Guide to Somerset West
AVONTUUR RESTAURANT
On a clear day you can see all the way to
R44/Stellenbosch Road
tel: (021) 855-4296
D'VINE
Tucked away in an intimate garden setting, the patio, terrace and elegant interior invite a lingering lunch in the country. Revealing a classical French training, chef Loran Livesy showcases many of the superb recipes and sauces unveiled in her The D'vine Cookbook. She's a master of the art of simplicity on eye-catching plates. Expect exciting seasonal variations like pear and fennel soup, crayfish en papillote, rabbit schnitzel and springbok with hot strawberries. Vegetarians are spoilt for choice with risotto, souffle and terrine. The wine list displays a good variety from the region.
Morgenster Avenue
Somerset West
e-mail: willowb@iafrica.com
website: http://www.willowbrook.co.za
tel: (021) 851-3759
DIE OU PASTORIE
Behind the gracious facade of the old Victorian parsonage (1819), experience an intimate dinner party with friends in the suburbs. New hosts Thomas and Jessica Helling make everyone feel at home among the antiques in the cosy dining rooms. Former sous chef Brian van Zijl (who took over the kitchen strings from Carmen Truter who has moved to Hunter's at Plettenberg Bay) draws on culinary trends from Africa to Asia - tantalising game fish, venison and seafood dishes with adventurous seasoning, sauces and stocks in innovative combinations. Food and wine evenings by prominent winemakersshowcase regional cuisine in winter. The award-winning wine list is pure perfection.
41 Lourens Street
Somerset West
e-mail: info@dieoupastorie.co.za
website: http://www.dieoupastorie.co.za
tel: (021) 852-2120
ERINVALE ESTATE HOTEL
In a tale of two restaurants in a Cape Dutch Manor House in landscaped gardens, Blaskets (a contemporary dining room) and Skelligs (an Irish-themed bar and restaurant) offer fine dining and pub fare, respectively. Drawing on the herb and vegetable gardens, Blaskets does the classics like duck salad a la orange, loin of venison in game jus and tiger prawns in sweet chilli. Skelligs serves the usual pub grub from seafood and steaks to spareribs. Everything's in emerald green from the rugby shirts to the fairway.
Lourensford Road
Somerset West
website: http://www.erinvale.co.za
tel: (021) 847-1160
L'AUBERGE DU PAYSAN
Authentic French cuisine makes this venue a classic. The charming country restaurant may be off the beaten track but it's at the centre of the universe for legions of devotees. The house wine is from their own vineyards, the venue out of Georges Blanc and the cuisine transplanted from the south of
Raithby Road
Somerset West
website: http://www.aubergedupaysan.co.za
tel: (021) 842-2008
STEFFANIE'S PLACE
The terrace perched on top of a hill affords sweeping mountain and sea views. The elegant restaurant with plush booths is run by Steffanie and Werner Vogele and offspring. The picture windows overlook False Bay, with hands-on hospitality running in the family. Chef Conan Garrett (ex Lanzerac) creates a cosmopolitan plate with a focus on fresh produce, herbs and classic sauces - try Caesar salad, shellfish, crispy duck and grills. The wine list is extensive.
113 Irene Avenue
Somerset West
tel: (021) 852-7584
LADY PHILLIPS RESTAURANT
A country restaurant set on a grand wine estate with a terrace sheltered by liquid amber and ancient camphor trees. If the bubbling brook doesn't lull you into a state of profound serenity, the tranquillity of Vergelegen will. Reflecting its history on the spice route, the menu is inspired by its legendary herb and vegetable gardens. The country air whets an appetite for freshly picked salads and good vegetarian fare or balsamicglazed lamb and char-grilled kudu in a port plum sauce with fruit risotto. Take forty winks on the lawn. Estate wines are available.
Vergelegen Wine Estate
Lourensford Road
Somerset West
e-mail: ladyphillips@vergelegen.co.za
website: http://www.vergelegen.co.za
tel: (021) 847-1346
