I recently had the pleasure of visiting The Bistro @ Klein Constantia, along with a handful of select media, to taste their new Winter Menu. If you are yet to discover this new spot, it is tucked away on Klein Constantia Wine Farm, in the beautiful Constantia Valley.
The Bistro @ Klein Constantia
The recently opened Bistro @ Klein Constantia has the most tranquil setting under the Jacaranda trees. It did help that the day we visited was near on perfect autumn day. As well as seating outside under the trees, the bistro has indoor seating, and a private dining area. The decor is light and bright, with gorgeous pops of colour.
This newcomer to the Constantia Wine Route dining scene has become an instant success. Bistro fare allows for a more relaxed dining experience, which I think is a perfect addition to the Valley.
The Team
The dynamic duo heading up The Bistro is local chef Graham Lloyd Davies and restaurant manager Joy Norman. Graham studied at the Silwood School of Cookery, he then completed his apprenticeship at La Colombe, under renowned chef Luke Dale-Roberts. After which he travelled overseas, working as a private chef on boats and in private villas. On his return to South Africa, Graham continued work as a private chef. His excellent reputation eventually secured him the position of head chef at the Klein Constantia Manor House.
As with Graham, Joy is no stranger to the Constantia Valley, having worked at Uitsig, La Colombe and Beau Constance.
The Winter Menu
‘The secret is to focus on locally sourced ingredients and allow them to speak for themselves,’ Graham Davies.
The team at Klein Constantia have created a food and wine experience, focusing on fresh, locally sourced, seasonal ingredients. Cordon bleu chef Graham Davies prides himself on a “farm to table” and “head to toe” philosophy. He has already showcased the best of summer, as well as autumn fare since the bistro opened, with certain items already becoming firm-favourites, such as the country pork terrine and the linefish.
The Bistro @ Klein Constantia is currently running a fantastic winter lunchtime special. *You can either opt for a two-course menu for R220 or three courses for R290 (including wine or cordial). The winter dishes can be paired with a selection of their award-winning wines, which include some superb older and rarer vintages when applicable.
Starters
For our Winter Menu tasting, we could choose from a selection of three starters which included, Coal Baked Beetroot & Grilled Pepe Buche Salad, Country Pork Terrine and Beef Carpaccio with Rocket & Parmesan. The Pork Terrine was the most popular choice, but I decided to opt for the Baked Beetroot, which was fabulous. Klein Constantia 2016 Metis Sauvignon Blanc, was the wine of choice for my starter. The zesty acidity of the wine paired exceptionally well with the salty, rich flavour of the cheese.
Mains
The mains options included Asparagus and Smoked Tomato Gratin with local, Aged Parmesan, Linefish with Tartar Sauce and Beef Fillet, with Fondant Potato & Cafe Au Lait. The Beef Fillet sounded too good to resist, and it did not disappoint. In fact, it is the best fillet of beef I have eaten in a while, and the fondant potato and sauce were “perfection”. To accompany my Beef Fillet I decided on the Klein Constantia Estate Red, which was as delicious as the food. The 2014 Estate Red is a full-bodied red blend of 58% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Shiraz, 14% Petite Verdot and 9% Malbec.
Cheese Platter
Also extremely popular is the specially curated platter of local cheeses, perfectly matched with the Vin de Constance dessert wine. {a R40 surcharge applies for the wine}. A cheese board is an excellent choice, instead of a sweet dessert and often the perfect way to end your meal.
Opening Times & Venue Details
Lunch is served from Tuesday to Sunday between 12:00 pm and 2.30 pm, with the kitchen closing at 3.00pm. Choose from either a two or three-course menu option, with cheeseboards available after that, until 4.00pm. The menu is seasonal and subject to change. Wine, water and cordial are the only beverages served, and corkage is not permitted. A discretionary 12% gratuity is added to the bill. The venue is regrettably not suitable for children under the age of 12.
Contact Details
To make a reservation at The Bistro @ Klein Constantia, visit Dine Plan. For special enquiries please call +27 (0) 21 794 5188 between 9.00am and 11.00am Monday to Friday. For private function queries (up to 12 guests only) kindly send an email to [email protected].* Kindly note that the winter special runs Tuesday – Friday and does not include weekends or public holidays.
Image Source: All images are the property of ©Inspired Living and Fiona Rossiter, except Bistro Exterior Entrance & Interior Images.
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Disclosure
The post does not contain sponsored or paid content. However, my meals and drinks were complimentary. All opinions, content, and images are the property of Inspired Living or Fiona Rossiter unless otherwise stated. To see more, read the full PR & Disclosure Policy below.
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