From a journey that spanned almost three years, Vrymansfontein, born from the heritage of Vondeling wines, has just lately opened its doorways. Nestled on a 330-year-old almond farm on the base of Paarl Mountain, this 380-hectare property isn’t just a working almond farm; it’s a meticulously crafted wine and eating vacation spot. I visited final Sunday and liked the expertise.
Initially deliberate to be the wine-tasting facility for the Vondeling wine model, Vrymansfontein advanced into the life-style vacation spot it now could be. With the experience of architect Rick Stander and hospitality interiors specialists Supply IBA, proprietor Max Ward formed a recent oasis with breathtaking vistas, because of its elevated location.
The meals at SCAPE is rooted in simplicity, with a chic and refined method and thought of culinary finishes. “The menu is impressed by the attractive simplicity of the dishes yow will discover all through the Mediterranean area – be it a flawlessly roasted piece of fish, a four-ingredient steak tartare utilizing the most effective fillet there may be, or the likes of our home favorite – veldt reared rotisserie hen. We’ve got sourced the perfect native and seasonal produce accessible in order that we will keep true to our ideas of produce and flavour first,” says Max Ward.
That’s to not say the dishes are one-dimensional. Grobler has leaned into his huge financial institution of data and produced a menu that includes dishes dressed with superbly balanced prospers and flavour marriages that sing.
Friends could select from a wide range of small plates, salads, cured and smoked home specialities, and bigger plates which embody meat, fish and fowl choices. Moreover, vegetable sides and sauces full the culinary image.
The entire plates and sides are delivered to the desk to be shared family-style. It’s a intentionally informal method to sophisticated eating, created to foster conviviality and to spark conversations – all whereas being immersed in a unprecedented setting.
On the Tasting Bar on the deck, company can can style Vondeling property wines earlier than buying. They will do a speedier rise up tasting or a extra leaisurely seated one.
The interiors at SCAPE mirror the native surroundings, mixing pure tones impressed by farmland with deep blues harking back to Paarl Rock. The design incorporates components like outsized cork hanging pendants, paying homage to Vondeling’s wine heritage and native artisans. Artwork additionally performs a major position, with landscapes by native artist Rose Williams adorning the house, capturing the essence of the encompassing farms.
I liked the restaurant house and open-plan kitchen which was calmly run by Kevin. I liked the attractive views from each window making it the proper setting to whereas away a day. Having sommelier George Younger serve and chat concerning the wines was an actual deal with. He has put collectively an excellent wine record that includes stellar Vondeling and native wines.
That is the type of meals I all the time wish to eat and I can’t wait to return to strive a couple of extra dishes.
This was the menu on the day
SCAPESMALL PLATES
Nduja, smoked burrata bruschetta R130
Tomato bruschetta R45
Ajo blanco, candy grape, salad R65
Tomato gazpacho R60
Spiced cauliflower fritters R45
Tempura zucchini, basil aioli R60
Grilled feta, dates, brandy R80
Strawberry, goats’ cheese, pancetta R125
CEVICHE
Yellowtail, pink onion, chilli, lime R80
Sea bass, mango, avocado, cucumber, chilli R165
TARTARE
Beef egg yolk, rocket, lavash R135
Tuna, avocado, ginger, radish R170
SALADS
Corn, cucumber, mint, goat’s cheese R70
Romaine, peas, avocado, pumpkin seeds R60
Beetroot, carrot, grapefruit, candied almonds R70
CARPACCIO
Beetroot, almond gremolata, grapefruit R65
Beef sirloin, Parmesan, capers, aioli R90
LARGE PLATES
Grilled sea bass fillet R265 Entire roasted fish of the day R295 Karoo lamb cutlets R365
Cote de boeuf 1kg R850
Veldt reared rotisserie hen: Full portion R550 / Half portion R280
SIDES
Inexperienced beans, mustard dressing R60
Charred broccolini, preserved lemon, almonds R85
Roasted carrots, harissa, R60
Caponata R75
Tabouleh R60 Inexperienced salad R60
Crispy potatoes R60
Mash potatoes R60
Saffron rice R60
DESSERT
Cheesecake, macerated strawberries, cardamom R85
Nectarines, chantilly, almond brittle R95 Saffron and lemon lokma R60
Assortment of ice lotions R40
Vrymansfontein particulars:
Vrymansfontein is open from Wednesday to Sunday.
The wine and eating choices at Vrymansfontein embody:
SCAPE – a wise design-led inside, with a easy however refined Mediterranean
impressed menu
Open 12:00-22:00 (summer time season, topic to alter in winter)
The Tree Bar – a shaded outside house serving Levantine-inspired dishes
Open 12:00-22:00 (summer time season, could change winter)
The Tasting Bar – Vondeling and stellar Cape wines by-the-glass or bottle,
together with cellar-door Vondeling wine purchases
Open 10:00 – 18:00
Vrymansfontein is located on the Suid-Agter-Paarl Highway on the southern slopes of
Paarl Mountain.
My information to consuming out in Cape City
*I used to be invited as a guist to expertise Sccape at Vrymansfontein with no obligation
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