Makaron at Majeka House, Stellenbosch – Delectable and darn good-looking!

I’ve dined at most of the best and renowned restaurants in Cape Town and Stellenbosch, and have never come across this gem, never even heard of them, until September that is, and what an absolute pleasure it was!

The Good:

Everything!

The setting is beautiful and modern, the staff is friendly and service prompt without being invasive. Great location, as Makaron is situated in the Majeka House in the beautiful Stellenbosch. I was pleasantly surprised, wowed actually at the immense style this restaurant depicts from the get-go.

 

Extensive and exciting wine list, we had the Catherine Marshall Pinot-Noir which was enchanting ( the sommelier thought this very amusing and coincidental upon discovering that I am a vegetarian, as Catherine is a vegetarian, and therefore her wines are all vegetarian…) Fun fact.

The amuse-bouche was delightful and beautiful, followed by a surprise course of the chef’s play on a pink-vienna dish, which she cleverly turned into a mouse, and served in a tin. Such a fun idea to proof that her favourite child-time food ( the vienna) could be so much more, and could be served in a 5 star restaurant. I had the pleasure of sampling the Ancient Grains, delicious!!

 

We did not order starters, which I am truly haunted by to this day – having known then what I knew know, I would have ordered a full 3 courses, even if it meant having to force-feed myself like a foie-grass duck!

Mains were a winner all around, plated to perfection with delicate details. There is no doubt that this young chef does every single this with love, care and passion. I had the Roast Butternut Cannelloni, it was to die for! Definitely the best pasta and/or butternut dish to have every graced my taste buds.

 

 

Desserts were great too, and very creative – but comparing desserts to amuse-bouche/second course and mains, the first bunch comes out on top. And then, just to make you wonder again, there is a wooden chest filled with ice, and different flavoured bite-sized ice-cream sandwiches… I mean really, what more do you want? This is perfection!

 

The Bad:

Hold on to your seats – I have nothing to say here. This might be a first.

The Ugly:

And here it is for a second time – nothing, yes, absolutely nothing.

 

Tips:
Book a table here NOW. Go, on treat yourself!

Do not eat lunch before dining here, if you are going for lunch, skip breakfast. In fact, just starve yourself for a good 24 hours. The food is amazing and inspired, and you’d want to be able to eat as much of it as possible.

Now I can safely say that this is by far one of the best dining experiences I’ve had, in my life. And I can vouch for this, by letting you in on a secret: we had a gorgeous and big lunch the afternoon before our dinner here, and were stuffed (hence not ordering starters). And even with the feeling of not knowing how we would feasibly eat one more morsel of food – we devoured every single plate! Even with all the extras. Everything was just so darn delectable and good-looking that you could not possibly say no.

I’m salivating as I think back on this lovely experience.

And in the words of Arnold Schwarzenegger – “I’ll be back”.

One more day ‘till weekend, you can do this.

Until we eat again…

Crepisimo, Arequipa – Paper thin crepes oozing with flavour

If you have read a couple of my post on this blog, it is easy to spot that I love a bit of good French food. Crepes are the ultimate street food of French, and when made properly these delicate creations are marvellous.

On my 2 most recent trips to Paris I was utterly disappointed that it was so difficult to find a street vendor of café with a proper freshly baked crepe – mostly the batter was too think, and they were pre-baked and cold.

I could not in my wildest dreams think that I would find a prefect crepe in the middle of a small Peruvian town named Arequipa.

Situated at the entrance of the Alliance Francaise, this 10 table restaurant and bar – with an astounding selection of beers from across the globe is the epitome of excitement. People queue and comeback and queue and sit and eat at the bar. Incredible how such a small amount of people can create such a vibe.

Lovely selection of fillings for the crepes, and you can also create your own should you wish to do so. For the more health conscious they offer a brown batter on any savoury crepes, which is made from a Quinoa type of grain – this brown batter is bursting with flavour and a wonderful alternative to the classic white batter.

For dessert crepes in Peru, they have created their own signature – Dulce de Quinoa, and what a signature this is!

The best way I can think of explaining this, is something between a rice pudding and sweet risotto, delightful and sinfully sweet with the texture of the Quinoa.

The prices are extremely reasonable, service quick – not a lot of English, but they try very hard to assist where they can. And luckily pointing at the Spanish translation on the menu is really not difficult.

Aaah, the nostalgia is taking over and I’m salivating just think of these heavenly mouthfuls.

(PS - we dined here 3 times...twice for dinner, and once for lunch, yummy everytime!)

Until we eat again...

And so ladies and gentlemen, friends, family and fellow foodies – the day has finally arrived!!
The last working day of 2013! Happy happy days!

Also it is the infamous Friday the 13^th – but not even this can get me down.

Early tomorrow morn’, before the break of dawn I’ll be on my way to the airport, en route to Peru.

I cannot contain my excitement anymore, I want to run wild and explore!!

I will hug any Llama I see, and eat all the delicious and unknown vegetarian delights that they have to offer.

No restaurant reviews today, and for the next couple of days, but I’ll be sure to post some review on Peruvian restaurants soon.

‘Tis this season of giving, and I would not dare leave you with nothing, so below are some of my favourite Llama clips, and helpful hints on how to be a great explorer, none of which have anything to do with food unfortunately…

 

The Llama Song

Llamas with hats

 

I wish you all happy holidays,

 

Until we eat again (in Peru)...

 

Waterkloof Wines, Somerset West - Heaven on Earth!

Close your eyes, and have your mind wonder to a secret little place of awe and beauty.

Imagine a glass cube on the top of a hill, overlooking a valley of vineyards, abundant vegetation and the majestic blue sea.

You have that?

Now – go visit Waterkloof Wines, and exceed your imaginations expectations.

The most amazing fireplace with specially made leather couches and small tables and chairs that compliment this stunning feature in the centre of the room, beside the open kitchen. This double volume ceiling and glass walls give a sense of openness and amazement.

True serenity and bliss.

Situated just outside Somerset West in the Cape, on Sir Lowrie's Pass, this prize winning architectural structure is a highlight in its surroundings. Yes, a little drive if you commute from Cape Town or Stellenbosch, but well worth the travel.

Waterkloof restaurant is still quite new compared to the other vineyard restaurants, but will soon be in the top 10 – guaranteed.

Waterkloof has only offer their own wines, which is great, as these wines are delightful and you really wouldn’t want any other wine. I think what a suprises me most of this restaurant are the prices. The wines are at cellar prices, and the food with all the details and expertize are half (or less) the price that you would pay at any of the top 10 restaurants, or well-known places in the Cape. The owner of this little piece of heaven on earth has a passion, and is making it a reality, offering all a glimpse at paradise, without ripping you off and charging you near insane prices.

And I haven’t even started on the food!

An absolute master in food, Gregory Czarnecki will ensure that you have a food experience that lingers on in your mind for months. His knowledge of food, and combinations of flavor, textures, technique and plating is jaw-dropping, every course unique and exciting. And catering for vegetarians in no problem, and these dishes are just as amazing. It is here that I again realized my love for good food and wine.

Think Lentil Velouté with beetroot, truffle foam and foie gras; Scallop Ceviche with cauliflower and curry; Spingbok Loin with parmesan custard, smoked potato and pumpkin gnocchi; Monkfish, wild mushroom and Iberico; and for desserts – Sablé Breton and Hazelnut, burnt honey and clementine marmalade sorbet; Carrot Sponge, butternut ice cream with white chocolate and celery cream; and a cheese platter with liquid shortbread, truffled honey and foie gras snow.

My mind goes a little blurry as I reminisce about the total decadence that is Waterkloof. So I think it’s best if pictures do the rest of the work, as words escape me…

Untill we eat again...