Lynda Ingham-Brown

Chef Bertus Basson’s trademark South African flavours pack a punch at this casual food-and-wine bar.

Food
Plates here are made for sharing and are substantial enough to satisfy. Three are enough for two, unless you’re very hungry. Start with the likes of smoked black and marinated green olives or butter-roasted cauliflower with chimichurri, macadamias, baby onions and goat’s cheese. Sautéed potato gnocchi with Huguenot cheese sauce, button mushrooms and Huguenot crisps are pillowy and rich, while whole red roman is pleasantly briny with a nasturtium paste adding pepperiness. Chalmar beef sirloin with crumbed mushrooms and parsley-and-caper butter will satisfy the carnivores, while smoked spicy soy pork belly with steamed rice and fermented cabbage adds an Asian twist. Vegetarians will love butter rotis with hummus, Cheddar croquettes with tomato jam, or sorghum tabbouleh with cucumber, red onion, mint and coriander. Leave space for dessert: the home-made Peppermint Crisp king cone for two is a fixture on the menu, while seasonal options such as caramelised apple and blueberry pancakes or crème brulée add to the temptation.

Drinks
A good list of interesting local reds, whites and rosés by the bottle, with a few available by the glass, as well as a few “sweet and stickys” or dessert wines. Local beers and a small selection of spirits are also on offer.

Service
Friendly and relaxed.

Ambience
This is the perfect spot to while away a few hours under one of the oldest fruit-producing vines in town on a summer’s day. Seating inside is cosy yet stylish and perfect for cooler weather.

And...
Ask for the story behind the name, it’s charming!

(2018)

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