Cape Town is a mecca for South African culinary adventurers; we have a diverse, well-respected food and wine culture that is considered to be the cornerstone of the Capetonian experience.
The fine dining fanatics are not longer pigeonholed to the mature Sunday drivers escaping to the Wineland’s, the up rise of the Cold Pressed Cortardo & Doughsant touting Millennials in the inner city has seen an explosion of foodie hubs like Bree Street now spilling over to Loop.
Fortunately the epicurious endemic has spread far and wide, resulting in each community curating a strong culinary cult following and the newest as potentially most exciting focal point is Constantia Nek, right on the door step of our lush Constantia Cottage.
There have been some long standing gems that have been enjoyed by the locals for years but with new kids moving onto the block, in the form of Heavy Weights such as Liam Tomlin and the expansion of the La Colombe team to their second outpost, the southern suburbs melting pot has reached a satisfying simmer.
Constantia Neck is prime Real Estate in itself, the easy access to and from the area, nestled against the beginning of the Table Mountain Range with hiking trails and breathe taking views of the Hout Bay Valley. It hosts a handful of exclusive residential properties, of which we are fortunate to be one, meaning that the integration of man and nature is at a perfect balance.
Starting directly opposite the Houtkapperspoort Estate, we have one of South Africa’s most celebrated and esteemed Restaurants, La Colombe. A frequent winner of the Best Resaurant Nationally as well as international accolades, they have continued to evolve and reach new heights over the years, never loosing steam with their Fine Dining finesse. Their relocation to the Silvermist Estate in 2015 proved that the integrity of a restaurant lies in the kitchen not in the location, although the view certainly does help.
Just a hop, skip and jump away about 300 away at the Constantia Nek circle, the appropriation of the old Constantia Nek Restaurant by the Harbour House Group has created a natural and more casual epicenter for the new foodie strip. Cleverly reinventing the well revered Heritage Site into 2 Restaurants with unique and contrasting styles while both seamlessly integrating into the much loved façade of the original venue. Not an easy feat but somehow resulting in an easy atmosphere.
The more upmarket Harbour House restaurant, serving the traditional Sushi and Seafood of the group, overlooks both the rolling vineyards of the valley as well as capturing the distant coastline of the Atlantic.
Adjacent to this up market experience is the more relaxed and social traditional Tapas and Drinks venue, La Parada. With a juxtaposing interior of stone and wood, the high tables and wrapped bar spills over to the large deck and has already attracted a dedicated local “after work drinks” following, reaching its pinnacle on Sunday afternoons with live music and dancing.
Another casual stroll down the hill lays Beau Constantia, a highlight of the Red Bus Winelands Tour, but also home to Liam Tomlin’s newest Gastronomic brainchild. The fusion style tasting menu is elaborate and tantalizing, the immaculate gallery kitchen flanking the tastefully minimalist dinning room along with the visually curious plates are the only things strong enough to tear your eyes away from the picturesque vineyard view.
As mentioned the climb up to the Nek is the route for the short and pleasant Red Bus Wine Route tour, a fantastic alternative to taking the 60min drive out to the larger wineland’s region of Franschhoek and Stellenbosch, allowing you to enjoy the Southern Suburbs selection of cultivar in an afternoon while being in the city. Stopping at Groot Constantia, Eagle’s Nest, Constantia Glen, Beau Constantia. The rich selection and variety amongst these neighboring farms will keep your interests peaked, the hop on hop off tour allows you to enjoy the free flowing tastings, cheese platters and scenery at your leisure. With a bus stop within walking distance of Houtkapperspoort, it is a must for an indulgent afternoon.
Lastly but not least at the bottom of the Constantia side of the hill, located in the Groot Constantia Center is Foxcroft, La Colombe’s lastest brain child. It is the perfect example of the team’s passion for creation, an avenue for them to divulge in the art of pastry and great coffee, the more casual shop front has a boulangerie that would slip seamlessly into any Parisian high street offering skillfully prepared sweet and savory treats, whilst also creating a sit down lunch and dinner venue with inventive plates showcasing an edgier approach to carefully constructed plates of magic.
There seems to be a trend in the area of combined venues allowing you to choose your experience without compromising on quality, which in reality is quintessentially Cape Town.
