“Beyond expectations!” is the direct translation of the Buitenverwachting wine estate and it truly does live up to its name.
Originally founded by Simon van der Stel, the first governor of the Cape Colony back in 1796, the estate is rich in SA history. We were seated in the tranquil courtyard-side of the restaurant, with a big fountain as the centre-piece. Tables inside the restaurant have amazing views of the vineyards and Constantia Valley.
Headed by Chef Edgar, the Buitenverwachting Restaurant offers a fine dining experience with a sophisticated, contemporary feel. Edgar arrived in South Africa in 1997 only intending to stay for a few months. Cupid had other plans for him though: Having met his current wife, he decided to keep South Africa close to his heart and has been the executive chef/patron at the wine estate since 2004.
The restaurant offers carefully planned menus for lunch and dinner with mains starting around the R120 mark. Along with their regular menu, they also include set menus, which change with the seasons. On the day, they offered a 5-course menu called Seafood Fine Bites for R375 or R475 with paired wines.
Seafood Fine Bites at Buitenverwachting
Yellow Tail
The seared yellow tail was accompanied by a charming oriental salad. The grapefruit, citrus dressing and the cucumber sorbet added to the overall freshness & crispness of the entire dish. A great starter to kick off the five courses.
Vitello Tonnato
A traditional Vitello Tonnato is an Italian dish of cold, sliced veal covered with a creamy sauce, flavoured with tuna. Edgar’s version differs in that it’s cross dressed! Instead of the veal, we were served a piece of fresh sashimi, along with traditional ingredients such as capers and sage. Spot the difference in the picture below!
Butternut Soup
This was a match made in heaven: butternut soup and scallop. The butternut soup had a creamy texture with hints of honey and orange, which I really enjoyed. The rosemary pan-fried scallop had a crisp exterior, soft interior; it was sweet and rich. They could have served me the butternut soup for all five courses – I wouldn’t have complained.
King Klip
I didn’t think it could get any better but then came the grilled King Klip. Perfectly grilled with thyme and saffron, then topped with a prawn ravioli, then placed on a red pepper sauce and crisp asparagus – it was an absolute delight! The combination of textures and flavours made this my favourite course of all. No contest.
Chocolate Fondant
After a much-needed 10-minute rest, it was dessert time: A warm, soft-centred chocolate fondant, accompanied by mint marinated mango and a saffron ice cream. Perfection. A great finish to an excellent menu!
Every dish was a piece of art individually. Combined as a 5-course menu, it was one of the best dining experiences I’ve had in a long, long time. Creative, sophisticated and elegant. You’ll get to sample great wines, taste amazing food and be surrounded by the picturesque Constaniaberg Valley! Forget your preconceptions – it’s going to be Buitenverwachting!
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PS: For a more affordable option the trendy Coffee BloC serves lunches starting at R55, as well as a great range of coffees and cakes! They’re open for breakfast and lunch every Monday to Saturday.
PPS. You can also relax in the lawn and order picnic baskets, which are available from November – April for R130 per person. [menu]
Contact & Directions
Buitenverwachting, Klein Constantia Road,
Constantia, Cape Town, South Africa
Winery: +27 (0)21 794 5190
Restaurant: +27 (0)21 794 3522
info@buitenverwachting.com
restaurant@buitenverwachting.com