Challenge #8: Oppie Dorp

| The Stellenbosch Culinary Challenge |

- a student's quest to visit every restaurant in town, 

before her final graduation - 

For a recent date night, my boyfriend and I wanted to try something new. We have previously stumbled upon Oppie Dorp, but due to their popularity they could not accommodate us as walk-ins. This time around, we made sure to book in advance and were set for a culinary highlight. 

Neither of us have dined there yet and we completely underestimated the restaurant. We were expecting a laid-back dining spot. Oppie Dorp was everything but, they distinguish themselves from many other restaurants in the area and lean towards a fine dining menu, whilst being affordable. 

 Firstly, I have to mention that their service is impeccable. Our waiter was prompt and the manager visited our table a couple of times. You really get the feeling that you are an esteemed customer, instead of feeling that the restaurant want you to be in and out as fast as possible so that they can fill the table again.

What definitely contributed to our fantastic experience at Oppie Dorp, was that it was accompanied by a great choice of wine. We had a bottle of 2009 Vintage Rust and Vrede which we were saving for a special event and this was it! We were expecting a heavy corkage fee, but were surprised to find out that Oppie Dorp does not charge a corkage fee on your first bottle of wine.
The staff at Oppie Dorp are not sommeliers, but they could have been. They know their wines well and my boyfriend doing his thesis on different cultivars of grapes and production systems was quite impressed. 

Our date night was a gourmet safari, so we already had starters at another spot in town. We therefore opted for mains.  The menu contains a number of mouthwatering options but I would really recommend trying one of their specialities, which the manager will embroid on. 

In my opinion, Oppie Dorp's flexibility really gives them an edge over competitors - besides the items on the menu you can transform any starter into a main, select your cut, portion size and side servings to suit your preferences. 

I had the duck, which was listed under their specialities. Being quite fond of duck, I had high expectations for this dish and I can honestly say that this is the best duck that I have ever tasted. They had two varieties from which I could choose from: the first being a spicy, thai infusion. I however had the duck with a port and berry reduction, topped with orange vinaigrette and served with caramelised onions, cranberries and orange segments (R117). The meat was cooked perfectly, moist and juicy and the citrus is a fantastic combination. I was in food heaven and almost did not want to share even a small bite with my boyfriend. 

He had a 300g portion of matured Chalmar sirloin with an unique mushroom and biltong sauce, served with roasted baby potatoes and grilled root vegetables (R 130). His meat was an excellent cut and was really tender. I am really relieved that he enjoyed his food as much, seeing as would not have liked to share my duck! 

Succulent duck with a port and berry reduction and citrus vinaigrette 

- The highlight of my evening! 

Matured Sirloin served with grilled

 root vegetables and oven roasted potatoes

Other meal options include: Starters - springbok carpaccio (R62), pork belly (R55) and smoked norwegian salmon (R58), Mains - Fresh fish of the day, venison (R150), beef fillet medallions (R185) and deboned chicken breast (R105).

All main meals are accompanied by vegetables for the table, consisting of a generous portion of butternut slices and creamed spinach.

For dessert, Oppie Dorp only has four options: Chocolate Brownies, Cherry Flambe, Malva Pudding and a speciality of the day, which in our case was Creme Brulee (all R45). My dining experience at Oppie Dorp ended on a high note with the chocolate brownie, where my boyfriend had the creme brulee. The desserts are served with a ball of ice cream in a phyllo pastry casing, with a spun sugar topping.

Chocolate brownie, with a fudge base, ice cream and spun sugar

Usually on date night, it is the company and quality time that we spend together that matters more than the choice of restaurant. However, Oppie Dorp managed to place a strong emphasis on our gourmet experience and largely contributed to the success of the evening. For that, we can really commend them.

Happy diners!

Interior of Oppie Dorp 

* If you are planning to visit Oppie Dorp, ensure that you have a booking. They are quite popular and have limited seating available, therefore they cannot readily accommodate walk-ins. 

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Address | 137 Dorp Street, Stellenbosch

Telephone | 021 883 3889

Website | www.oppiedorp.co.za (under construction)

Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/OppieDorp

Challenge # 7: M Patisserie

| The Stellenbosch Culinary Challenge |

- a student's quest to visit every restaurant in Stellenbosch, 

before her final graduation - 

Patisserie | A type of French or Belgian Bakery, that specialises in pastries and sweets. 
M Patisserie | A small patisserie, owned by Martjie Malan in the heart of Stellenbosch. "Our culinary  repertoire includes treats for all occassions: bright-eyed breakfasts to scrumptious lunches, decadent desserts to perfect pastries." 

When my boyfriend wanted to take a quick study break, I was immediately ready with a location. I have often driven past M Patisserie but have not given it much thought. However, since I have started my Stellenbosch Culinary Challenge I have been looking at eateries in the area with new eyes and M Patisserie was next on my list. Therefore when the opportunity presented itself, I opted in whole heartedly. 

Being Stellenbosch, we parked a couple of blocks away but with the delightful weather this week we did  not mind the short walk to M Patisserie. The first thing that caught my attention was how well they have arranged their shop space in such a small area. The decor is minimalistic without giving a clinical feel and the open kitchen at the back draws you in and it almost feels as if you have stepped into a baker's home.

M Patisserie is the brainchild of Martjie, who left the teaching industry to fuel her love for beauty and baking, as developed by her mother. The idea behind the patisserie was to create a home for her baked goods and in that she has definitely succeeded. Not only did she create a home for her delectable treats, but as a customer you immediately feel at home when stepping into M Patisserie. 

The owner, Martjie at work 

The love for cooking and baking is evident at M Patisserie. 

This quote is displayed on their stained glass door 

as you enter the restaurant

Seeing as all the tables outside were already taken we sat at the long table in the centre of the restaurant. From here you have a direct view on the kitchen and food preparation as well as all the pastries and treats on display. If you are hungry this is not a good place to be seated - temptation will soon overcome you. 

As it was still morning, I opted for the the Cream Tea ( R 45) which consists of a pot of tea / coffee of you choice and two scones served with cream and raspberry jam (which I exchanged for cheese). My boyfriend is a croissant enthusiast and had scrambled eggs and slow roasted cherry tomatoes on a croissant (R 40). 

The scones were really exquisite. Usually I don't prefer scones seeing as it almost always end up leaving an overwhelming taste of baking powder on your palate. The same could not be said of these scones, they were sligthly sweet and albeit having a finer texture, they bear a strong resemblance to shortbread. Paired with some cream, I was a very happy patron. 

I could only finish one of the scones and took the other as a take away. At home I reheated the scone and added some mature cheddar - the slightly sweet and savoury combination with the lingering taste of the matured cheddar, was quite a success. 

All the meals are prepared by hand and on request. Therefore you will find no mass production or ready made meals at M Patisserie.At the end of our meal, we received two complementary vanilla macaroons - this is reason enough to return. 

The service was a tad slow, but seeing as they had a birthday party at the same time, it was understandable. 

Scrambled eggs and slow roasted cherry tomatoes served on fresh croissants

Scones with fresh cream and cheese  

Earl Grey tea and vanilla macaroons

M Patisserie serves breakfasts, lunch and solace for every sweet tooth in town. They also serve a high tea for R 125, where you receive a selection of their scrumptious pastries and treats. They offer all types of croissants (R 16- R 18) and then add eggs, hickory ham and preserves to present a satisfying breakfast (R36-38). For breakfast they also serve buttermilk crumpets (R 35), honey roasted granola (R30) and a croissant croque monsieur (R50). 

If you do not have a sweet tooth, they also offer an array of savoury items, such as quiche and sandwiches.

They also bake cakes and other treats on requests, so be sure to give them a call if you are interested in something special. 

After our meal, the tables outside have opened up and we took our tea outside. We savoured the first of the beautiful Spring days and left feeling satisfied and with the knowledge that there's a small kitchen in Andringa street that feels like home and will ensure our return.

Some of the quiches, eclairs and scones on display

Birthday cake baked on request

Photo Credit: M Patisserie

Trading hours | Monday - Friday 08:00 - 17:00, Saturday 09:00 - 15:00
Address | 3 Andringa Street, Stellenbosch
Email | m@mpatisserie.co.za
Telephone | 021 886 5020
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/MPatisserieSTELLENBOSCH/timeline

Alternatively view their review and full photo shoot on the Pretty Blog at http://www.theprettyblog.com/style-and-home/m-patisserie/

Challenge #6: Hazz

 | The Stellenbosch Culinary Challenge |

- a student's quest to visit every restaurant in town, 

before her final graduation - 

Hazz is synonymous with their logo: "Coffee for heroes". I don't know if it is the coffee, but this place really has a buzz. For a non-coffee drinker to make such a statement about a coffee roastery and espresso bar - it really goes to show.

Situated in Ryneveld street it is popular among students, but despite the lack of parking Hazz don't only draw those who only go where their feet can carry them. Having Dan Hugo, the professional Xterra athlete as their brand ambassador they also draw a lot of active individuals and everyone else who is on the search for a really good cup of joe.

At Hazz you place your order at the till, before grabbing a seat. Inside you can choose between a couple of long tables and couches. Outside seating is weather dependent and consists of small wooden tables under the oak trees. Along with their selection of pure arabica coffees, they also have a decadent selection of pastries, macaroons and sweet treats ranging between R12 to R32 - these will definitely complement your coffee.

I was impressed by both the quantity and quality of their tea selection. I ordered the French Earl Grey tea, which is a TWG black tea blend infused with citrus fruits and french blue cornflowers. Hazz is not only serious about coffee - they serve specialist teas as well. This is a big bonus in my books! 

They also serve freshly prepared juices ( R 20) and a selection of sandwiches (R 29 - R 37)

My pot of French Earl Grey tea

If you don't have time for a sit down, they also do take-aways. Even better news is that you can enjoy the superb taste of Hazz coffees at home, thanks to the innovative self-service bean machine in the restaurant. This is a touch screen operated machine from which you can choose your selection of beans and whether you prefer it as whole beans or ground. In a matter of minutes you will be on your way with the freshest ground in town.

Interior of Hazz, with the self-service bean machine in the corner 

Photo Credit: Hazz

Visit them at: 32 Ryneveld Street, Stellenbosch

Telephone: 021 882 9976

Website: www.hazz.co.za

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/h%C3%A4zz/146732435379391?fref=ts

Challenge # 5: Buena Vista Social Cafe

| The Stellenbosch Culinary Challenge |

 - a student's quest to visit every restaurant in Stellenbosch, 

before her final graduation - 

This authentic Cuban restaurant is situated just outside Stellenbosch, on the R44 and was the venue for a friend's birthday party. Buena Vista is ideal for larger groups, seeing as they have ample seating as well as a separate dining, lounge and bar area. 

Entrance to Buena Vista, Stellenbosch

Photo Credit: Buena Vista Social Cafe

If you can't recall any familiar Cuban dishes, don't refrain from Buena Vista - even though they are a Cuban restaurant, they do cater for different tastes. The restaurant has an island vibe, it is surrounded by palm trees,  and big open bonfires in summer. You are seated at rustic wooden tables and interesting decals cover the walls. The staff also have a laid back attitude, without being slow or ineffective.  

Buena Vista offers an array of cocktails and tapas (such as calamari, chilli poppers, mussels and mezze platters). For mains you can choose between burritos, quesidillas, nachos, wraps and salads as well as all the usual meat and seafood dishes you will find at other restaurants. 

On Mondays they have a nacho special in terms of which you get a complimentary, standard plate of nachos with every plate of nachos that you buy. We opted for cocktails and plates of nachos for the table. We were also feeling brave and opted for some chilli poppers - however these are not for the faint of heart. These chillies mean business and are very spicy. Most of us could only stomach half a popper each. 

The nachos however was a great success. We had the Nachos con Pollo, which is the standard nachos with chicken (R 78) as well as the Lamb and Feta Nachos (R 85). With this order, we received two standard plates of nachos (spicy tomato nachos with salsa, guacamole and sour cream) for free. Their portions are generous and ideal to share. We had copious amounts of nachos going around! 

The nachos are really exceptional and I can really recommend this option - especially the lamb and feta nachos. 

Chilli Poppers, filled with cream cheese and served with sweet chilli sauce

Photo Credit: Buena Vista Social Cafe

Standard nachos with salsa, guacamole and sour cream

If you do visit Buena Vista for a birthday, ask them about their special birthday shot, seeing as it is not listed on the menu. On your birthday, their gift to you is a cuban birthday shot, rich in tradition. 

The manager will bring you a tray with a shot as well as a plate with an alcohol infused orange slice and cinnamon. He explains the whole process in detail before commencing. The orange slice is then lighted and because of the alcohol content it produces an impressive flame. When the cinnamon is sprinkled over, little sparks are created  - thereafter the shot is downed and the orange serves as a sweet treat. 

Birthday shot for Shirne

Good news! If you are not in the Stellenbosch area, they also have branches in Green Point and Durbanville - so you really don't have an excuse for not visiting them! 

Buena Vista - Stellenbosch / Somerset West

Lentelus Farm, R44

021 855 4454

Buena Vista - Greenpoint

12 Portswood Road, Greenpoint

021 418 2467 / 68

Buena Vista - Durbanville

Palm Groce Centre

021 976 7260

Alternatively, visit their website at http://www.buenavista.co.za/, from where you can make online bookings. 

Challenge # 4: Helena's at Coopmanhuijs Hotel

| The Stellenbosch Culinary Challenge |

- a student's quest to visit every restaurant in Stellenbosch, 

before her final graduation - 

I was fortunate enough to attend the "Lunch with my lecturer" initiative, organised by the Judicial Society. This event took the form of a luncheon held at Coopmanhuijs Hotel, with Professor Annika Rudman an expert in International Law as our guest. Having her as one of my lecturers this semester I was really excited when I first heard of this opportunity.

The hotel itself is  a 5 star boutique hotel, with 16 rooms. Helena's Restaurant forms part of this venture and even though preference is given to hotel guests, walk-ins are welcomed and accommodated. The restaurant has two dining areas, one being the inside area where you can absorb the rich heritage of this building dating from 1713. The second dining area is covered by a glass roof and opens up to the swimming pool and courtyard.

Helena's Restaurant operates according to their motto: "Where the familiar is made spectacular." They aim to serve dishes known to us, with a certain finesse. 

We were treated to a three course menu. For starters we had a mezze platter consisting of roasted red and yellow peppers, lightly fried aubergine sticks, pork rillettes, pate and lightly toasted baguettes. I can definitely recommend the starter, it is an excellent combination of flavours and was the highlight of my meal. For mains we could choose between a creamy mushroom and chicken soup served with potluck bread or a new take on cottage pie served with a side salad. I enjoyed the soup, especially the enoki mushrooms. The cottage pie was apparently nothing new. 

For desert we had the option of either a cape gooseberry and apple crumble served with amarula ice-cream or a trio of ice-cream. As I was really content by  now, I opted for the trio of ice cream with amarula, vanilla bean and strawberry ice-cream, served with fresh berries and mint. This was a good way to round off the meal and a perfect, light dessert. 

Being a table of eleven people, I must commend the staff at Helena's on their excellent service. All patrons received their food at the same time, were cleared simultaneously and everyone's orders arrived correctly without the staff having to ask who ordered what once the food arrived. This is not often the case with larger tables. 

Even though Helena's is a more upmarket restaurant, you get what you pay for. This is an ideal restaurant for a treat, while not leaving you entirely bankrupt! 

* I take no credit for these photo's - they are not my own and I do not intend to use or process it any further. 

Find Helena's Restaurant at: 33 Church Street, Stellenbosch
Telephone: 021 883 8207 / 021 883 3132
Website: http://helenasrestaurant.co.za/

Challenge #3: Cookie works

| The Stellenbosch Culinary Challenge |

- a student's quest to visit every restaurant in Stellenbosch, 

before the completion of her studies - 

After a strenuous spinning class at the gym, I popped into Cookie Works in search of a red cappucino and maybe something more.(S)more is exactly what I found. 

Having opened on the 2nd of June, Cookie Works is already establishing themselves as the go to place for a sweet treat with a twist of fun. They have a unique concept which will suit every sweet tooth in town. 

Besides selling coffees, teas and a variety of other drinks to go, the real magic is a combination of your creativity and their amazing recipes and spontaneity. 

You can either opt for a ready made cookie, available in a host of different flavours such as pecan dark chocolate, peanut butter & chocolate, white chocolate & coconut  or you can create your own cookie. Being a baker myself, I opted for a cookie creation. The result was a cookie sandwich consisting of a pecan dark chocolate cookie and a chocolate cookie with white chocolate chips, with a (wait for it...) nutella filling - the cookie is freshly baked and with that much use of the word chocolate in one sentence, it was guaranteed to be fantastic.

Other options include creating your own batch of cookies. You start by selecting the type of dough (sweet, healthy, chocolate etc), then you add your own mix ins (variety of nuts, marshmallows, chocolate chips etc) and they then bake and box it for you.
You can also design your own cookie and personalise it with a message for a special someone.

Regardless of your choice, you will have a selection of freshly baked cookies, without any mess in your kitchen. They also have a nifty bicycle, which they use to do cookie deliveries - so a freshly baked cookie is never too far away.

They are the ideal spot for a quick pick me up and I can imagine that having a kids' party there must be a blast!  They have inside and outside seating, daily newspapers, crayons and sheets of paper as well as games available to keep you busy.

The super friendly staff and the smell of freshly baked cookies, contributed to Cookie Works starting my week on a high note, but then again with a chocolatey sandwich cookie filled with nutella, how could they not?!

Photo Credit: Cookie Works

Visit them at: 115 Dorp Street, Stellenbosch

Telephone: 021 882 9775

Trading hours: Monday - Friday : 08:00 - 17:00, Saturday: 09:00 - 14:00

They are very active on Facebook and Instagram, which allows for customer interaction and a closer relationship between the coffee shop and customers:

Find them on Facebook: Cookie Works Facebook

Find them on Instagram: cookieworks2014