THE BESPOKE PATH TO HEALTHY NAILS
GEMINI Nourishing Nail Polish available at www.biosculpture.co.za
BIOGEL available at leading salons and spas
COY could easily rest on its laurels, using its idyllic V&A Waterfront location to draw a crowd. Good thing it doesn’t. Here, owner-chef Ryan Cole of Salsify at the Roundhouse interweaves inventive, interesting eating with native South African ingredients. Flip to page 28 to read more.
Photo by Jan Ras Photography
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Sensitive skin products: Maximum results with the mildest approach
Autumn is definitely upon us. With the temperatures gradually dropping, we just can’t wait to dabble in transitional dressing. But let’s face it: The changing season can also take a hard toll on the skin – and sensitive skin in the form of redness, blotchy patches and rough, dry areas can be a pain. It appears out of the blue and before you know it, it’s completely taken over. Therefore, we’ve gathered some of the most ultra-gentle products for those prone to itching, stinging and inflammation – or who just want something soothing. Here’s how to keep calm and carry on.
KIEHL’S CLEARLY CORRECTIVE DARK SPOT SERUM
This serum from Kiehl’s is the perfect choice for sensitive skin sufferers looking for an all-over, radiant glow. The Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Serum is a concentrated cocktail of skin brighteners like vitamin C, white birch and peony extracts –designed to boost the skin’s overall luminosity and fade the look of dark spots and other forms of discolouration. It’s potent, while remaining suitable for sensitive skin (including those who struggle with acne or rosacea). Another plus: Because the consistency is non-sticky, it layers nicely underneath skincare and makeup.
R1,250 from Edgars, ARC Store, Dermastore and Superbalist
FILORGA TIME-FILLER INTENSIVE 5XP
Wrinkles are totally natural, but if you’d like to minimise their appearance, Filorga has the serum you need. We swear by the fine line-smoothing properties of the brand’s fresh Time-Filler Intensive 5XP, a peptidepowered serum that provides long-lasting results. Psst: Even sensitive and redness-prone skin will enjoy this anti-ager. With regular use, you’ll notice an improvement in deep wrinkles and a firmer complexion. You’ll also experience hyaluronic acid’s hydrating, skinplumping effects. Apply this serum to your neck and decolletage as well to reduce crepiness.
R1,150 from Cosmetology, SkinMiles, Care to Beauty and AbsoluteSkin
INSTITUT ESTHEDERM INTENSIVE HYALURONIC CREAM
Our skin barrier – the outermost layer of our skin – protects against outside aggressors and seals in hydrating lipids. Needless to say, it’s especially important to fortify it during the autumn months, when skin yo-yos between hot and cold temperatures. Institut Esthederm nailed it with this hyaluronic acid moisturiser, which has a texture that melts right into the skin. It contains three different types of HA for addressing barrier damage and nourishing compromised skin, and layers well under makeup. If we could drench our whole body in this cream, we absolutely would!
R1,400 from Bash, Cosmetology, SkinMiles and Superbalist
GATINEAU MIRACLE EYE CONTOUR CREAM
Do you want it to de-puff? Banish dark circles? Brighten up tired-looking eyes? The recently released Gatineau Miracle Eye Contour Cream is more than up to the job. This is one of those magical skincare-makeup hybrid products that comes out of its tube white and ‘adjusts’ to the wearer’s skin tone. It’s hard to beat the trusty combination of vitamin E, niacinamide and aloe vera. Thanks to those ingredients, the concealer melts into your skin just like an eye cream – and you can tap it in with your fourth finger as if it were one. Plus, it can be used all over your face.
R695 from Orleans Cosmetics, Woolworths, Truworths and Superbalist
PRAI BEAUTY AGELESS HAND CREME
Cracked palms? Knackered knuckles? While you might be all sorted with your facial skincare routine, you’ll do well not to neglect your hands. An unashamedly luxurious pick, the PRAI Beauty Ageless Hand Creme swiftly absorbs into the skin with a soft finish. With macadamia nut oil, shea butter and vitamins A, E and F, this beautiful-smelling cream even works for rough or dry hands and in extreme weather conditions. Not to mention that it’s practically a manicure in a bottle. If it’s within your budget (or you’re looking for something to splurge on), the results are worth it.
R850 from Woolworths, Cosmetology and Superbalist
REN EVERCALM BARRIER SUPPORT ELIXIR
If you’re reading this, there’s a good chance you have a high skincare IQ. But have you ever heard of inflamm-ageing? It goes something like this: Chronic inflammation from pollution and UV exposure weakens the skin’s defences, accelerating premature ageing. Fret not! REN’s Evercalm Barrier Support Elixir is set to break this sensitivity cycle. Its combination of camellia japonica seed, inca inchi and meadowfoam seed oils works synergistically to reduce inflammation, support the skin’s natural healing processes and reinforce its protective barrier. One go-getter of a product.
R1,180 from REN, Woolworths, Retail Box and Superbalist
LUSH ROSY CHEEKS FRESH FACE MASK
Masking should be a pleasing experience, and this rose-infused LUSH face mask brings out your childlike wonder. Beyond its naturally derived blush hue and sweet, milky scent, it’s anchored by kaolin clay, calamine powder and Turkish rose oil to soothe irritation, minimise redness and replenish the moisture barrier. We love that the clay used in this mask is significantly gentler than other widely used clays and nourishes the skin without any hard after-effects. Our favourite part? How cooling and refreshing it feels when applied straight from the fridge.
R225 from LUSH
BIOMEDICAL EMPORIUM SCALP SERUM
By now, you’ve heard of the congested-skin-fighting powers of salicylic acid when applied to your face. But have you thought of using the same oil-soluble beta hydroxy acid on your scalp? Biomedical Emporium has, with its cooling, creamy Scalp Serum. A blend of salicylic acid, hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, peptides and caffeine work in tandem to keep the hair in its prime. Simply apply it to the scalp after washing – the precision nozzle makes this a breeze. Instant satisfaction comes via better movement from the root, while loyal use will deliver enhanced hair growth.
R807 from Biomedical Emporium, Cosmetology and SkinMiles
MOROCCANOIL SCALP BALANCING SHAMPOO & CONDITIONER
Believe it or not – healthy hair starts with a balanced scalp. Your scalp is a living tissue that supports your hair follicles and the hair that emerges from them. As hair care brands slide into scalp care, take the guesswork out of finding the perfect scalp detox. Moroccanoil’s new Scalp Balancing Shampoo works overtime to gently exfoliate the scalp while cleansing the hair with aromatherapeutic benefits thanks to naturally fragrant ingredients. One of the things we like most about this shampoo is that it has a great scent (lavender, tea tree and bergamot forward!). Salicylic acid leads the formula with its exfoliating properties, alongside niacinamide and Japanese cherry blossom which soothe your freshly cleaned scalp. Meanwhile, nourishing argan oil moisturises hair follicles, leaving you with calmed, flakefree skin when you suds up once a week. Then, the Scalp Balancing Conditioner locks all that moisture in with a bunch of skin-loving oils (hi, argan, jojoba and olive oils). Just part your hair in sections, then lightly massage it in. And yep, they’re totally safe for colour-treated hair too, as they’re free from harsh sulphates.
R630 each from Retail Box, Salon500 and Cosmetology
NUXE SWEET LEMON DELIGHTFUL SHOWER GEL
Admittedly, we’re a sucker for luxury body washes. What can we say? They’re known for their cult Huile Prodigieuse Dry Oil, but NUXE doesn’t mess around when it comes to the best body washes either. Start your daily or everything shower by lathering up with the new Sweet Lemon Delightful Shower Gel that’s suitable for sensitive skin. It smells so good and it doesn’t leave the skin feeling tight or dry. We can’t get enough of the lemon meringue goodness. And while packaging isn’t everything, the pretty bottle never fails to transport to sunnier days on cold, grey mornings.
R750 from Orleans Cosmetics, Bash, Cosmetology and Truworths
TANGLE TEEZER THE SCALP EXFOLIATOR & MASSAGER
To target stubborn dandruff and dry patches, try Tangle Teezer’s handheld exfoliating brush and scalp massager. This aesthetically pleasing little brush does more than just look pretty on your shower shelf – The Scalp Exfoliator & Massager works far better than fingers can. While in the shower, squirt your shampoo directly onto the teeth, then work the brush in a circular, consistent motion for at least one minute. You can also use this tool on dry hair to help promote blood circulation and stimulate hair growth, or massage in all of your scalp treatments and serums before bed.
R385 from HairCair Distributors, Retail Box, Salon500 and Superbalist
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SENSIBIO MICELLAR CLEANSING OIL
When you’ve got dry or sensitive skin (or a combination of both ... fun!), there’s nothing worse than taking off your makeup at the end of the day. Enter, one of Bioderma’s latest skincare launches – the Sensibio Micellar Cleansing Oil. Packed with antiinflammatory sunflower seed oil, sodium PCA and vitamin E, this cleansing oil transforms from a silky oil into a cleansing milk. The oil-rich formula dissolves heavy sunscreens, waterproof makeup and matte products with ease, without drying out the skin or causing foggy eyes. Skin is left supple, clear and deeply cleansed.
R345 from Dermastore, Cosmetology, Clicks and Dis-Chem
AVÈNE ULTRA FLUID PERFECTOR SPF 50+
We love a full-coverage moment. But when foundation feels too heavy or drying, the new Avène Ultra Fluid Perfector SPF 50+ is a safe bet for glowy, weightless coverage – and it treats your skin with ingredients such as Avène Thermal Spring Water and vitamin E. The result is a sheer wash of colour, a dose of UV protection and enough lasting hydration to allow you to skip your serum. It has a super-thin consistency and a barely-there feel, making it a great choice for those who don’t love the texture of heavy makeup. In fact, this do-it-all would be an ideal desert island product.
R390 from Dermastore
CULINARY couture
New Cape Town restaurants to try this autumn
For Capetonians, dining has become a multi-faceted adventure that goes far beyond mere sustenance. We’re constantly seeking new flavours, experiences and innovations to tantalise our discerning palates. Delving into the culinary landscape of 2025, an array of trends has emerged –from hyper-local and micro-seasonal menus to culinary time travel and sustainable luxury. Read on to find out which new Cape Town restaurants have turned our heads, redefining luxury dining and setting new standards for gastronomic excellence.
COY
COY could easily rest on its laurels, using its idyllic V&A Waterfront location to draw a crowd. Good thing it doesn’t. Here, owner-chef Ryan Cole of Salsify at the Roundhouse interweaves inventive, interesting eating with native South African ingredients. Seafood is the fitting star, which sits well among the impressive yachts and seal-filled water. With views that encompass both Table Mountain and Signal Hill, COY holds prime real estate. It expertly straddles the line of cool and sophisticated, with a predominately black interior accented with black-and-white prints, lookat-me textures, polished concrete floors, and simple but striking furniture and art. But it’s what happens on the plate here that you’ll remember beyond any aesthetics. COY’s seven-course tasting menu explores anything from linefish sashimi swimming in a dashi broth with caramelised coconut and sugarcane to lamb served on a bed of pap with spinach, butternut, skopo jus and potjie. It’s pretty obvious that head
chefs Geoffrey Abrahams and Teenola Govender’s agenda involves pushing a few boundaries and buttons. Maize chips with tahini and roasted shiitake along with a smoked Stanford, red lentil, blatjang and cashew creation set the tone for the meal to come. To follow, bokkom atop fermented amadumbe sourdough served with kefir and konfyt. Slather it on thick for a very good time. Next, you might choose venison that feels right at home with sour fig and pickled pear, followed by an ocean blast of just-caught linefish, fynbos, prawn and sumac. Onto bigger things: The braaid linefish with mussels, peri peri and askoek is somehow both light and rich. The dessert options lean equally nostalgic. The effect of ‘Tea with Ma’ – lemon cream, strawberry jam, Ceylon tea and a spiced madeleine set in (of course!) a dainty teacup – is a giddy recreation of sweet afternoons with Grandma. Burnt banana crème shows deftness too, layered with milk stout and malt ice cream.
Shop 151, The Scherwyn Pavilion Building, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town 021 207 3278
reservations@coyrestaurant.com www.coyrestaurant.com
MERCHANT BAR & GRILL
With its dark, elegant lighting, exposed-brick walls, handsome parquet floors and richly-hued leather dining chairs, Merchant Bar & Grill is a venue that instantly conjures the classic steakhouses of New York. This place takes clubbiness to a whole new level. If you want a feel of what a charming (but unmistakably luxurious) New York steakhouse was like in the ‘60s, then go. Plus, you’ll be ecstatic about the quality and flavour that best reveals the shared DNA with award-winning sibling, Chefs Warehouse. As the name implies, Merchant Bar & Grill focuses on the most classic of dishes – meat. The best tables face the glowing larder, where meats, charcuterie, pickled items and prepared ingredients are impressively displayed. Flame-licked, smoky and salty, its prime cuts melt in your mouth – whether you opt for the dry-aged steak, cut into strips and seasoned adroitly, or the meticulously carved lamb served simply with jus and Sauce Vierge. There are no unnecessary flourishes here; just classic dishes executed with textbook precision. Tuna belly is also well suited to the grill as it can stand up to a really good charring. There’s a world of balance and flavour on the plate – meaty tuna with burnt thyme, globe artichokes, tomatoes and capers for contrast. The retro small plates, such as simple oysters, are equally impressive. The carbonara speckled with crisp guanciale (pork cheek) is made with a rich egg and six-month-aged Klein River Gruberg sauce. It’s quite possibly the best we’ve had in Cape Town. And don’t sleep on the Scotch egg – an egg rolled in fennel sausage meat, dusted with brioche breadcrumbs and deep-fried. The sausage-egg ratio is spot on, the meat is herby, the crumbs are crunchy and (crucially) the yolk is slightly runny. Its simplicity is particularly elegant – especially when washed down with a spicy margarita with a warming spice-salt rim. They say the classics never go out of style, and Merchant Bar & Grill is proof.
91 Bree Street, Cape Town
021 773 0440
91breestreet@chefswarehouse.co.za
www.chefswarehouse.co.za
TERRARIUM RESTAURANT
The new signature restaurant at the swish Queen Victoria Hotel nails the five-star hotel restaurant brief. At Terrarium Restaurant, the line between the kitchen and the surrounding flora and fauna is all but invisible. Head chef Chris Erasmus works directly with the gardeners to grow rare ingredients with the intention of telling a wider story that celebrates South Africa’s diverse plant species and wildlife. The result is eight enthralling flavour combinations marked by dazzling technique. The lavishly refurbished restaurant, splashed in copper and gold, delivers glamour in spades. There are fresh flowers, timber floors, hanging pendant lights, dark wooden furniture, seats upholstered in grey fabric and walls minimally decorated with modern art. The perfect backdrop, in other words, for a romantic dinner for two. On a sunny day, grab a table on the restaurant’s beloved terrace and settle in for a long lunch. The entire flora and fauna tasting menu is a true feast for the senses – exquisitely presented, with a plethora of unexpected flavours and textures, surprising and delightful at every turn. Fire-roasted bone marrow is velvety smooth and spreads like jelly on a piece of fried sourdough bread. Tomato tartare sees the addition of punchy peach atchar, whey vinaigrette and chilli oil. With a hit of Tom Yum that amplifies
the flavour of the fresh fish, the linefish ceviche is balanced and artfully flavoured. Then there’s the BBQ beef brisket, slow-braised until it’s fall-apart tender. This version is rather magical, especially with pomme purée, bone broth and charred shallots. The cheese course, if you can call it that, marries deeply savoury oak-smoked cheesecake, tomato chutney and sunflower seed salad. Beautifully textured rose geranium and honey iced nougatine, combined with honeycomb and salted mushroom and cocoa crumble, rounds out the faultless cooking. The wine list is equally delectable – and the pairing directions are thoughtful and generous.
Queen Victoria Hotel, Moorings 5 & Portswood Ridge, 5 Portswood Road, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
021 418 1466
terrarium@queenvictoriahotel.co.za www.theterrarium.co.za
Outdoors overlooking Nelson Mandela Square fountain, brothers Dennis and Allen have brought their vision of an unforgettable dining experience to life with the contemporary Trumps Grillhouse & Butchery.
Not only can you enjoy the superior quality meat products at the Trumps restaurant, but you can now select your perfect cut of steak or meat from the all new bespoke butchery.
2025 Your dining bucket list
What should be on every food lover’s to-do list
Bucket-list restaurants – we all have them. In a city like Cape Town, arguably the best in the world for culinary diversity and innovation, we might have several (or, in our case, a never-ending list in our Notes app). While many start the year with resolutions to eat better or ditch certain foods, we think it’s much more fun to challenge your palate with new and interesting things. So, to help you widen those horizons, we’ve handpicked Cape Town’s finest restaurants and dining experiences to add to your 2025 bucket list. Let the ticking off begin!
EDITOR’S
PICK:
It’s all about the surprise and delight element of dining at
LA PETITE COLOMBE
Sitting pretty in wine country, surrounded by mountain and vineyard, there’s technique and theatre aplenty at the highly coveted La Petite Colombe. No, the surprise doesn’t age – and thanks to head chef Peter Duncan’s fresh ideas, neither does the delight. Even before you’re sat at your table, La Petite Colombe bedazzles with its calm interiors in neutral shades and natural light that pours through floor-to-ceiling windows. Its clean-lined, timber-forward Scandi appeal sidesteps sterility via pops of colour and quirky art – bright-pink flowering bougainvillea here, handcrafted ceramics there. The Chef’s Full Experience will set you back R2,195 per head, but it hits all the major highlights for a once-in-a-blue-moon kind of experience. It’s worth splurging on the wine pairing as well – the Fine & Rare Pairing makes for a happy partnership with the flavours on the menu. The meal begins with applause-
worthy snacks and then meanders into a salad with jewel-like pieces of langoustine meat (dolloped with caviar for good measure). It’s followed by the chef’s signature bread course – a sourdough loaf matched by pâtés and spreads. The bread and accompaniments are presented on interlocking hexagonal plates. It’s a knockout. A wafer-crisp pastry shell accessorised with crayfish, peri peri, ponzu and petals might be the prettiest dish on offer. More gutsy flavour can be found in the linefish, resting attractively in viskop chowder. A kalamansi and worm salt palate cleanser provides a refreshing transition to coal-grilled lamb teamed with celeriac and kapokbos. On hand to help, gracious servers unpack each dish and the provenance of notable ingredients. There’s similar textural and flavour brilliance with a gorgeous dessert, where the stone fruit centrepiece faces a quenelle of crème fraîche ice cream. Almond and almost dainty elements tie it all together with a bit of bling. La Petite Colombe’s 11-course tasting menu makes the night feel like a blissful eternity.
Leeu Estates, Dassenberg Road, Franschhoek 021 202 3395 reservations@lapetitecolombe.com www.lacolombe.restaurant
CLARA’S BARN
South African nostalgia in a reimagined old barn
At Vergenoegd Löw The Wine Estate, the oldest barn in the Western Cape is now home to a restaurant helmed by chef Bertus Basson. Inside Clara’s Barn is a mix of exquisite old bones (Cape Dutch architecture, a thatched roof, whitewashed walls, cobbled stone floors and heavy, barn-like doors) and modern decorative touches like dark grey table linen, black woven rope chairs, contemporary art in minimal frames, dried flower installations suspended from the ceiling and a duck sculpture gilded with 24-karat gold leaf. It’s unlike any other fine-dining space you’ve experienced. Views of the farm and garden, framed by impressive bursts of pink hydrangeas in the summer months, reinforce the rural appeal. Now, the five-course tasting menu is where Clara’s Barn shows off – and
rightly so. Head chef Drikus Brink recreates familial flavours for a sophisticated palate, tempering any embellishment with South African ingredients. From the delicately sweet honey and oat potbrood served with brown butter and San Gabriel honeycomb to the multi-layered seared Cape Point tuna dotted with labneh and local fish roe, the result is high-end dining with heartwarming delivery. Seasonal mains, such as braaied yellowtail, slices like butter and sings with intensely flavoured Saldanha Bay mussels, spinach, pickled kale and tarragon. Relish every mouthful. To finish, you might be treated to a dark chocolate tart of contrasting textures with Maltabella, coffee, roasted white chocolate, hazelnut and Ideal Milk ice cream.
Vergenoegd Löw The Wine Estate, Faure Village Road, Croydon 021 202 4372
claras@vergenoegd.co.za www.vergenoegd.co.za
OASIS BISTRO’S
Sunday Jazz Brunch makes for an extravagant afternoon
A weekend activity that’s pretty much always a winner in Cape Town is Sunday brunching. It’s to celebrate the end or start of the week, depending on how you see it. If a lavish buffet spread, free-flowing bubbly and live jazz sounds like a plan, cheers to the weekend at Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel. The setting is enchanting, housed in Oasis Bistro in one of the most iconic hotels. Your Instagram followers will love it. If the pretty interiors aren’t enough – think sparkling chandeliers, hand-painted murals – the dining terrace looks out onto the flowerfilled gardens and Cape Town’s most glamorous hotel pool. Priced at R675 per head, plus an additional R300 for bottomless Boschendal MCC (and it really is limitless), you may think this sounds a little steep. But you’ll soon realise this brunch is worth every penny. With a plethora of dishes – all in abundance, freshly prepared and regularly replenished –
come up with a battle plan to try everything. Begin with the cold cuts and cheese section before going for the seafood. Here, you can find signature highlights such as the freshly shucked oysters on ice, handmade sushi, sesame-crusted tuna and other treasures of the sea. Don’t overindulge though, for there’s also a selection of premium meats, main courses, salads and desserts at their designated stations – and they’re all yours for the taking over the three hours. It’s worth leaving room for the raspberry pistachio loaf and the Biscoff ‘burnt’ Basque cheesecake (the dessert of the year). Words fail us.
Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel, 76 Orange Street, Gardens, Cape Town 021 483 1000
restaurantreservations.mnh@belmond.com www.belmond.com
ELEVEN OUT OF TEN
Experience Eleven’s 11-course tasting menu
Eleven has matured into far more than just Ōku and Yama Asian Eatery’s younger sibling. There’s a confidence to this relatively new business with its industrial-chic design that puts you at ease. Oak tables and Scandinavian-style chairs add sophistication to the exposed brickwork and rafters. During the warmer months, the doors open up to outdoor tables lining the sidewalk. The restaurant offers an à la carte menu at lunch, but if you have a few hours to spare, indulge in the more immersive tasting menu alongside pitch-perfect wine pairings from the sommelier. Informed service means the meal glides breezily through a procession of pretty presentations. It begins with aesthetically pleasing and texturally interesting snacks. House-made ciabatta arrives with a warming chilli oil, ranch butter, ash and paprika, while apple, cucumber granita, chilli and herb oil add an inspired lift to an oyster, frothy like ocean foam. Lourensford trout sets the mood –its strong salt levels met with a robust mix of atchar,
mango, samphire, jalapeño and lime. Aged beef tartare is played off against capers, a rice cracker and peanut satay. With any luck, you’ll score the supple pasta pockets known as pork agnolotti that are entirely capable of developing a cult following. In a lemon cream sauce with a swirl of beurre noisette, sprinkled with fried sage leaves and crispy pancetta, it’s a small marvel of seeming simplicity. While tasting menus are often a tick off the bucket list, this is one you’ll want to return to again and again.
11 Huguenot Street, Franschhoek 021 023 3755
reservations@eleveneats.co.za
www.eleveneats.co.za
The luxury is in the simplicity of the Winemaker’s Lunch at the
RUST EN VREDE
tasting room
As you drive up the quiet country road leading to Rust en Vrede Wine Estate, you know you’re in for something special. From that point, you’ve entered a new world – a slower one, surrounded by ageold trees and vast gardens, and soundtracked only by glasses and cutlery clinking enthusiastically (or the occasional whir of a helicopter overhead). Even at first glance, the Rust en Vrede Tasting Room feels like a bubble of tranquility. Once inside, its rustic-chic decor only underlines that sense of calm. At lunchtime, it’s a mix of classy business lunches, intimate birthday celebrations and fashionable friends catching up over multiple bottles of outstanding red wine. Regardless of the occasion, the real draw is the Winemaker’s Lunch, served daily from 12h00 to 15h00. Fireplaces flicker through winter, but summer on the veranda is paradise. It’s all blousy heads of roses and hydrangeas, hovering over the sweep of mottled-green
vineyards. There are just three options on the menu – sirloin, fillet or salmon, each paired with a glass of wine. The most impressive dish is the Chalmar pepper-crusted fillet served with crunchy fries and a garden salad. It’s cooked with the kind of respect and sensitivity you’d expect of one of Brazilian-born head chef Fabio Daniel’s team members. Back at the other end of the menu, the crisp-skinned Norwegian salmon matches baby potatoes and seasonal green vegetables for the optimal combination of textures and flavours. Arrive early – they don’t take reservations.
Rust en Vrede Wine Estate, Annandale Road, Stellenbosch 021 881 3881
info@rustenvrede.com www.rustenvrede.com
longer Linger for
Where to enjoy long, leisurely lunches in the Cape Winelands
In a city like Cape Town, long lunches should be on your regular to-do list. We’ve put in the hard work, visiting the Cape Winelands’ leisurely lunch spots for those days when food and wine are the only things on the agenda. Looking for where to dine with your kids? Our family-friendly picks offer excellent value and pint-sized portions. But – importantly – they’re the ideal hangouts for mums and dads after a great feed and chilled-out drink. Just perfect to spend lazy days sipping, eating and lounging around in good company. Everyone will be happy, trust us.
EDITOR’S PICK: L’AMI FAMILY BRASSERIE
Don’t let the name fool you. With executive chef Richard Carstens (previously of Arkeste at Chamonix Wine Farm), L’ami Family Brasserie is full of good surprises. And somehow, the gracious staff manage to make even this familystyle format seem refined. Beyond the brasserie, La Motte Wine Estate has introduced a host of new experiences. The tasting room is back in its original home, once again adjoining the maturation cellar; Ateljee offers a space for artistic engagement; the Farm Shop showcases artisan-made treasures and South African craftsmanship; Spens brings a nostalgic take on a farm pantry; and the Artisanal Bakery & Garden Café serves fresh daily bakes – all while JAN Franschhoek Season III is unfolding. L’ami Family Brasserie is meant to let the outdoors in, and accomplishes that with greenery (including plants and wild flowers everywhere), a colour palette of woodsy browns, plenty of organic shapes and earthy textures, and ceramic plates in botanical prints adorning
the walls. Across the menu, there’s renewed emphasis on less being more, resulting in clarity and elegance. Like freshly shucked oysters dressed with Cape rough lemon and glossy trout caviar, or coal-grilled crayfish tails with a lemon and garlic butter that allows the sweet, succulent flesh to shine through. The flavours work beautifully with the full-bodied La Motte Chardonnay. Charry Karoo lamb tails well matched with spinach and apricots put South African meat on a pedestal, as does a rib-eye steak boosted by accompaniments that range from bone marrow bordelaise to nuggets of salt-roasted Sandveld potatoes. The Leipoldt’s milk tart ice cream dusted with cinnamon is also a real stunner. Its smooth texture makes it the perfect companion to a biscuit base, almond mousse, apricots and coconut. Add a broadly appealing wine list and new outdoor seating, and you’ve got an experience that’s more enjoyable than ever. Gold stars all around.
La Motte Wine Estate, R45, Franschhoek
021 876 8000
lami.restaurant@la-motte.co.za www.la-motte.com
GROOT PHESANTEKRAAL RESTAURANT
A rural restaurant within 10 minutes of Durbanville, the reimagined Groot Phesantekraal Restaurant is more than worthy of a detour. Framed by golden wheat fields and rolling green hills dotted with sheep, bovines and trees, the landscape is heaven. The pledge not to turn tables allows plenty of daylight to sip Groot Phesantekraal wines and revel in one of the Durbanville Wine Valley’s best high-end dining venues. Diners can expect farm-to-table lunches with an à la carte menu that changes with the seasons. And it’s all served looking like it’s come out of a cookbook. Venison tartare might be partnered up with pickled mustard seeds, fried capers, potato crisps, sour cream and chives, while pickled beef tongue may share a plate with sweet mustard, shaved cauliflower, brown onion and macadamia nuts. With the philosophy of simple, sustainable food, head chef Germaine Esau keeps it authentic and delicious. Just add the elegant Cap Classique Blanc de Blanc 2022 and
call it the perfect starter. Slow-cooked lamb shoulder makes a headline act with smoked aubergine, blistered tomatoes and olive oil – but it’s just as easy to be tickled by the grill-kissed yellowtail brought to life with peas, bacon, bokkom and braised gem lettuce. Chantilly cream and strawberry sorbet are the crowning glory of a pavlova come dessert. The other dish to try here is the milk chocolate crémeux –rich velvet-textured pudding balanced by preserved ginger, honeycomb and homemade vanilla ice cream.
Groot Phesantekraal Wines, Klipheuwel Way (R302), Durbanville 021 825 0060
restaurant@phesantekraal.co.za www.grootphesantekraal.co.za
THE GOATSHED RESTAURANT
It’s such a pleasure to wander through Fairview Wine and Cheese to discover this wonderful restaurant. There’s an instant sense of comfort: We’re talking light wood, striped cushions and honey-coloured lighting set against a palette of creams and pistachio green. It opens onto a vine-covered pergola with glimpses of leafy gardens and roaming goats sheltering from the harsh midday sun. The estate bottles its share of fine wine (not least the Fairview Beryl Back flagship white), but it’s good at producing things other than grapes, too. As far as starts go, the baked camembert inside warm ciabatta with onion jam and mixed herb pesto makes the perfect shared appetiser. Although, the mustorder cheese dish is the slightly salty, crisp fingers of cheese croquettes filled with mature cheddar, mozzarella and cream cheese, paired with smoked chili sauce. The Goatshed Restaurant keeps its loyal clientele returning for more by offering generous portions and familiar-sounding dishes. A magical marriage of filling and crust makes the chicken and mushroom pie a source of joy. Sirloin steak benefits from a side of mushroom sauce, pickled vegetables and doublecooked chips. For a genuinely good plate of fresh pasta, tuck into the egg tagliatelle bursting with tomato, aubergine, courgette and capers, garnished with basil and feta. Service is polite – and country-paced. But there’s no need to rush. The baked cheesecake with its glossy, dark berry compote is more than worth lingering over.
Fairview Wine and Cheese, Suid-Agter Paarl Road, Paarl 021 863 3609
goatshed@fairview.co.za
www.fairview.co.za
LEOPARD’S LEAP
Leopard’s Leap adopts a casual vibe for its interiors and ambience. An idyllic vineyard setting that stretches beyond the restaurant’s floor-to-ceiling windows establishes an easy mood. It follows through to a relaxed menu that taps into local inspiration and flavours, with chef Christiaan Visser pursuing exciting combinations. Dalewood Fromage Wineland Camembert is breaded and deep fried, surrounded by white wine-poached pear, apple and chive salsa. Pulled pork bao buns are all about contrast: Spongy, springy and pillowy on the outside; juicy, saucy and salty-sweet within. Naturally, you should tick off the beef bobotie samosas. The moreish bites offer aromatic flavours, offset by the sweetness of peach chutney. Another hit are the lamb koftas with marinated cucumber, tzatziki and mint. If you’re looking to indulge and get your plate overflowing, Leopard’s Leap is beloved for its self-service rotisserie and salad bar. Mains are all about the meats cooked slowly over low heat, from utterly homely roast chicken to pork belly with salty crisp crackling – this one always has foodies coming back for more. The crunchy and colourful nacho salad is also worth a mention. Dessert shines bright: Mini carrot cakes are made with a classic creamcheese icing, while ultra-fudgy Oreo brownies are a new favourite. Let’s not forget about the wine though. Leopard’s Leap boasts some of the best chenin blancs and pinotages in the region, including the Culinaria Chenin Blanc and the Special Edition Pinotage.
Leopard’s Leap Family Vineyards, R45 Main Road, Franschhoek 021 876 8002 reservations@leopardsleap.co.za www.leopardsleap.co.za
24 hours in ... the CONSTANTIA Wine Route
Scratch the surface of South Africa’s oldest wine region to find a thriving foodie scene
It doesn’t get more South African than wine – or perhaps more winey than South Africa. If you’re venturing beyond Cape Town on your next trip, the Cape Winelands are likely on your itinerary. And if they’re not, they’re worthy additions to any tour of the country. The Constantia Wine Route, for instance, will give you a last blast of ramped-up summertime glamour. It’s a treat to whisk yourself off to a ravishing hotel and witness a particularly local brand of passionate expertise, expressed beautifully in Constantia’s boutique wineries and top restaurants.
WHERE TO STAY PALM HOUSE BOUTIQUE HOTEL & SPA
Here’s a hotel every bit as beautiful as it first looks. In a part of Cape Town often overlooked by travellers – at least when it comes to choosing a home-base – Palm House Boutique Hotel & Spa is a boutique stay in Wynberg for history-steeped, wine-soused serenity. The pool and de Tafel restaurant are a destination in their own right, but a sleepover is the ultimate luxury. Just six kilometres from Constantia, this small exquisite property provides 10 rooms in the original building and five garden-view suites. You simply cannot beat the setting here – lush gardens, tinkling fountains and gently swaying palm trees against a backdrop of majestic mountains. It’s incredibly central, but you don’t feel it. This gloriously detailed – yet not at all overbearing – reimagining of a handsome 1920s mansion is the perfect destination for commemorating
life’s milestones, celebrating anniversaries or simply escaping the hustle and bustle. Each of the rooms and suites are unique thanks to the rich colours, printed wallpaper and artworks that set the tone. Heavily textured fabrics give an opulent feel. In-room amenities are slightly above standard: Flatscreen TVs, Nespresso machines, free Wi-Fi, air conditioning plus mini-bar snacks. Marshmallow-soft beds and super-crisp sheets keep things cosy. In the bathrooms, there’s cool-white marble, black-metal taps and shower heads, rain showers and free-standing bathtubs. Amenities by Healing Earth come in refillable bottles with a grounding botanical fragrance. Breakfast and afternoon tea are taken in the emerald-green Palm Terrace, where classic continental options are served in a small seating area. Don’t miss the delicious eggs Florentine.
10 Oxford Street, Wynberg 021 745 5008
explore@palmhouse.co.za www.palmhouse.co.za
SIP ON THIS
The Constantia Valley isn’t just South Africa’s oldest wine region – it’s also the birthplace of one of the world’s most sought-after dessert wines, the Klein Constantia Vin de Constance. Once a favourite of Napoleon Bonaparte, who famously ordered it while exiled on St Helena, this wine is made from Muscat de Frontignan grapes and pairs beautifully with fine cheeses and delicate desserts.
OLD VINES, NEW FLAVOURS
Constantia is leading the charge in South Africa’s cool-climate winemaking revolution. Its proximity to the ocean means grapes ripen slowly, creating elegant, crisp sauvignon blancs and chardonnays with vibrant acidity. Constantia’s dry rosés – made from shiraz, merlot and cabernet sauvignon – are also a standout, offering bright berry flavours and refreshing minerality.
TRYN WHERE TO EAT
Despite the whims of dining trends, Tryn, framed by an idyllic setting at Steenberg Farm, constantly delivers. Time after time, long lunch after long lunch. Even before you’re sat at your table, Tryn bedazzles with its jewel-toned fabrics, gold light fixtures, glossy bar and expansive deck. Add to that vistas of vines, and it beckons for lingering over a sunsplashed lunch. When it comes to what makes Tryn so special, it’s hard to know where to start. Perhaps at the end: Where Ivoire white chocolate cheesecake – celebrated for its smooth and sumptuous texture – comes topped with passionfruit namelaka, with a boost from salted coconut almond crumble, apricot ice cream and burnt vanilla meringue. It’s a perfect showcase of the unique pairings that define a meal here. Starters maintain the standard, notably kataifi-wrapped vannamei prawns – the contrasting textures of crisp kataifi pastry and creamy avocado united by pickled aubergine salsa, kumquat jam and basil emulsion, with lime providing pops of acid. There’s more finesse in pan-fried scallops with a bacon crumb on cauliflower purée, served with warm orange butter, pan-fried king oyster mushroom and confit garlic. In keeping with the modern menu, executive chef Kerry Kilpin’s mains are exciting, conceived and executed with flair. Umami-glazed, ethically-sourced fish bathed with lemongrass-ginger broth and dressed with green papaya kimchi, grilled baby cos leaves and coriander runs on good looks and clean flavours. Grilled beef fillet with black truffle jus, Gruberg and broccolini salsa, shallot and artichoke purée, and duck-fat roast potatoes raises the steak. From beginning to end it’s a thoughtful experience.
Steenberg Farm, Steenberg Road, Tokai 021 713 7178
info@tryn.co.za www.steenbergfarm.com
EMBER & OAK
Don’t judge a restaurant by its size. Ember & Oak doesn’t compromise on taste despite its compact space. It’s yet another hidden gem at Constantia Uitsig Wine Estate – and the price is right, too. While there’s plenty of ‘fun’ in the neon signs and quirky artworks, the interior remains simple, allowing the food and drinks to shine. The views from the outdoor tables, overspilling with pink roses, are lovely. Small plates are the name of the game by chef Tim Pick, formerly of Foxcroft and La Colombe. From hot honey wings to prawn puri, the selection of smaller and midsized dishes is a rollcall of international flavours and Asian influences. Attentive staff, led by Tim’s wife Judy, ensure there are no missteps. For a bite, the oysters served on an egg box entice with the most appetising ‘crack sauce’. A ceviche of linefish, watermelon, avocado, charred corn and herbs bursts with colour and energy, while carpaccio-style dirty steak overflows with guasacaca, ‘Mexican crunch’ and fun. To up the indulgence, we’re in favour of the pulled
pork lollipops, which feature kimchi dressing and avocado. Although the menu changes seasonally, if given the chance, be sure to order some of Ember & Oak’s seafood dishes. Thin pieces of tuna tataki are laid over jalapeño dressing and teriyaki sauce with furikake and citrus salsa. A work of heart. Follow up with artfully plated crumbed Spanish octopus, joined in the bowl by chorizo, olives, capers, chilli romesco and lemon. It’s all good drinking food, with plenty of good things to drink. The wine list sparks joy, and so too do the Aperol Margie (you’d come back for it) and the Frozen Fizz Pop with cherry ale and MCC.
Constantia Uitsig Wine Estate, Spaanschemat River Road, Constantia 067 499 5621
info@emberandoak.co.za www.constantiauitsig.co.za
GRUB & VINE NORVAL
When the team behind popular CBD restaurant Grub & Vine saw prime Norval Foundation (a private art gallery-cum-museum and sculpture garden) real estate and a gap in the market, they went for it. And Grub & Vine Norval is the breath of fresh air the Constantia Wine Route needed, especially for relaxed dining dates full of flexibility. The bistro is open from Wednesday to Sunday and rocks a menu split in two – the standard à la carte and a seasonal tasting menu – that celebrates European grazing culture. We’re particularly enamoured of their new Sunday menu. The languidly paced lunch is perfect for those chasing more serene, yet no less exciting, vibes. A good Sunday lunch should have three things: Cosy corners, bistro fare that’s got finesse without the fuss and an excellent wine list –and luckily, Grub & Vine Norval has the hat trick. It’s a modern hygge heaven, with design details and glass walls that frame views of the surrounding gardens
to match. Overseen by chef-director Matt Manning, the menu is confidently edited, offering two options: Canapés followed by two courses, or three. Everywhere you look, there’s texture and fresh angles to explore – from the braised leek and boerenkaas tart with onion purée, leek espuma and frizzled leeks adding an elevated edge, all the way through to a passion fruit soufflé for dessert. The beef wellington, perfectly pink swaddled in layers of buttery pastry, is a resounding hit. It’s served with celeriac fondants, braised celery hearts, charred apple, Yorkshire pudding and café au lait – possibly our favourite addition to the traditional fare. Finish with the sticky toffee pudding sprinkled with walnuts.
Norval Foundation, 4 Steenberg Road, Tokai 021 216 0021 hello@grubandvine.co.za www.grubandvine.co.za
WELCOME
SOUTHERN SUN
TO HYDE PARK, SANDTON
Service excellence in one of Sandton’s top hotels
Directly connected to the iconic Hyde Park Corner mall offering easy access to the best of Sandton, in the heart of Johannesburg’s most exclusive neighbourhood, the Southern Sun Hyde Park hotel combines service excellence with a warm welcome. For leisure or business, romantic escapes or city breaks, our hotel is one of the top rated in Sandton.
The hotel’s 132 well-appointed en-suite rooms feature comfy beds and a range of amenities including free uncapped WiFi, a mini-bar, flatscreen with DStv, 18-hour room service, porter service, and more. Guests can relax on our 8th floor rooftop pool deck, workout in the gym, or discover Gauteng with our Gautrain station shuttle. Authentic Italian cuisine is served in LUCÉ restaurant, sundowners with an exceptional view are best enjoyed at our Island Bar, and for the discerning patron the Whiskey & Cigar Bar has an exceptional choice of Cuba and Scotland’s finest exports. Three adaptable venues with space for up to 120 delegates, self-service workstations, and an unbeatable Hyde Park location ensure our hotel is well-equipped for business.
Join our frequentGuest rewards programme - sign up is FREE and easy – sign-in and book direct for the best rates.
CHAMPAGNE BREAKFAST
UNIQUE DINING IN HYDE PARK
• Indulge in a decadent breakfast experience as you relax and unwind with family and friends. Treat yourselves to a lavish à la carte breakfast served with a bottle of Moët & Chandon Nectar Impérial* in the Island Bar from 09h30 to 11h00.
• Reservations require a minimum of 4 guests, with a maximum of 20 guests per booking.
*1 bottle of Moët & Chandon Nectar Impérial for every 4 people
with a view Valid till 30 March 2025
ITALIAN INSPIRED date night
IGNITE THE ROMANCE IN HYDE PARK
• Show the one you love how much you care with a romantic Italian inspired date night at Southern Sun Hyde Park, one of Joburg’s most stylish hotels.
• Enjoy a relaxing evening with a three-course dinner complemented by a bottle of Italian red or white wine at LUCÉ restaurant, for only R1,020 per couple.
• Extend the romance with an indulgent romantic package for R2,675 for 2 people sharing.
Package includes:
• A night’s accommodation in a Standard Room
• A 3-course dinner with wine at LUCÉ
• A delicious buffet breakfast
Offer valid from 1 May 2024 to 31 March 2025
The BY
WHERE EVERY DETAIL MATTERS
Experience the ultimate relaxation with the Date Night Package at The Catalyst Hotel. Escape to a luxurious Deluxe Room, where elegant design meets unparalleled comfort. Enhance your stay with a rejuvenating 30-minute back massage, melting away stress and leaving you refreshed. Just steps from Sandton’s Gautrain Station, our hotel boasts 206 apartment-style rooms with deluxe finishes, marble accents, and bold artwork, seamlessly blending business and leisure. Indulge in gourmet dining, sip cocktails on the outdoor deck, and immerse yourself in South African art in Kashew’s gallery-like space. Whether for romance or relaxation, The Catalyst Hotel offers a perfect blend of sophistication and indulgence.
For bookings and enquiries, contact: reservations@newmarkhotels.com www.newmarkhotels.com
