#HighburyHearsYou – we at Cape Town Etc are passionate about getting local restaurants back and booming in business. As part of our #HighburyHearsYou initiative, we’re dishing out the deets on some incredible restaurants in and around town.
If you’re in the mood for food, Tryn Restaurant delivers flavour on a grand scale, writes Cape {Town} Etc editor, Robyn Simpson. Situated at the gorgeous Steenberg farm in Tokai, this picturesque eatery offers a dining experience on par with with it’s sensational setting (Pun intended. The venue hosts an immaculate golf course).
Nestled amongst mountains and rows of roses, you’ll find an elegant Dutch-style building decorated with a touch of modernity. Traditional is interlaced seamlessly with the contemporary – an ambiance which follows you through the door. Dots of gold and industrial design decorate the interior, while nature is left to do the talking outside.
Tryn has managed to embrace a dual dining experience, catering for both refined and robust guests.
The juxtaposition between a sophisticated indoor setting and relaxed, family-style outdoor experience is reflected both atmospherically and on the menu. Visitors are offered a choice between contemporary and casual menus, both serving up equally tantalising breakfast, lunch and dinner selections.
Sitting on the cusp of dining room and patio gave me the privilege of experiencing everything on offer.
It certainly felt like a celebration, so I kicked off the lunch with a crisp glass of Steenberg bubbly. I was pleasantly surprised by the sparkling Sauvignon Blanc. Deliciously light and furiously fizzy. Fresh and fruity: a good start. The wine list is especially generous and passing cocktails looked divine, too.
Another pleasant surprise was the complimentary Mosbolletjies. Sweet brioche seeped in Steenberg’s very own Sauvignon Blanc pulp, glazed sticky and balanced with savoury notes of aniseed and soft butter. These golden buns were truly sensational. I would have bought a loaf if possible.
The restaurant offers a delightful “spoon of the day.” Served was a dehydrated lentil chip coated in a fragrant tomato relish, dotted with herbed cream cheese. A banging little bite offering a savoury, post-Mosbolletjie relief. A lingering nuttiness from the crisp chip got me in the mood for more.
And more there was.
Plates upon plates of Tempura Prawn and Salt and Pepper Calamari floated out of the kitchen. We took the hint. The calamari, though delicious, begged for a touch of salt and rendered dull in comparison to its contender. The prawns: spectacular. Crisp batter robed fresh shellfish that maintained a wonderful bite. The plate was beautifully balanced and robust in flavour. Think bursts of citrus gel, lavish avocado, and a memorable tomato and chilli jam. Yum.
Tryn’s promise of Asian and Middle Eastern flavours were delivered gorgeously in the main course.
For me, the fish of the day, Cape Bream, stacked generously on a bed of black rice and warm peanut and spinach salad. Reservations of tahini and corn overpowering the delicate fish were all thrown out of the window upon first bite. The fish was given right of passage, while pops of peanuts and a hit of chilli rounded off this typically Asian profiled dish. Perfect umami and the star dish of the day.
For my partner, a Middle Eastern delight of braised lamb neck, ways with beetroot, and luxuriously smooth aubergine lashings. Would such a dish be complete without fresh pomegranate seeds? Absolutely not. These bullets of sweet relief played their part amongst a super sexy, intense jus. Multidimensional flavour coupled with extraordinary textures reminded us why classics should always remain (when done this well).
To end the meal, a Valrhona kiss in the form of a homemade chocolate truffle. A thin snap was met with a satisfying gooey centre. While the chocolate was dark, I walked out of Tryn feeling anything but bitter.
Thank you to our lovely server, Saskia, for your sterling service.
A note on sustainability:
Tryn holds a strong ethos when it comes to responsible sourcing, ensuring all fish are caught ethically and sustainability. The eatery works closely with ABALOBI, an organisation supporting sustainable fishing and empowering local fishermen and women.
Bookings: +27 21 713 7178 / [email protected]
Location: Steenberg Rd, Tokai, Cape Town
#HighburyHearsYou
#RobynintheHood
Insta:@Robyn.inthe.Hood
Twitter:@Robynhoodcpt