Those in the know take full advantage of the numerous winter specials in & around Cape Town during winter. It’s a time when the number of visitors from abroad has largely dwindled and the establishments that typically cater for spenders with liberal budgets begin to put out their special winter menus for the locals.
You’d be surprised at how far your Rands go when eating out during the so-called “off season” – all it takes is some sleuth work to find out who’s offering what. Let’s remember that you’re always going to pay for quality but fortunately, we’ve rounded up these upscale restaurants offering some fantastic specials you should try this winter.
THE FOODBARN
Not many would think that the leafy green suburb of Noordhoek keeps one of the best culinary secrets in Cape Town, but that is of course until they dine at The Foodbarn. The brainchild of La Colombe ex-head chef, Franck Dangeroux, this gorgeous eatery nestled in the rustic Noordhoek Farm Village really excels in its offering with an unforgettable a la carte and wine pairing menu to choose from.
Every winter, The Foodbarn offers an impressive, bang-for-your-buck winter special. We do not have word yet as to what the exact special will be as minor renovations are currently taking place at the restaurant, but if the previous year’s savings are anything to go by then this is a must during the cold months. Stay tuned as we’ll update this post as soon as the new winter special is received.
OF NOTE
When TBC
Where Noordhoek Farm Village, Village Lane, Noordhoek
Cost TBC
Contact +27 21 789 1390, [email protected]
LA COLOMBE
La Colombe really needs no introduction. This fine-dining restaurant located at Silvermist Wine Estate in the Constantia Wine Valley has consistently ranked as one of the best restaurants in South Africa over the past few years – not to mention a place in the world’s 100 best restaurants list for 2017. For R395 per person, you get four courses at an eatery of this calibre, a really good deal when considering the skill and finesse of the chefs behind the menu.
OF NOTE
When 9 May – 8 June 2017, Mondays – Thursdays
Where Silvermist Wine Estate, Constantia Main Road, Constantia Nek
Cost R395 per person (four courses)
Contact +27 21 795 0125, [email protected], www.avondalewine.co.za
BISTRO 1682
For an indulgent lunch of bistro-style comfort food, there’s a special hearty and homely menu to keep you fuelled at Bistro 1682 at Steenberg Estate this winter. From R185 for two courses, R215 for three and R245 for a four-course meal, this is excellent winter value.
Chef Kerry’s lip-smacking trio of starters, mains and desserts, gives you ample to choose from. Her special tapas menu selection of five tapas dishes for R300 has been extended for the winter months too – ideal as an early supper for two between 17h00 and 20h00. Fuelled with fresh inspiration and bursts of exciting flavours from her recent travels to Barcelona and London, Kerry’s daily selection of tapas dishes is the perfect after work indulgence with the wide selection of top notch Steenberg bubbles and wines.
OF NOTE
When Until 30 September 2017
Where Steenberg Rd, Steenberg Estate, Cape Town
Cost Lunch; R185 for two courses, R215 for three and R245 for a four-course meal
Contact +27 21 713 2211, www.steenbergfarm.com/bistro1682
FABER
Executive Chef Eric Bulpitt is really solidifying the Paarl Winelands on the foodie map as a must-visit with his imaginative menu and attention to detail.
Chef Eric and his team have masterminded a 3-course winter set menu that will run from Wednesdays through to Sundays for lunch only. Focusing on a ‘zero wastage’ philosophy, together with Avondale’s proprietor Johnathan Grieve, Bulpitt accesses the estate’s gardens and farm to harvest fine produce. Avondale’s organic and biodynamic food garden has already been extended to produce fresh vegetables and herbs for the restaurant, while stone fruits and citrus from the farm’s orchards arrive with the changing seasons. Eggs are harvested daily from the eco-friendly egg-mobile housing Avondale’s free range chickens, and in time the farm will provide a steady march of broiler chickens and pasture-reared organic beef to the kitchen.
OF NOTE
When 1 May – 30 September 2017, Wednesdays to Saturdays 12h00 – 14h30.
Where Faber, Avondale Estate, Lustigan Road, Klein Drakenstein, Paarl
Cost R250 per person
Contact +27 21 202 1219, [email protected], www.avondalewine.co.za
FOXCROFT
This restaurant & bakery, sister to La Colombe, only opened its doors last year but has already established itself as one of the finest tapas restaurants in Cape Town. For the winter special you can enjoy any three tapas for R195 – a true bargain to experience the fare at the winner of best new restaurant of the year in South Africa by the Mercedes-Benz Eat Out Restaurant Awards 2016.
OF NOTE
When 15 May – 29 June 2017, Mondays – Thursdays
Where Shop 8, High Constantia Centre, Groot Constantia Road, Constantia
Cost R195 (any three tapas)
Contact +27 21 202 3304, www.foxcroft.co.za
Photography Courtesy