| The Stellenbosch Culinary Challenge |
- a student's quest to visit every restaurant in Stellenbosch,
before her final graduation -
De Stomme Jonge is a quaint eatery in Ryneveld Street. It covers a small shop space and can easily be overlooked between the host of restaurants surrounding it. Roosterkoeke serves as the star of the show at De Stomme Jonge. Before you retrace memories of camp fires, blikbekers and the disappointment of biting into your roosterkoek just to find that it is overwhelmingly undercooked, you should pay them a visit. They have managed to make something extraordinary from the ordinary.
De Stomme Jonge is the brain child of Simon Matthysen and it was by accident that the menu panned out the way it did. Simon signed the lease and realised that the kitchen at the back was too small to run a full restaurant menu from - so he decided on traditional no fuss menu with the roosterkoeke made on a gas braai on the front stoep.
Do not limit your thoughts to roosterkoeke with appelkooskonfyt or a slither of cheese to make it exotic. The menu is brimming with creative combinations. The Paul Kruger roosterkoek is served with chicken, cream cheese, sweet chilli sauce, salted butter and rocket (R 55). Another option is the Jacob Zuma which is described on the menu as "sag gemoerde beesvleis met geroosterde tamaties, kaas en augurk en gesmeer met frikkadelbroodjie mayonaise, gesoute botter en roket slaai" (R 75).
They also have platters, which is what we shared on a girls night out. We had the Eva platter, which consisted of brie, salami and cheddar, figs and rocket (R55) as an accompaniment to some wine and ciders. Others platters such as the Simon, include blue cheese, cheddar, "regte egte" biltong, salami, basil pesto , roasted tomatoes and rocket (R70).You can also design your own platter.
Wine is sold by the glass and per bottle and covers a selection of wineries from the area.They also have beer on tap and by the bottle as well as most ciders. If you're part of the banting craze and don't fancy carbs as much, there are also a few salads to choose from.
This is truly a no-fuss eatery at its core. They do not do any yeast free, gluten free or wholewheat options and firmly stick to their traditional recipe. Seating is limited in the small restaurant so booking is essential, otherwise you have to come early. This is however the place that you can spend a whole night, so here the campfire memories are definitely coming back.
I am fond of De Stomme Jonge for their no-nonsense approach and the honest food that they serve, with the friendliest service. They also host local musicians and music nights so as the weather warms up, this is a great spot for a sophisticated camp fire feel. Just don't expect to be leaving any time soon.
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Photo credit: De Stomme Jonge
Address | 3 Ryneveld Street, Stellenbosch
Telephone | 082 054 0125
Email | destommejonge@gmail.com
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/stommejonge?fref=ts
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