The shaded terrace at The Werf Restaurant, Boschendal, overlooking their gardens.
Boschendal Farm is one of my favourite destinations in the Cape Winelands. Their popular farm-to-table restaurant, The Werf, has a brand new menu and I was recently invited to check it out.
Here is our experience in pictures. The thing about Boschendal is this: there is a golden thread that runs through everything they do – a premium, relaxed, unpretentious, welcoming approach. They do many things right and it really shows. From the gate keeper’s friendly wave to the efficient waiters, the excellent wines and the beautiful gift shop, Boschendal hits it on the head. But The Werf Restaurant headed by chef Christian Campbell stands out head and shoulders next to the impressive, vast vegetable garden – it’s a real farm-to-table eatery, not just pretend. You can taste it.
The pathway that leads to the historic buildings that house the butchery, gift shop and wine tasting at Boschendal.The Werf’s iconic Spanish-inspired blue tile floor and flower-filled wine barrels.An appetizer to start with, compliments of the kitchen.Bread basket with beef fat and butter.For starters: Chokka squid spaghetti, fennel & oyster emulsion.For starters: Grilled tuna, charred beetroots & homemade yoghurt. This picture does not do this dish justice – it was one of the best of the day. The homemade yoghurt and the beetroot dressing was fantastic.My daughter’s grilled fish with crispy potatoes and garden salad (kid’s portion).Tucking into her beautifully prepared fresh fish.Main course: Hake, sorrel sauce & seaweed. One of my favourite dishes of the day. It was topped with crunchy miniature popcorn and edible flowers.Main course: Sirloin with chimichurri, marrow & grilled vegetables.Side dishes of potato crispies fried in beef shallow, and mange tout with lemon & house ricotta.We had a wine pairing with each course and it was world class.Dessert: Turmeric brûlée, frangipane & kumquats – also one of my favourite dishes of the day! That bright yellow custard is the stuff dreams are made of…My favourite wine pairing of the day (with dessert).The plating station next to the kitchen at The Werf, Boschendal.The interior of The Werf, Boschendal. Most people were seated on the terrace – the restaurant was packed to the brim.The lush garden view from The Werf’s terrace.The manor house at Boschendal.
The Werf Restaurant opening hours:
Lunch: Wednesday to Sunday 12:00 to 14:30 (Seated by 14:00)
Dinner: Wednesday to Saturday 18:00 to 21:00 (Seated by 20:30
Opening times from 01 October 2017:
Lunch: Wednesday to Sunday: 12h00 to 15h00. (Seated by 14h30)
Dinner: Wednesday to Saturday: 18h00 to 21h00. (seated by 20h30)
Please note that a 10% service charge will be added to tables of 8 or more.
