Franschhoek, located near Stellenbosch outside Cape Town, is a famous food and wine destination. This picturesque town in the Western Cape region of South Africa boasts wonderful landscapes that add immeasurable value to its relaxed and refined ambiance.
The emphasis here is on stylish elegance, from the beautiful stately historic buildings to the up-market restaurants offering delicious gourmet cuisine. Haute Cabrière Restaurant & Terrace is one such institution in Franschhoek.
Its location on the side of the Franschhoek Mountain provides uninterrupted views of the picturesque valley. The terrace is an ideal option on warmer days, whilst the large fireplace inside creates a warm cozy atmosphere in cooler weather and the evenings. Whatever the weather, guests can be assured of a fine dining experience that is well worth repeating.
Because the restaurant extends into the mountain, there is almost a subterranean atmosphere, albeit with majestic views. Extensive glass panels along one wall overlook the wine cellar with barrels upon barrels of estate wines.
It may be carved into the mountain, but the dining space feels refined rather than cave-like. The all white linen and upholstery add to the classic, elegant ambiance of this sophisticated restaurant. And the menu certainly matches, if not surpasses, this level of sophistication.
The menu features innovative and sophisticated combinations of flavors and textures. Every effort is made to ensure that the majority of produce is locally sourced, and some of the organic ingredients are grown on the Haute Cabrière estate itself.
Chef Ryan Shell develops his menu according to the availability of local produce. Although one might expect this to mean that the menu changes seasonally, the menu here can vary on a daily basis. In fact, the lunchtime menu might change before dinner if certain ingredients are not in sufficient supply.
Because Haute Cabrière is a wine estate, the flavors and textures of the dishes are planned in such a way so as to provide perfect pairings with the Haute Cabrière wines and Pierre Jourdan Cap Classiques.
Although there is an a la carte menu, what is highly recommended is one of the three six-course tasting menus with wine pairings. One of these is a vegetarian tasting menu which is a fantastic option for those whose dietary preferences are not in accordance with the red meat dishes that predominate in many tasting menus.
Having said this, the kitchen is very accommodating and will adjust any of the dishes and menus in accordance with guests’ dietary requirements.
Examples of some of these innovative dishes include Bacon Wrapped Prawn and Open Saldanha Bay Mussel Lasagna with an arrangement of fennel (paired with Pierre Jourdan Belle Rose), a Duo of Karoo Lamb, Lentil and Date Tagine with sweet potato, roasted root vegetables and parsley (paired with Haute Cabrière Pinot Noir 2001) and a Smoked Chocolate Crème Brûlée with Irish Coffee and Hazelnut Ice Cream (paired with Haute Cabrière Pinot Noir 2011).
Overall, Haute Cabrière delivers a true fine dining experience. The sublime pairings of gourmet cuisine and superb wines will leave a lasting impression on all those fortunate enough to visit this elegant establishment.
Lambrechts Road, Franschhoek, Cape Town Tel: +27 21 876 8500 Fax: +27 21 876 8501 Email: marketing@cabriere.co.za Website: www.cabriere.co.za/restaurant/
Emma Flemming