Cape ushers in winter wonderland for local foodies

As winter settles in and the cold may be tempting you to stay in, these three eateries are serving up winter specials not to be missed.

Cape Town | Grub and Vine

The trendy inner-city eatery sees chef Matt Manning plating up top-notch bistro-style cuisine that is perfectly suited to these chilly winter evenings (a visit to his wine bar, Culture, next door is not necessarily mandatory but highly recommended). As always, his current offering is seasonally led and, in addition to his usual five-course and à la carte option, there’s now the addition of a winter special menu.

Guests are given the choice of a two- or three-course service with a selection of dishes sure to have something to everyone’s fancy. Whether it be the shallot tarte tatin with whipped goats cheese, the absolutely more-ish salt-baked pumpkin risotto or slow braised short rib, it’s pure comfort food elevated to the utmost degree. Those with a sweet tooth then have the option to add a dessert onto the meal with classics the likes of a chocolate fondant or lemon tart sure to hit the spot.

The special: 2/3 courses for R275/R375, respectively

Stellenbosch | Overture

Chef Bertus Basson’s renowned Stellenbosch eatery is the perfect place to cosy up next to the fireplace and enjoy the chef’s fine fare. The menu driven by local produce is a phenomenal exercise in honest flavours, interesting textures and superb cooking. It’s deceiving in its simplicity and is a magnificent showcase of the beauty of an ingredient. A menu that is hearty, warm and comforting includes the likes of slow roasted pork belly with ricotta-filled panzerotti topped with courgette and crackling, of course, or roast cape bream with a deep rich coconut curry sauce.

No visit to Overture would be complete without one of chef Bertus’s famous souffles, the current iteration — inspired by our lockdown baking — takes the form of an Usana banana bread soufflé with boeretroos sauce and cinnamon ice cream. As with the rest of Basson’s restaurants Overture boasts a wine list second-to-none including unusual finds such as the Lysa Verdelho or icons the likes of Eben Sadie’s Soldaat.

The special: Thursday dinner — 50% off food order (excluding beverages)

Overture at Hidden Valley Wines
T4 Route, Off Annandale Road, R44, Stellenbosch

Franschhoek | La Petite Colombe

The award-winning eatery, which has recently taken up residence on the magnificent Leeu Estates, is once again inviting guests to join them for their famous winter special. Worth a trip out to beautiful Franschhoek on any day, the restaurant is serving up a nine-course gastronomic feast like no other, featuring both old favourites and new additions created by head chef John Norris-Rodgers and his team.

Start with the snacks (including a saldanha oyster with elements of apple, kalamansi and soy) before moving through a theatrical culinary journey, which includes the likes of purdon Wagyu beef, dry-aged duck and Karoo lamb, and ends with a texturally thrilling amalgamation of strawberry, bergamot, earl grey tea and lime. An additional wine pairing of fine local wines can be ordered alongside the meal.

The special: Monday-Sunday, lunch R695.00 or dinner R 795.00

Leeu Estates
Dassenberg Rd, Franschhoek
Western Cape, SA