I love steak. I love wine too. When the two are paired together, I’m basically in seventh heaven. So when I got wind of HQ (the place with an uncomplicated menu most famous for its sirloin steaks done to perfection) having a pairing evening with Durbanville-based wine estate Diemersdal, I had to attend.
What I like about HQ is that they know what they’re good at and they stick to their winning formula. You won’t find much on the menu (with the exception of their cocktail and tapas menu being very substantial) because the Shortmarket street restaurant is a hit for its three-course signature dinner.
It was this famed dinner that we paired with a selection of Diemersdale wines at the event:
Aperitif
Asian ceviche of kingklip and squid topped with fragrant coriander paired with Diemersdal Sauvignon Blanc Sparkling (Bottle Fermented).
Starter
Cos and iceberg lettuce salad with toasted pine nuts and Parmesan shavings dressed in Dijon mustard vinaigrette paired with Diemersdal Sauvignon Blanc.
Mains
250g sirloin steak cooked to perfection and served with Café de Paris butter and skinny fries, paired with Diemersdal Merlot.
Dessert
Tangy, yet balanced lemon posset with Greek shortbread and a raspberry coulis.
I particularly enjoyed pairing their Merlot and Sauvignon Blanc – the rich woodiness of the Merlot complemented the steak masterfully and the light Sauvignon Blanc went down a treat with the salad starter.
Needless to say I’ll be on the lookout for more #FineWining events in future!
Photography Justin Williams
CapeTownEtc HQCAPETOWN diemersdalwines looks delish!