Last week I was invited to The Conservatory at Cellars-Hohenort in Constantia to sample their new winter menu.
From as far back as 2000 this has been one of my favourite little hideaway spots… my husband (then boyfriend) and I used to pop in often for high tea or a drink next to the fire. Their bar and lounge area is a great date night venue… BUT I’d never eaten at the restaurant just through the double doors.. until now!
Centred beneath the majestic oak trees of The Cellars-Hohenhort, The Conservatory offers a respite from the bustle of the city and pairs only the best quality local produce with some of Constantia’s best wines.
As you can image The Cellars-Hohenhort in Constantia is a sophisticated experience thanks to it’s upmarket setting, gorgeous gardens, plush decor and decadent food and wine offerings. If you’ve never visited The Conservatory you are really missing out!
Along with fellow foodies from the media I was spoilt to be served some of Head Chef Delia Harbottle’s classics.
Her iconic Double Baked Underberg Cheese Souffle served with a kirsch cheese sauce was first up and WOW was this amazing. Beautifully soft and fluffy as only a souffle should be with a strong flavour. I loved this dish and can recommend it if you’re a cheese fan… even if you’re not you might be converted after tasting this wonder of a soft, moist centre and slightly crispy Parmesan shavings on top.
Next on the menu was Linguini Nero pasta served with seared and crispy calamari, tomato fondue, spring onion and a jet black squid ink sauce! This dish transported me to Italy immediately and was definitley a highlight on the menu. I loved the gorgeous presentation and the different seafood flavours that complimented each other so well.
Then it was time for our main meal… A Grilled Grass Fed Beef Sirloin accompanied by a few shared side dishes on the table of roasted baby beetroot & carrots and triple cooked chips. The steak was perfection and I loved the gorgeous selection of salads and sides. Vegetarians were not left wanting… they were served a Mushroom Cheesecake.
Then it was time for dessert… let’s be clear I don’t usually eat 4 courses for lunch time but how could I say not to a Chocolate Guinness Pudding with caramelised pears and whisky ice cream? Exactly!
The Conservatory at The Cellars Hohenhort are running a great winter special from 1 May to 31 August where you can order 2 courses from the a la carte menu for R180 or 3 courses for R210.
Winter special – The Conservatory
Cauliflower & roast garlic soup
Cauliflower kim chi, gochujang oil, coriander croutons
Miso pork belly
Crispy crackling, exotic mushroom salad,
apple spring onion salsa
dashi dressing
Shaved octopus carpaccio
Seafood ceviche, seaweed and lime panna cotta
Mains
Springbok rump
Sumo chip, heirloom carrots, celeriac puree, battered onions
red wine jus
Honey Roasted butternut risotto
Halloumi cheese, deep fried sage, parmesan shards
Green thai rubbed line fish
Prawn ravioli &leek, tender stem broccoli,
lemongrass coconut veloute, cherry tomatoes
Desserts
Pine apple tart tatin
Salted caramel, chai ice cream
Cellars chocolate sundae
Nougat ice cream, crushed macaroons, strawberry jelly
Throughout the winter months all the hotels in the Liz McGrath Collection, namely The Marine, The Plettenberg and The Cellars-Hohenort will be offering special winter menus. Under the guidance of Executive Chef Peter Tempelhoff, the team of chefs have created menus that showcase the best local and regional produce
Contact Details
Web: www.collectionmcgrath.com
The Cellars-Hohenort: 021 794 21 37
The Marine: 028 313 1000
The Plettenberg: 044 5332030
Images: First 3 – supplied; Last 3 – Kathryn Rossiter
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