Tag: Cuisine

Activities, Restaurant, Services

Osteria Cheese Bar: A Cheese-Lover’s Paradise in the Heart of Somerset West

The Ultimate Cheese Experience

Welcome to Puglia Cheese’s Osteria Cheese Bar – a destination where cheese is more than just food. It’s paradise. It’s a way of life. Nestled on the scenic Waterkloof Wines road, this world-class eatery is the brainchild of Davide Ostuni. Here, long-standing traditions meet culinary innovation, resulting in an array of mouth-watering dishes featuring their legendary handmade creamy burrata, robiola, fior di latte, and other artisanal Italian cheeses.

Witness the Art of Cheese-Making

One of the unique features of Osteria Cheese Bar is the intimate view of the cheese factory. As you savour your meal, you can watch the team craft and mature the very cheeses and pastas that grace your plate. “The concept was born out of necessity,” Davide explains. “We have realized that most of our hand-made ingredients need not only an introduction but also an explanation of how to cook with them.”

Their Exciting Menu

Prepare your palate for a culinary tour of Italy! From gnocchi made with ricotta served in brown butter scented with truffles, homemade pappardelle with wild mushrooms, porcini and Puglia Cheese labneh, to uova al purgatorio (a Neapolitan way of cooking eggs in tomato). Every dish is a testament to the versatility of their cheeses. Their Cheese Bar platters are a winner. They all come with various choices of cheeses, a tomato and garlic or rosemary focaccia, preserves and seasonal fruit. Don’t miss their sourdough pizzas, where the cheeses truly steal the show.

Osteria Cheese Bar menu


Wine and Dine

What’s a cheese feast without the perfect wine to accompany it? At Osteria Cheese Bar, they offer a diverse selection of both local South African wines and various Italian wines thus ensuring there’s something to please every palate.

Unforgettable Ambiance

Breath-taking views of the Somerset West Winelands, a laid-back atmosphere, and some of the creamiest cheeses in South Africa – the Osteria Cheese Bar promises an experience that caters to all your senses.


Take a Piece of Italy Home

Before you leave, make sure to have a look at what’s for sale. Here, you can shop for your favourite cheeses, cold meats, and homemade pasta to recreate the Osteria experience at home.

What La Bonne Auberge has to say about it

“The Osteria Cheese Bar is a must-visit destination for all cheese and pasta lovers. Specializing in homemade Italian cheeses like Burrata and Ricotta. They also offer our sumptuous homemade pasta for purchase. Whether you’re seeking a spot for an aperitif or a hearty dinner, Osteria Cheese Bar is always the perfect choice. Their delectable homemade tiramisu is our favourite and keeps us coming back for more. We extend our heartfelt thanks for your hospitality Osteria. We look forward to always coming back. Grazie per tutto!

Tanja and Remco Overman. Owners of La Bonne Auberge

“Homemade pasta, freshly made, like at home in Italy! Excellent taste, fresh, al dente – just as it should be and how we know it from our home.”

La Bonne Auberge Guest. Napoli, Italy

Plan Your Visit

Osteria is open from Tuesday to Saturday, 9.30 am to 8 pm, and on Sundays from 9.30 am to 5 pm. For any queries or to make a reservation, get in touch with them at 078 543 0663 and 021 010 6065 or email [email protected]. We’re located on the Waterkloof Wines road, 24a Old Sir Lowry’s Pass Road, Somerset West.

Make sure to visit Osteria Cheese Bar and indulge in a cheese-filled extravaganza that’s sure to leave you wanting more. After all, sweet dreams are made of cheese, aren’t they?

Activities, Restaurant, Tour

The Story of the Drunken Horse and the Timut Pepper


Discover award-winning gin from The Drunken Horse Bar – a distinctive spirit made by childhood friends in a horse trailer

Who would have thought that an old horse trailer could lead to the creation of an award-winning gin? Well, that’s exactly what happened when three childhood friends came together to launch The Drunken Horse Bar. The revolutionary yet ever-distinctive gin bar boasts a unique distillation process that utilises Nepalese Timut Pepper, resulting in a smooth gin with three flavour waves – citrus, earthy, and pepper notes. This is their story.

If you’re a traveller to Cape Town and a gin connoisseur, then you’ll definitely want to hear more about The Drunken Horse Bar. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the story behind this gin and what makes it so unique. So, let’s get started!

The Distinctive Flavour Profile

The Drunken Horse Gin is a truly distinctive spirit with a flavour profile like no other. It boasts three flavour waves that blend perfectly together – citrus, earthy, and spicy. The first wave is a fruity citrus taste from fresh lime, grapefruit, and lemongrass zest. The second wave is an earthy note from cardamom and coriander. Finally, the third wave finishes with a spicy note from three peppers, particularly the Timut pepper, which reconnects with the citric notes of the first wave.

The Nepalese Timut Pepper

One of the main ingredients that make The Drunken Horse Gin so unique is the Nepalese Timut Pepper. This pepper is handpicked by Nepalese farmers and has hints of grapefruit, lime, passionfruit, and jasmine. It grows on the Himalayan hillsides and is integral to the gin’s overall experience. The Timut Pepper perfectly complements the other botanicals and gives the gin its signature flavour.

The I-Still Distillation Process

The I-Still method is used to distil all 12 botanicals simultaneously, creating a constant reflux with over 1000 springs, resulting in a smooth and round flavour. The final product is collected after a cold front stage. This process allows the gin to retain its unique flavour and aroma, making it a favourite among gin lovers.

Sustainability Efforts

At The Drunken Horse Bar, sustainability is a top priority. They choose to distil in Belgium and South Africa, which lowers bulk transportation and contributes to a greener planet. They also strive to reduce their carbon footprint in other ways such as using recyclable packaging and reducing waste.

Remco and Tanja, owners of La Bonne Auberge, often head over to The Drunken Horse Gin bar for a quick refreshment and the great food served at the Avontuur Restaurant, La Colombe. Check out what they think about this quirky little distillery:

“We enjoyed the Set Menu in combination with the Gin Pairing together with friends.  Hearing the origin story from the co-founder of Drunken Horse over a gin was fantastic and funny. The beautiful art that decorates the venue is also for sale.  And of course, we learned how the gin is produced. The dinner was very, very tasty and the different gin variations went perfectly with the food. We really enjoyed the evening, the location, the company and the food and are happy to recommend the Drunken Horse Gin, as well as the option for a set menu, together with the owner.”

Visit The Drunken Horse Bar

If you’re visiting Cape Town and want to discover this award-winning gin, make sure to visit The Drunken Horse Bar at Avontuur Wine Estate. You can learn about the gin’s creation, explore the art gallery, and taste the gin’s three flavour waves. Signature cocktails are available at their cocktail bar, and they also host Friday “gin-downers”  from 4-9 pm. On Sunday there are delightful picnics to be had.

Award-winning gin

The Drunken Horse Bar is a unique, award-winning gin that’s made by childhood friends who turned an old horse trailer into a mobile bar. Their innovative I-Still distillation process and use of Nepalese Timut Pepper make this gin truly distinctive. The three flavour waves – citrus, earthy, and pepper notes – blend perfectly together, creating a smooth and round flavour that gin lovers adore. But that’s not all; The Drunken Horse Bar also prioritises sustainability, making it a brand that’s easy to support. So, if you’re travelling to Cape Town, make sure to visit The Drunken Horse Bar and experience this award-winning gin for yourself!

Photo Credits: The Drunken Horse Gin website and Instagram

Activities, relax, Restaurant, Wine

Delaire Graff Estate: An Unforgettable Destination for Wine, Art, Cuisine, and Relaxation

Introduction

Welcome to Delaire Graff Estate. This premiere estate is located in South Africa’s Western Cape region and owned by the world-renowned diamond mogul Laurence Graff. Its the perfect blend of elegance, class, and luxury whilst offering a unique combination of fine wines, breath taking art, delicious cuisine. This jewel of the winelands is a serene environment to soothe the senses. If you are looking for a world-class destination for an unforgettable experience, Delaire Graff Estate is the place to be.

Wines

Delaire Graff Estate boasts a prestigious winery that capitalizes on the unique terroir and long, slow ripening season to produce award-winning wines. The estate has 17.5 hectares of vineyards. Bordeaux reds and Chardonnay grapes are grown on the Botmaskop Mountain. This winery is considered one of the top 50 wineries in the world as per the World’s Best Vineyards 2023 rankings, securing the 36th place on the list.

Wine Tasting

The estate also has an art-filled wine lounge that offers tutored wine tasting experiences daily, showcasing exclusive vintages only available at Delaire Graff. The tastings offer breathtaking views of the Simonsberg Mountain and the surrounding vineyards, creating a truly picturesque experience.

Dine

Delaire Graff Estate is home to two unique restaurants, both serving award-winning wines. One is the Delaire Graff Restaurant, offering modern bistro-chic meals from a seasonal menu. On the other hand, Indochine Restaurant serves an Afro-Asian cuisine. This variety is inspired by Chef Virgil Kahn’s Cape Malay heritage and his travels through Asia. They emphasize local cheeses and charcuterie in their sharing platters. Accompanied by non-alcoholic beverages and seasonal snacks, each meal is designed to harmonize with their extensive wine collection.

Explore Delaire Graff Estate

Apart from the award-winning wines, Delaire Graff Estate also features fragrant gardens, exclusive boutiques, breathtaking art, and a sustainability focus. The estate is home to Graff’s exclusive jewelry and watches, as well as the Italian brand 100% Capri’s linen clothing. This combination of luxury products and art collections provides guests with a unique experience that’s hard to come by.

The Art and Gardens

Delaire Graff Estate is a botanical paradise with tranquil gardens reflecting the changing seasons. The gardens showcase South Africa’s most exceptional contemporary artists. These are all part of Graff’s personal collection. This makes the estate so much more than just a winery – it’s an art gallery with over 400 works from various artists adorning the walls, ceilings, and gardens.

The owners of La Bonne Auberge, Remco and Tanja Overman, count Delair Graff among their top choices for wine and dine spots. Here’s their take on this stunning wine estate:

Our visits to Delaire Graff and its restaurant are always extraordinary. Aptly named the ‘jewel of wineries’, it offers more than just exquisite cuisine.

A visit to the Delaire Graff restaurant is characterized by warmth, cordiality, and impeccable attention to detail. From the moment we park our car, until the minute we bid goodbye, the experience is memorable. Whether we choose from the a la carte menu or indulge in the chef’s specially curated menu with paired wines – the food is consistently exceptional, epitomizing fine dining at its best.

Experience extraordinaire

Whether it’s for a romantic getaway, wine tasting, art appreciation, or exquisite cuisine – Delaire Graff Estate is an unforgettable destination for all travellers visiting Cape Town. This luxurious estate combines all the elements of fine living to create a memorable experience that you won’t forget any time soon. It’s incredible to see how Delaire Graff Estate has blended art, wine, cuisine and sustainability to create a tranquil retreat that soothes the senses. Visit Delaire Graff Estate and experience a world of luxury, art, and fine wine that is sure to make for an unforgettable experience.

Activities, relax, Restaurant, Wine

The Lourensford Market: Helderberg’s Ultimate Weekend Destination

Weekends at Lourensford

Are you searching for the ultimate weekend destination in Helderberg? Look no further than The Lourensford Market, hosted by The Aleit Group on the picturesque Lourensford Wine Estate. This market ticks all the boxes with award-winning wines, scrumptious food, and 60 permanent stalls featuring handmade crafts, artwork, and artisanal products. So, grab your family, friends, or significant other, and join in on a day of fun!

What to expect

Nestled amidst verdant lawns, gardens, and oak trees, the market is a feast for the senses. You’ll also find pop-up stores, a rustic venue, and an interactive fountain for children to enjoy. The market has weekend live music too, with DJs every Friday and acoustic acts every Saturday and Sunday. Plus, car enthusiasts can indulge in vintage cars at the MOTOR Studio.

Twilight Market

One of the most popular events is the Friday Night Twilight Market, where visitors unwind at Oak Tree Lane, shop from vendors, and soak in the night market. The market is wheelchair accessible, pram-friendly, and allows leashed pets. There’s no entry fee, and a R10 parking fee (waived with Estate Wine purchases).

Winter Months

If you’re visiting during the winter, then the Lourensford Market team has a unique food and beverage experience at the Laurent Venue. This event runs for three months, where you can warm up with the seasonal menu of comfort foods, winter favourites, speciality coffees, hot chocolates, and a variety of wines.

Operating Hours

Plan your visit for Fridays (5 pm-9 pm), Saturdays (11 am-4 pm), or Sundays (10 am-3 pm). Don’t forget to bring your appetite because there’s something for everyone at the Lourensford Market! From egg-and-bacon rolls, biltong, artisanal cheeses to decadent desserts, you’re in for a treat.

What we have to say about it

The Lourensford Market is undoubtedly Helderberg’s ultimate weekend destination. Whether you’re sipping on the award-winning wines, indulging in delicious food, discovering handmade crafts, or enjoying live music, this market has it all. It’s a family-friendly, couple-friendly, and single-friendly hub of excitement that serves up unforgettable experiences.

La Bonne Auberge’s owners, Remco and Tanja, visit Lourensford Winery and Night Market regularly as its literally on the doorstep of the guesthouse. This is what they have to say about the Lourensford Market:

“Our visits to Lourensford Wine Estate are always a joy. Its proximity is like having a treasure next door. The estate boasts of an artistic garden, a wine-tasting cellar, and the delightful Millhouse Kitchen restaurant – all promising relaxing moments either for solitary enjoyment or with companions. However, our top favourite remains the Lourensford Market. It’s a hub for mingling with friends and indulging in scrumptious food.”

So, set your navigation and head over to Lourensford Market for a relaxing and enjoyable time out!

Activities, Restaurant, Wine

Idiom Wines: A Celebration of Wine and Words

Idiom wines—nestled in the heart of the Helderberg range—is a celebration of terroir, unusual varietals, and masterful blends. This southernmost part of the Stellenbosch wine region provides the perfect backdrop and climatic conditions for an incredible range of wines.

Idiom Wine’s Unique Location

This elite winery is situated at the foot of majestic granite mountains. Idiom’s slopes vary in height from 200 to 350 meters above sea level. The 150-hectare property is easily recognizable due to the distinctive mountain shape known as the Idiom Conical Peak. Their soils contain decomposed granite which is relatively shallow and stony in patches with a clay base. These unique northern, western, and southern aspects create several micro-terroirs that add character and complexity to the wines.

A Family Wine Farm with Italian Heritage

The family wine farm has seen many great achievements. This includes the massive project to build a signature tasting centre and restaurant in 2016 undertaken by Alberto and Roberto. Their decision to plant Italian varietals as part of their diversified portfolio of grapes and actively promote these grape varietals in South Africa is a celebration of their heritage.

Idiom Wines: A Taste of Europe in the Cape

The vineyards bearing the Idiom fruit are called “Da Capo,” meaning “from the beginning” or “from the Cape” in Italian. This name refers to the fact that the vineyards were carefully planted for the first time in 1999. The range consists of 19 different varietals with each providing a unique and direct comparison between famous French wines of Bordeaux and Rhone and Italian wines of Tuscany and Piedmont. All are expressed in the Cape terroir.

Idiom Wine Tasting Centre: A World-Class Experience

The Idiom Wine Tasting Centre offers world-class and informative tasting experiences. It showcase Idiom’s flagship blends, signature Italian varietal wines, including the rare limited-release 900 Series wines. Guests can explore the ‘Cape Idiom’ of the great wine regions of the world while taking in architecture, views, and Italian-South African wines.

Vinotria Italian Wine Library: A Journey Through Italy

Guests are also able to embark on a virtual journey through the main wine regions of Italy at the Vinotria Italian Wine Library where a display of 250 wines from all over Italy distributed by Bottega Family Wines in South Africa.

Idiom Sensory Walks: Exploring Wine Through Nature

You can enjoy a unique experience only to be found in the Varietal Sensory Garden and the Fynbos Garden. Walk from varietal to varietal to explore the scents that are the constituent elements found in white and red wines of the Idiom Collection and whats more is that each bed offers descriptors of the different aromas and flavours, including its herb and floral characteristics. In addition this is also used as a culinary garden for Idiom’s restaurant.

Fynbos & Wine Walks: Celebrating Indigenous Flora

Idiom’s Da Capo Vineyards is situated within the Cape’s biosphere, and the garden celebrates some of the beautiful indigenous flora of the area. Guests can explore the scents of indigenous fynbos on a Fynbos Walk followed by the Cape Blend Tasting.

Idiom Wine’s Restaurant: Contemporary Dining with Breathtaking Views

The Idiom Restaurant opened in June 2016 and offers contemporary dining in the restaurant and a wine-tasting centre. It showcases Idiom’s flagship blends too, signature Italian varietal wines, including the rare limited-edition 900 Series wines. The 100-seater main dining area in the restaurant offers a fusion of Italian and South African cuisine in a modern vernacular.

The restaurant includes a unique, panoramic views of the majestic Helderberg basin. You can see the full expanse of the Cape Peninsula. You can see Table Mountain to Cape Point in addition to False Bay glistening in the foreground. Enjoy the Idiom Signature experience – a 3-course set menu paired with recommended wines from the Idiom Collection. There is also an à la carte and pizza menu available. Please keep in mind that the restaurant closes at 5 pm for day visitors but is available for booking as a venue for private parties.

Remco and Tanja, owners of La Bonne Auberge, often head over to Idiom Wines as it’s one of their favourite spots. Check out what they think about this elite wine estate:

“We are always truly delighted in visiting the Idiom Wine Centre. Nestled away from the hustle and bustle. Furthermore, it offers a stunning view of the surrounding landscape. Wine tasting at Idiom is more than just sampling and purchasing our favourite wines. We love Idiom mostly because we get the opportunity to taste and savour top-quality wines, guided by professional experts who provide insightful explanations. This unforgettable experience keeps us coming back to Idiom time and time again.”

Photo Credits: Idiom website and Instagram

Contacts

  • 21 van Zyl Street, Somerset West 7130, Western Cape, South Africa
  • +27 (0)78 203 7120
  • [email protected]

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