Tag Archives: Sea Point

Exploring the Winchester Mansions hotel

Posted on by
4

Every summer I find myself driving along the Sea Point promenade and past the beautiful Winchester Mansions Hotel… thinking to myself “geeze, I should really check that place out… it looks so damn pretty…”

But for some reason I just never made a plan, until recently that is.  It was a nice sunny day, something that’s becoming a rare commodity here in Cape Town as the winter weather is creeping in, and my friend Joe and I decided we should go and check it out for a spot of lunch.

We settled in on the stoep area, I guess cause this is where you always see people chillin’ when you drive by, so seemed to us that this was the main dining area.  When we were given menus however the front of the menu said “Bar Menu”.  So we asked the waitress whether this was the correct place to have lunch and she said yes.  We figured, oh well, let’s just go with it then…

The bar menu has options including burgers, wraps, sandwiches, nachos, tapas style items and then a wide variety of sweet treats.   I opted for the Traditional Flammkuchen – crispy thin french pizza with bacon, onions and seasoned sour cream (R32):

And Joe got the Samosa and Springroll Plate served with a coriander creme fraiche (R48):

Both meals were very tasty, but my Flammkuchen definitely won the prize for best choice of the day.  Being seated at the front of such a iconic Cape Dutch building, we figured the best way to finish off our meal in style was with the Winchester’s Famous Scones daahlings (R24 for 2 and served with cheese, jam & cream):

Man, doesn't that look just soooooo good?

Scones… so so simple, but boy isn’t it just one of the most soul fulfilling treats around? ;)

In the back of my mind, something kept bugging me though.  A few people had told me about the amazing breakfasts that they do at the Mansions, but I had not seen any breakfast options there.  So Joe and I decided to go do some exploring after lunch.

First we checked out the impressive bar area.  The perfect spot for a few after work drinks, or even a private function I would say.

Loved all the rich fabrics and shiny trimmings...

And then boys, I'm sure the first thing you noticed in this pic was the TV playing sports. hehe

We then sneakily followed some guests into the main hotel area and got to check out the pool (which is very nice btw), the formal lunch/dinner dining room (also pretty sweet) and the formal lounge for their guests (super fancy):

Then, finally, we stumbled upon what seemed like the holy grail of chill spots at this hotel… the garden courtyard!

Seriously, how pretty is that?

This is where you can enjoy those amazing breakfasts I had heard about.  They do a la carte breakfast options ranging from R42 to R65.  Or you can go for the continental buffet for R95.  Or just stop messing about and go all out for the full breakfast buffet at R120 (served between 7:30am and 10:30am).  I’m guessing there would be a lot of starving & stretching before that one and your look for the day would definitely involve stretchy pants.

I’m dead keen to go back with a big group of mates to take up that challenge.  So for now, I’m going to reserve my Miss K Kiss-o-Meter rating untill I get to go back and get the full chow down experience.   Who’s with me? :)

xxx

The La Mouette 6 course taster menu

Posted on by
Reply

On Fri eve I had dinner at La Mouette in Sea Point with some friends.  I’ve mentioned this restaurant before because Leigh and I did a dessert tasting there back in October.  You can read about that here.

It’s such a beautiful restaurant, I just had to go back to do their 6 course taster menu.  And at only R150 pp, it’s an absolute steal.

We were seated in this secluded little dining spot, perfect for a table of 8 – where you could even close the doors and have absolute privacy.  I think they saw my loud bunch coming a mile away and figured it would be safer to keep us hidden. :)

As I was still suffering through my post Deadmau5 hangover from hell, I was strictly on water and Appletizer for the evening. hehe.

Course # 1 was an onion bhaji and potato samosa with yogurt and spiced tomato chutney:

The samosa was beautifully crispy and light and when mixed with the other flavours in that bowl, it just created heaven in your mouth.

Course # 2 was a coconut broth with spring onion, butternut and black sesame seeds:

I really enjoyed this, although the choice of serving plate (or should I say cup) caused some laughter at the table. You see, my friend Grant felt it was taking to long to eat with the little spoon they provided and decided to just drink it like you would a cup of Maggie soup. Nice, real nice. ;)

Course # 3 was tuna tartare with avocado puree, toast and spiced tomato jelly:

Now I’m not a fan of tartare… The vegetarian option for this course was a marinated tomato salad with wild rocket, basil oil and goats cheese.  Most people at the table opted for that as they weren’t brave enough to face the tartare.  But not me! I figured I should at least give it a bash.  And I’m glad I did. Even though it’s not something I’m going to be eating lots of in the future, it was very interesting.  The flavours of all the little things they serve with it worked really well and I polished off my plate in the end.

Course # 4 was free-range chicken with spinach, crushed potatoes and sauce vierge:

When I saw chicken on the menu, I must admit I wasn’t too excited.  I have this rule about not ordering chicken at restaurants as it’s just so easy to have at home.  I prefer to go for a nice piece of red meat or seafood or something.  BUT, this chicken was something special.  It was really tasty, with lots of different flavour components and I especially liked the mustardy mash it came with.  I’m a total sucker for mashed potatoes, it reminds me of home.  One thing my mom could totally rock out was a mean bowl of mashed potatoes.  Mmmmmmm.

Course # 5 was strawberries and cream, but with a twist. It was actually vanilla panacotta with a strawberry foam/jelly topping:

This was sooooo yum!  I kinda wished they had given us a bigger serving.  I scoffed down that shot glass in seconds.

Course # 6 was a different take on a classic cappuccino – Coffee ice cream, milk foam and warm doughnuts:

At this stage I was totally stuffed.  So I didn’t finish it.  But the ice cream was super creamy and those little warm dougnuts were like little soft clouds. I just honestly couldn’t fit anything more into my body, so I just had a small taste of everything.  The boys at the table with the man-sized appetites did claim however that they could have gone through this entire menu once more…  Doubtful.  But I would agree that the boys would have probably preferred one more meaty option than having 2 sweet options.

So, my Miss K Kiss-o-Meter ratings for the La Mouette 6 course tasting would be:

    • Vibe: 
    • Price:
    • Food: 
    • Service: 

It’s obvious that the chef takes pride in what he puts on your plate.  I thought the menu was carefully thought out and well executed.  Sadly, this menu finished it’s run on Sunday.  But for December they’re doing a Seafood tasting menu for R295 pp.  It consists of the following courses:

  • Petite moules et frites  (had to check this on the Yahoo! Babel Fish translater and it seems to mean:  Small, fried mussels)
  • Salt and pepper prawns chorizo popcorn and sweet corn pureé
  • Open lasagne of crayfish almond crumble cauliflower and truffle foam
  • Grilled tuna Niçoise confit potatoes, green beans, tomato and sauce vierge
  • Strawberries and cream strawberry foam, panacotta and warm doughnut
  • Lemon tart burnt honey cream, honey comb and crème fraiche sorbet

Sounds delicious!  Perfect for a hot summer’s night. I might have to plan another return trip now… :)

xxx

Dessert tasting – it’s a very serious job

Posted on by
Reply

So my partner in crime, Leigh, organised a dessert tasting at La Mouette on Sunday afternoon.  Because she knows that I’m a major sugar addict, she invited me along for the ride. :)

For those who haven’t heard of La Mouette, it’s a beautiful restaurant at the end of Regent Road in Sea Point.  It has a little open air courtyard with an outside dining area:

And then inside you’ll find lots of interesting different spaces, from formal dining rooms to a cosy bar and and a bright & modern chill area:

Chef and owner, Henry Vigar, keeps things interesting by creating a special 6 course tasting menu each month which you can enjoy for only R120pp.  I actually experienced one of these amazing “food journeys” about a year ago and was blown away.

But the challenge this time around was to taste some desserts…  so let’s get down to business. ;)

My dessert was their chocolate macaroon with homemade hazelnut ice cream:

Beautiful right?  This baby is available on their a la carte menu all year round.  Lucky for you, because it was deliciously evil.  The macaroons were bursting with flavour, but I have to say the real star of the show was that ice cream.  It was the best ice cream I’ve had in yonks.  Made me smile from ear to ear.
My Miss K Kiss-o-Meter score for my dessert would be: 

Leila went for the peanut butter macaroon with coconut ice cream:

Leila absolutely loved her dessert as well.  I am just gonna have to take her word on how awesome it was, because I can’t confirm it… you see (I think I’ve mentioned this before) I hate anything peanut butter flavoured.  Just the thought of it has my brain going into an endless loop: “WRONG, WRONG, WRONG…”  I really don’t know why, because I actually really like peanut butter on its own.  I’m special, I acknowledge that. :)

Sadly this option is no longer available.  It was part of their September tasting menu and had to make way for a tempting strawberry cheese cake I hear.

So seeing as it’s a new month, I was wondering, what exactly is on offer on their October 6 course taster menu then… Just check this out:

Onion bhaji and potato samoosa

yogurt and spiced tomato chutney

_____________

Butternut squash soup

coriander lavoche, mushroom and pecorino foam

_____________

Roasted line fish Niçoise 

confit potatoes, green beans, tomato and sauce verge

______________

Confit lamb shoulder

potato gnocchi, spiced yogurt, aubergine puree, mint and peas

or

Beef sirloin (R35 supplement)

smoked short ribs, mash, wilted kale and  red onion marmelade

_______________

Sunny side up

guava, coconut espuma and chilli

_______________

‘Strawberry cheese cake’

shortbread, marshmallow and crème fraiche sorbet

Sounds amazing right!  I definitely think I need to make a plan to come and try it out.  And then in November, they will be launcing their Summer tapas menu. Here are some of the yummy things you’ll find on there:

Truffle and cheese croquetas
basil and tomato dressing

Pan-fried calamari
chorizo, tomato and rocket

Duck spring rolls
pickled cucumber, honey and soy dressing

Moroccan spiced lamb and chick pea fritter
tomato harissa and yogurt

Crispy Thai beef salad
noodles and tamarind sauce

Sweet.  I really love tapas.  There’s just something so cool about being able to taste a whole bunch of things instead of committing to just one big meal.  Yes yes, it’s true… I have commitment issues. hehe.

Anyways, this dessert tasting thing was really fun.  I would make a habit of it, but then I’d probably end up being the size of a bloody house.   Maybe I could be served desserts while running on a treadmill?  Hmmm…

xxx

Still in love with La Boheme

Posted on by
Reply

I feel like all I did this past weekend was eat! haha.  But hey, when the food’s great, how can one say no, right?

On Sat eve I went to La Boheme in Sea Point with a hot dinner date. ;)   I’ve been to La Boheme on several occasions, I even had a birthday dinner there once, and I’m never disappointed by the quality of the food or the service.   I also like that its a small, cosy spot that’s perfect for a small gathering with close friends or a romantic one-on-one. The environment is also very conducive to easy, flowing conversation – kinda like you’re just chilling in your own dining room at home – comfortable and classy, without being pretentious.

They run two really great deals:

  • R95 for 2 courses (starter & main)
  • R120 for 3 courses.

I am definitely a dessert person, so I was a bit bummed that the 2 course special didn’t allow you to have a dessert instead of a starter…  what’s up with the dessert lover hating people!?

Anyhoo, we both opted for the 2 course deal and then agreed that we would split a dessert (better for the bum in any case).

For my starter I opted for the chorizo and feta cheese spanakopitas:

Was so delicious, especially with the tzatziki & hummus sides...

Then for my main I had the pulled springbok risotto:

The springbok was super soft and all the flavours just gelled sooo well.

It was quite a big serving – I find risotto very filling – so I had to take a doggy bag home…  Actually, come to think of it, I left it in my dinner date’s fridge!  Ah man – rookie move! I’m sure that’s been devoured by now…

I snapped a pic of his main meal as well, was like a piece of art:

Rolled & stuffed chicken with seasonal veggies & potatoes...

He polished his plate off with a huge smile, so I’m taking that as meaning it was really really good. :)

Just have to show you a pic of their menu setup – you don’t get a printed out menu, they simply write the starter, main & dessert options on chalk boards which are then put up near your table so you can choose what you want.  How cute is that?  The menu changes daily, so this is just an easier option – and more eco friendly too!

Hmmmm, what to choose, what to choose...

Now normally I would indulge in everything chocolate from that dessert menu.  But feeling guilty from all the over indulging I’d already done, we went for the Trio of Sorbet…

Litchi, mango & mixed berry - the Litchi rocked my world!

It was the perfect light & fresh way to finish off the evening!  But I still had a seriously chocolate craving though. haha.

My Miss K Kiss-o-Meter ratings for La Boheme would be as follows:

  • Vibe:
  • Price:
  • Food:
  • Service:

You will see me again (and again and again) La Boheme!

xxx