There’s something magnetic about a midweek reset, and Harringtons Cocktail Lounge has officially mastered it.
Their Wednesday Wine & Dine evenings—featuring a thoughtfully curated three-course menu paired with five exceptional pours from Plaisir Wine Estate—are not just dinner but a curated wine experience.
Enter our give-away to win a table for two to the Wednesday Wine evenings at Harringtons Cocktail Lounge – on Facebook and Instagram!
🍸 Arrival: A Bubbly Hello
Things kick off with a French 75 made with Plaisir Brut—a dry, confident sparkle that sets the tone. Light floral notes with a citrusy backbone cut through the cocktail’s sweet edge, brightening the palate like a golden-hour sunset.
🍽️ Starters: Small Plates, Big Impact
Option 1: Creamy Cauliflower & Coconut Soup
Silky, lightly spiced, and infused with subtle curry warmth, the soup balances richness with a tropical lift from the coconut cream. Swirled with curry oil and served with charred flatbread, it’s an aromatic, spoon-swirling hug. The Plaisir Estate Chenin Blanc played beautifully with this—its crisp, orchard fruit notes slicing clean through the soup’s creamy base.
Option 2: Mushroom Arancini with Spiced Tomato Aioli
Golden and crisp on the outside, earthy and umami-packed within. The arancini’s risotto filling tastes like fall in a bite, with the aioli lending a zippy heat. It’s playful, punchy, and a fantastic pairing for the Plaisir Chardonnay, which holds up with buttery texture and just enough oak to echo the richness of the mushroom.
🍝 Mains: The Show-Stoppers
Spicy Rigatoni in Tomato, Red Wine & Chilli Sauce
Al dente pasta bathed in a velvety tomato sauce spiked with red wine. A little heavy on the chilli unfortunately which overpowered the flavour balance. A generous dusting of Parmesan and a drizzle of herbaceous basil oil elevate every bite. Paired with the Plaisir Estate Red, the match is bold and harmonious—the wine’s dark cherry and spice notes echoing the dish’s depth while cooling the heat.
P.S.: If you don’t enjoy heat, it’s probably better to go with the FLAME GRILLED RIBEYE WITH ROASTED BABY ROOT VEGETABLES & GARLIC-SHALLOT BUTTER SAUCE
Buttered Linefish with Harissa Butter, Seasonal Greens & Baby Potatoes
This one’s elegance on a plate. The fish is flaky and tender, cloaked in a rich harissa butter sauce with enough warmth to lift without overwhelming. Baby potatoes soak up every drop, while broccolini and pea tendrils add crunch and freshness. Enter: Plaisir Chardonnay again, showing its versatility with a citrusy snap that refreshes the palate between buttery bites.
🍰 Dessert: A Sweet Goodbye
Warm Sticky Toffee Pudding with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream
Rich. Dark. Dreamy. The pudding is deep in flavour—molasses, spice, and a slightly crunchy edge—crowned with velvety vanilla bean ice cream that melts into the warm sauce like a love letter. Garnished with edible flowers, it’s indulgent without being over the top. Plaisir Merlot was the winner here. Soft tannins and lush plum undertones wrapped the dessert in a warm, sultry hug.
Each wine poured carried a whisper of Plaisir Wine Estate’s centuries-old legacy—elegant, rooted, and undeniably expressive. Founded in 1593, their wines aren’t just a drink, they’re a connection to something older, bigger, and deeply in tune with nature. You are walked through the wine tasting by the very knowledgeable staff making this a fun and interactive evening you will remember for a long time.
For R350 per head, you’re not just getting dinner—you’re getting a full-on experience. Harringtons isn’t trying to impress with gimmicks. They’re delivering comfort, craft, and a dash of cool. Book it, sip it, savour it.
📍 Harringtons Cocktail Lounge
📅 Every Wednesday
💌 bookings@harringtonstreet.co.za
Wine, dine, and make midweek your new favorite night.
61b Harrington Street, Cape Town
078 916 7903
bookings@harringtonstreet.co.za
