The mother city and her surrounding wine region offer plenty of top dining options, just look at the annual Mercedes Benz Eat Out awards, 17 of the top 20 winners of 2018 hailed from the Western Cape. With such choice at hand, you’d be excused for not knowing where to start, so here’s my tip when planning your trip…take a look at the Chefs warehouse group by Chef Liam Tomlin.
Following the success of his flagship establishment in Bree Street- a perfect lunch spot if you are exploring the city, he opened restaurants at both Maison wine estate in Franschhoek and Beau Constantia in the Constantia winelands. The beautiful locations and exquisite food are ideal for celebrating a special occasion and both were featured in the top 20 at the aforementioned Eat Out awards.
However, if you are a fan of Indian cuisine like me, you will simply love their Indian Tapas offering at Thali restaurant. It’s located in Park rd in Gardens, a vibrant part of the cities restaurant and bar scene. Be warned, they don’t take reservations, so get there early to avoid disappointment. The tapas selection consists of a variety of dishes served over 3 courses, at R750 for 2, you feel you are really getting your money’s worth.
The wine list offers a selection of wines per glass and categorizes all the wines by the spice level they would best be paired with. We opted for a chenin recommended for medium spiced dishes and later ordered a Riesling to go with heavier spice.
This is what we ate…
First course:
The most delicous deep fried spinach bhaji with a mint and coriander dressing and a date and tamarind sauce
Nigella seed dhal and paratha
Pickled cauliflower, tikka cauliflower puree and a peanut and coconut cauliflower salad
Beef skewers in a ginger and tamarind glaze, with raita and chilli sauce on the side
2nd course:
Fried fish tacos
Line fish ceviche, coriander lime and ginger dressing, garlic emulsion and salmon roe- so good!
3rd course:
Butter chicken curry
Oxtail bunny chow both served with garlic naan and fragrant basmat rice
Lastly a refreshing complimentary dessert to freshen the palate.
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