High tea at The Cape Grace

I enjoyed a wonderful high tea at The Cape Grace this weekend. My initial visit to this establishment was when I tried out their renowned whiskey bar Bascule earlier this year which is THE place to take anyone that loves whiskey.


The Cape Grace hosts their high tea in their beautiful library room with this amazing view...


Not too shabby hey ...



Sorry for the bad light but how relaxing does this window seat look!



The Library room


I loved the atmosphere at The Cape Grace and could have stayed at that window seat for hours. It was very relaxing after a hectic few months I've recently experienced. Next time I think I will stay till there until dinner time :)
 
I can confidently say that the 'eats' were just as sweet as the view. Now initially I was a bit hesitant as The Cape Grace offer their high tea on a tiered stand and you don't have free reign to a sweet treat buffet as at other Cape Town high teas. Sorry I must sound greedy, but I'm a cake addict! Luckily what they serve delivers 100% and was more than enough shared between two.
 
The classic high tea is R185 pp and comes with unlimited tea and coffee as well as the following three tiered stand


I could not wait to start tasting...



Yummy!

 

• Tier 1
• Plain and mustard seed scones served with jam, cheese, lemon curd and cream.
• The scones were delicious and light. I especially enjoyed the mustard seed scones!
• Tier 2
• A selection of cucumber, salmon and egg mayonnaise sandwiches.
• This was the tier I was least impressed with. The salmon sandwiches were to die for but the others were not mind blowing and the bread was a dried out so I think they were made very early in the morning. Hopefully not the previous night!
• Tier 3
• Pistachio and salted caramel macaroons
• The salted caramel macaroon was the clear winner. It definitely ranks as one of my top 5 macaroons I've tasted.
• White chocolate and berry cheesecake
•  Smooth, creamy and the sweet white chocolate paired perfectly with the sour berries.
• Passion fruit and white chocolate tart on a Ferrero Rocher base
• This was my favourite dessert of the afternoon! The combination of the above elements clearly tells you why! I did not want that Ferrero Rocher base to end!
• Cream filled choux bun
• The choux pastry was above standard! Very nice!
• A plain vanilla type of cake
• This was my least favourite item of the day. Dry and unimaginative. We did not really eat it.

 
I enjoyed a pot of chamomile as well as earl grey blue flower tea  and will recommend both of them. Start with the chamomile tea as it helps to balance out the sweetness of the high tea initially. The tea is served in the famous Nigro teapot. A high tea does not feel the same to me if these pots are not present :)


Relaxing and enjoying the view



My favourite tea pot!

 
If you want to add a glass of sparkling wine to your high tea it will cost your R255pp. If you're not in the mood for the full blown high tea you can come and enjoy a slice of home-made cake for R50. The Library Room is really beautiful and you would still have a lovely and relaxing time.They had chocolate and carrot cake when we visited and it looked decadent and delicious!
 
Service was excellent and we felt very welcome during our high tea! I would highly recommend them as well as rate them as one of the most 'valuable' high teas in Cape Town.
 
For more information visit their website
Contact them at 021 410 7100 or signal@capegrace.com
Tweet them @CapeGrace
Like them on Facebook
 
My Top 3 High teas in Cape Town

• The Table Bay Hotel
• One and Only
• Cape Grace

I am very excited to announce that next year I will be able to report back on the high tea at The Oyster Box Hotel as I am heading there for a quick holiday after my final year medicine exams! I hear it's legendary! Can't wait!

Isabella's

I am finally done with exams! Yay! I have a week holiday and then I am going to the Eastern Cape to do my elective in General surgery.

Now during my exams a friend introduced me to Isabella's and it soon became our post-exam stop-shop to unwind afterwards.

Isabella's opened in Durbanville in May. Its part of a franchise, that's very popular in Gauteng and there already are 9 shops with a new one opening soon in Pretoria.

They have a characteristic colour palette of white, pink and black. It's a very retro looking shop and a big emphasis is put on the small details. I especially loved that every time I visited my tea was served in a different pot such as  this beautifull Le Creuset pot below.

The staff and manager Maureen were also extremely friendly and very attentive every time I visited. Nothing seemed to be a hassle for them. Another awesome feature of the shop is the free Wi-Fi. I have a new iPhone and after being on a blackberry for so long I now know what "data" is! haha

 

They have a very extensive menu with numerous breakfast, sandwich, quiche, wraps, burgers ,boerie rolls and salad options. During lunch time there's also a harvest table where you can choose and weigh a plate of food.

I am especially looking forward to try their  double decadent french toast , which is their signature dish, consisting of bread drenched in whipped orange mascarpone served with bacon, maple syrup and berries.(R58)

During my first visit I enjoyed the biltong, fig, rocket, parmesan cheese and herbed mayo sandwich on home baked white bread(R46). Now beware their portion sizes are big. You truly get your money's worth when you dine with them so ladies I would recommend you go for the half portion sandwiches when you visit. I was not a fan of the home baked bread as it was sliced to thick for me but there was nothing wrong with how it tasted :)

My second visit I had the crumbed chicken breast, bacon , tomato, avocado, feta, rocket and herbed mayo on whole grain bread(R46) and once again they did not disappoint.

 

My friend enjoyed the smoked salmon, tomato, capers, avocado, rocket and herbed mayo on rye bread and was also very satisfied.

Now my favourite at Isabella's is their Turkish delight cupcakes but beware they are super sweet. I had to take away a cupcake after each visit and loved the individual cupcake packaging. Other cakes to try when you come for some cake and tea are their ferrero-rocher, lemon meringue, cookies and crème cheesecake, carrot cake, purple velvet, back velvet , nutella chocolate cake and many more.

Our frequent cupcake take-away stash...

Just some of the cakes on display

Turkish delight(R20), chocolate(R26) and red velvet(R26) cupcakes.

Look how cute the cupcake packaging is!

 

Oh and look at this awesome special the first Friday of every month...

 

 

Isabella's can also assist you if you are looking for a venue to host a high tea. Prices range from R75 - R120 per person depending on if you choose to include tea, gin&tonic or a glass of champagne for your guests.

 

They also have an extensive wine, bubbly and cocktail list and my next visit I want to plan strategically so that I can at least enjoy a cocktail.



Visit them Monday-Friday 07:00-17:00, Saturday 08:00-17:00 or Sunday 09:00-15:00
Located at Heritage Square, Vrede street, Durbanville
Contact them at 021 976 6037 or durbaville@isabellas.co.za
Follow them @CakeandFoodShop or like them on Facebook
For more information check out their website

Remember to not forget about Treat that is also in the Durbanville area :)


P.s I also saw a Slug and lettuce is opening or being revamped next to Isabella's!

Boeresjeik

Boeresjeik is located in the industrial area of Brackenfell. Initially I did not have any expectation and when we stopped outside it looked like an ordinary office space. We then opened the door and were transported to a very French inspired sjeik space...

 

I was actually only there for some tea and cake but the beauty of the décor swept me away and first I had to browse around and admire all the art, jewellery, décor, clothing  and antiques. This is a great place to shop for a gift for a loved one. The price range of the items are also wide so it will fit most wallets :)

The space will keep you busy for a long time. So much to see!

Table fit for a high tea

Beautiful chandeliers

Coffee/tea and a slice of cake will cost you only R50. We enjoyed a slice of vanilla as well as carrot cake. You rarely see vanilla cake in coffee shops nowadays and the one at Boeresjeik was delicious. Other cakes to look forward to are red velvet, red velvet cheesecake, chocolate cake as well as a selection of different cupcakes. The savoury lovers can enjoy chicken&broccoli, mushroom&bacon, blue cheese&pear&cheese, butternut&feta or spinach&feta quiche for R28 a slice. A salad can be added to that for R17.

 

The also cater for functions with the following options

• R 65 for tea or coffee plus a choice of either 1 slice of cake or quiche
• R 90 for tea or coffee plus a choice of 2 slices of cake/quiche
• R 90 for tea or coffee plus a choice of 2 slices of cake/quiche

The only negative thing was that one of the ladies of the shop was very rude to us while we were taking pictures. I especially looked for a no-picture signs as they usually are present in décor shops. We were told that we can only take photos if we buy something. It  was said in a condescending tone and I felt a bit uncomfortable after that. I told her I wanted to feature them on my blog and she just smirked. That's why pictures are limited on this post.

 I usually only publish positive reviews and if I don't like the place I don't write about them but Boeresjeik was still a fantastic gem in Brackenfell that is a must visit!
 
The rest of the staff of Boersjeik were fantastic especially the ladies at the coffee shop.

Open Monday to Friday 09:00-17:00 and Saturday 09:00 - 14:00
Located at 12 Kiewet street, Okavango Park, Brackenfell
Contact them at 021 982 2023
Visit their website for more information

High tea at The One and Only

I am on a mission to do all the high teas in Cape Town. My recent quest was at the One and Only. I was privileged to be invited along with my boyfriends family. Nothing beats sweet treats and tea on a Saturday afternoon.



Catching up over delicious treats and tea

A large selection of sweet and savoury to choose from

 

Now I must say that I was not so impressed with the One and Only itself. Don't get me wrong it is a beautiful hotel but I did expect it to be more luxurious and grandiose from all the hype they always receive.



The lounge area

 

Anyway that was not why we were there. We were there for the sweet treat feasting :)

The great thing about the One and Only high tea is that they have a great selection of savoury as well. Most high teas only serve a few sandwiches and quiches and rest is sweet stuff. What they offer is also presented in a more modern way than the Mount Nelson for example.

The cost for the high tea is R165 pp. You can enjoy unlimited drinks like tea, coffee, hot chocolate, cappuccino, and ice tea and of course help yourself to the buffet as much as you want to.

The waitress comes along with a "tea board" that shows you all the tea in leaf-form and explains to you some of them on offer.


The waitress educating us about the different teas we can choose from

 



Loved these cups

 

I enjoyed a not so adventurous Earl Grey Blue and some of the others had the very smoky Lapsang Souzhong. The latter was not a favourite because of the smokiness so just keep that in mind if you consider it. There are more than 25 teas to choose from so you will find something you like!



Now let me show you everything they have to offer...



Puff pastry twirls, quiche and sandwiches

 

Koeksisters, macaroons, gold leaf chocolate éclairs, buttermilk scones...

 

Vanilla bean cheesecake, chocolate mouse cake, chocolate cupcakes...

 

Spring rolls, chicken pies...

 

Here are some close-ups

 

 

 

My favourites were the éclairs, chocolate cupcakes and macaroons. The high tea at the One and Only distinguishes itself from the others in Cape Town with the more modern twist they add to their offerings. It's great for a intimate or large group. They also serve a chocolate Lindt fondue pot that is R165 between two people sharing or add a glass of MCC sparkling wine to your high tea at an additional cost of R45 per glass.

 

 

Spring is here! Celebrate it with some tea and cake as an event without cake is only a meeting :)



 

Visit them daily from 14:30 - 17:30

Contact them at 021 431 5800

More information available at their website

 

For other high tea options in Cape Town check out one of my previous post here

 



 





Franschoek afternoon with Solms Delta and La Motte

A sunny autumn day has to be celebrated. We headed out to Franschoek to enjoy some wine and great food.

Our first stop was at Solms Delta.For R20 you can taste  6 wines. A highlight of the tasting was our wine host. He had a brilliant personality and explained each wine in great detail but also to such extent that we as commoners:) could also understand it. All their wines are blends. My favourite was the Amalie which is a blend of Viognier, Granche Blanc and Rousanne. The Africana, which is their flagship Shiraz , is the only non-blend wine and also one we especially enjoyed. Solms Delta also likes to experiment and they made a "wine" out of pears. It's more like a cider but was very refreshing at the end of the tasting.  I am heading back when summer is in town again to enjoy their picnics and visit their restaurant, Fyndraai.
 

The entrance to La Motte

Breath-taking

For lunch we headed to Pierneef a La Motte. I've waited for a long time to find a special occasion to go and visit them but then I realised that a beautiful day is enough of a reason. The estate is magnificent. You drive up a long driveway heading towards the beautiful mountains of Franschoek that towers over the beautiful La Motte statue.

The farm-stall to your left and Pierneef a La Motte entrance at the back. If the weather permits it you can enjoy your day outside in the beautiful surroundings.

The big star of the estate is the late artist Pierneef. The restaurant is named after him and the art-gallery has a vast amount of his work.

Pierneef at work

The art gallery at La Motte

Make sure you have time to go and visit

Painting by Penny Siopis

 

One of the Pierneef pieces I liked

 

 His work also features on La Motte's wine bottles.

The restaurant has a homey atmosphere. It's decorated with beautiful linen chairs, some featuring the late Pierneef, crisp white linen table cloths and I was especially enchanted with the beautiful ceramic chandeliers. The lounging areas and burning fireplace added to the iniviting atmosphere of the restaurant.

The chandeliers I loved

Inviting fireplace

 

Service is excellent. Everything just happens without you realising it. Your silver changes before each course and your wine and water glasses are topped up before you can say anything.The recommendations the waiters made I also valued highly.

You can watch the chefs hard at work

The prices for starters range from R60 - R79. We enjoyed the Franshoek salmon trout and horseradish ravioli with roasted cauliflower and sorrel milk and the steak tartar which was a speciality of the day. The winner for us was the steak tartar.

Salmon trout ravioli

The steak tartar

The prices from mains range from R79 - R198. The star of the afternoon for me was the mosstroop braised porkbelly with mustard baby potatoes and pickled beetroot relish. The richness of the porkbelly was countered with a fresh pea puree and the mustard that was added to the baby potatoes gave the dish a great zesty taste. The other dish we tried was the free-range chicken and hazelnut ballotine served with green apples, lime atjar, chickpea puree and chardonnay cream. The side dishes to the chicken was especially enjoyed by the boyfriend although he felt the chicken was a bit overcooked.

Porkbelly

Chicken ballotine

By the end of the meal we were so satisfied but we had to sample some of their desserts. During our meal beautiful  crafted sweet treats were carried passed us to fellow diners so we decided to share something.

Desserts range from R20 - R70. You can order cakes, macaroons and cupcakes from the farm stall as well. We shared the dessert nostalgia which was a trio  of pancake, bread and butter pudding and steamed ginger pudding. What a pretty and delicious dish it was. I fought for the steamed ginger pudding and the boyfriend for the bread and butter pudding

The food at Pierneef I can describe as a surprise. It looks very pretty and enjoyable and then we you eat it a vast amount of flavour hits you and you play a guessing game with what you are experiencing. Our one dish we were certain there was a English tea leaf aroma somewhere in it but you never would have guessed it from the original dish. That why I like food and will sometimes pay a little extra than normal as it's truly an art to create dishes like that.

 You can buy wine by bottle or glass. We enjoyed the La Motte Sauvignon Blanc which was well priced at R22 a glass.

The farm-stall 

Be sure to go and browse around.

A visit to the wine-barrels at the La Motte tasting venue

Pierneef a La Motte overlooking the pond

 

You can also do a wine tasting at the estate for R40. To get to the tasting area you have to walk over a beautiful bridge spanning over the pond that the restaurant is situated on. It's a beautiful tasting room decorated in a dark colours. A great contrast with the outside surroundings. While you taste you overlook some of the barrels the excellent wine is made in.

A visit to La Motte is a great cultural experience where you can feast with all your senses on beautiful surroundings, interesting art and delicious food and wine.


You can also visit them for afternoon tea that is reasonably priced at R125p/p

Pierneef a La Motte
Contact them at 021 876 8800
Visit them on the R45 Main road, Franschoek
Follow them on twitter @pierneeflamotte or for more information visit their website to see what else they also offer.

Solms Delta
Contact them at 021 874 3937
Visit them on the Delta road off the R45, Groot Drakenstein, Franschoek Valley
Follow them on twitter @solms_delta or visit their website for more information.