbarn rose du suud for just R282 (£11.72).
The Food Barn is at Noordhoek Farm Village, 1 Village Lane, Noordhoek.
