AMAZING MUNCH SPOTS

Poké Co recently added yet another store to their portfolio. This time it’s in Somerset West. Picture Asian-inspired, bold umami flavours and fresh, healthy ingredients that create a sensory delight. At Poké Co there is something for everyone and you can even build your own bowls. The menu also includes smoothie bowls, healthy broths, delicious breakfasts and more.

Q @the_poke_co including some of the signature dishes sampled and favoured by guests who have stayed at the Brookdale Manor House since its opening in 2021. The menu is naturally complemented by Brookdale and Mason Road wine ranges, as well as other interesting wines from the Paarl region and beyond.

Q @brookdale_estate_sa

MULBERRY & PRINCE opportunities. This includes the kitchen, which chef Phil Carmichael says was simply “a room with a table and two chairs.” Among the new additions are open and adjustable fire grills. “We use flame, smoke and embers to cook dishes. More than just a technique, fire is a key ingredient,” says Phil.

The first culinary events held at the revamped Spier Manor House was a series of five-course dinners in March, priced at R1 350 per person, including wine. A launch with classic, long-table setting preceded these events. First up was a simple but spectacular vinaigrette-splashed salad of heirloom tomatoes, nasturtium capers, a sorghum cracker, thin-sliced chorizo, and feta. On the side, a warm and perfect rye-based boule, fresh from the farm bakery.

This was followed by a chicken-and-leek terrine, green bean salad and garden herbs. Wines served were the Frans K Smit 2018 White Blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon, and 21 Gables Chenin Blanc.

Mains comprised Beef Wellington with a bordelaise sauce made with Spier’s Creative Block 5 wine, accompanied by the big-hitting Bordeaux-style Frans K Smith Red Blend. Mashed potato and smoked bone marrow, as well as variety of other veggies were served on the side.

Annabel says that beyond catering, the Manor House can host small events such as poetry readings and masterclasses, which can be accommodated in smaller rooms depending on the requirements. Throughout, leading artists’ works are displayed, like Wim Botha’s dramatic flour-and-resin interpretation of Michelangelo’s Pietà sculpture.

Reflecting on the new venue - the first of several changes afoot at Spier – cellarmaster Johan Jordaan said: “The most romantic thing about agriculture is consuming its wares. The hard part is when it’s middle of the night and you’re trying to fix a problem. But this space is ultimately about leaving a better person than when you stepped in.”

For the line-up of upcoming events and reservation details, visit www.spier.co.za. H

Located in Franschhoek, this is one of the most extraordinary bakeries in the fair Cape. The recently launched bakery and café forms part of La Motte wines’ already impressive offering, and was co-created by culinary legends, Markus Färbinger and Chris Erasmus. If you are one of those people who appreciate the familiarity and warmth that comes with a freshly baked bread, a visit to La Motte’s latest addition is a must.

Q @lamottewine

Chef Luke Dale Roberts just launched a new restaurant called Salon Pot Luck. It is located on the first floor of the silo at Old Biscuit Mill and the décor remains true to its industrial roots. Of course, they’ve added luxurious old-world finishes like gold, leather, art deco, velvet drapes and brass lamps to add to the atmosphere. It's pure old-world luxury and a dining experience of note –complete with exclusive private booths. From recreated French patisserie in savoury form to “very cool” cocktails like their Peach and Strawberry Cooler, you’re in for a treat at this new dining destination.

Q @salonpotluckcpt

Brookdale Estate outside Paarl has recently launched The Bistro at Brookdale, which is open for lunch from Tuesdays to Sundays, with dinner served on Friday and Saturday evenings only. The Bistro at Brookdale comes with a relaxed, contemporary Paarl winelands feel, with executive chef, Gary Coetzee at the helm, assisted by restaurant and tasting room manager, Michelle Michaels. The menu features fresh and wholesome cuisine,

We’d visit this pretty eatery time and again, mainly for the pink doors and the pancakes. This Pepper Street-based breakfast paradise is your ultimate Cape Town brunch spot and the ideal dining destination if you want to treat mom to a Mother’s Day Naartjie Mimosa. The menu is filled with all kinds of unique dishes - from Turkish Eggs and Burrata and Truffle Scrambled Eggs, to warm polenta porridge, almond waffles with warm berries, and Shally’s buttermilk pancakes. In fact, there’s not much on the menu you’d want to say no to.

Q @mulberryandprince_ct

Stellski is the brainchild of proprietor, Megan Kritzinger. The focal point of this coffee bar and café is good coffee, food, music, people, as well as Megan’s Staffordshire Bull Terrier called Stella. While they have a shop in Woodstock, it’s the one hidden in Cape Town’s bustling Bree Street that tickles our fancy. It comes with modern, cosmopolitan design, and its menu offers some of the best breakfast and brunch options in town. Also, be sure to try out their espresso martinis!

Q @stellski