Challenge # 13: Tokara Delicatessen

| The Stellenbosch Culinary Challenge |

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

before her final graduation - 

My boyfriend has been trying for a while to get me into cycling - with no avail. However, things quickly changed when we tried out tandem cycling. It's great because I sit at the back and let him do all the cycling :-)  but it really is a fun way of exercising and spending time together simultaneously. Because you have quite a lot of momentum, when cycling downhill we decided to put it to the test on Helshoogte Pass, just outside Stellenbosch. Our goal was to see if we could set of the speed camera at the bottom of the Pass, in a 60km/h zone. However, what goes down, must go up, so early Saturday morning we set off for a steep ride, breakfast at Tokara Delicatessen (which would hopefully add to our momentum) and then the downhill challenge.

Set among olive groves and vineyards, overlooking Simonsberg Mountain and the Stellenbosch Valley Tokara is a worthy competitor to the views that Tuscany and the Bordeaux regions in Europe offer. To me, Tokara is like a mini overseas trip!

One of the Delicatessen's best features is that it caters for everyone. They are extremely family orientated, with ample space for kids to play, jungle gyms, toys and other activities. Yet they also have a very stylish and simplistic interior, adding elegance to the venue. Cyclists are also welcomed and seeing as they are situated at the end of the Helshoogte Pass, they are a popular stop-over. Especially the Delicatessen is quite inclusive. 

After cycling to Pniel and back, we were in search of a good breakfast. I had the Avocado on toast, with grilled cherry tomatoes and radishes (R 55) and my boyfriend had the continental butter croissant with eggs and bacon (R 55). It was a cold, drizzly morning, so I had a Earl Grey & Blue Flower loose leaf tea (R20) while the boyfriend indulged in a belgian hot chocolate (R25). The hot chocolate is served with  frothed milk and ample real belgian chocolate which provides for a rich, comforting drink. Their food is of very high quality and since having the avocado toast on my first visit to Tokara a few years ago, it has become my standard choice.

Belgian Hot Chocolate indulgence

Loose leaf Earl Grey & Blue Flower tea

Hungry after a good cycle

The Delicatessen hosts breakfast and lunch. Options that you can look forward to include salads, open sandwiches and more substantial options such as Pork Belly Cassoulet (R 125), Braised Lamb Neck and various platters. An average main meal is about R 80. The majestic view is however free and is my favourite part of Tokara. 

The Delicatessen also sell their own olive products, various delicacies, fresh produce, charcuterie, imported coffees and a selection of handmade belgian chocolates as well as providing a complimentary olive & oil tasting. If a bicycle is not your mode of transport, I can recommend their wine testing hosted in the adjoining cellar and tasting room. 

The estate is also home to a fine dining restaurant, with terroir focused cuisine under the guidance of chef Richard Carstens. The restaurant shares in the magnificent view that the area offers and promises a taste sensation as one of South Africa's leading fine dining restaurants. Clothed in our cycling gear however, we gave the restaurant a miss. :-)

The Tokara estate has a lot to offer, most importantly it cultivates a deep appreciation for and celebrates the beauty of South Africa. 

To finish our outing, we hopped onto our bicycle and started our journey down Helshoogte Pass -  3 kilometres of downhill cycling in which we hoped to gain enough momentum to offset the camera at the bottom of the hill. It was quite an exhilarating experience, whizzing down the hill on a bicycle with only a few centimeters separating you from the very unforgiving tarmac. We gained our maximum speed at 71 km/h, but unfortunately the bicycle was too light to be picked up by the camera - I knew we should have had a bigger breakfast! 

Delicacies available for sale 

Comfortable seating area

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Trading hours | Tuesday - Sunday 09:00 -  17:00

Address | Top op Helshoogte Pass, Stellenbosch

Telephone | 021 808 5950

Email | deli@tokara.com

Website | www.tokara.co.za

Challenge # 12: Lanzerac Deli

| The Stellenbosch Culinary Challenge |

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

before her final graduation - 

Following the most beautiful stretch of road, a magnificent lining of oak trees welcome you to the Lanzerac Estate - a better welcoming can surely not be had.The Lanzerac Deli is a new addition to the Lanzerac Estate and serves as a great in between. The Estate also boasts with a number of other restaurants such as the Governors Hall, Lady Anne Courtyard and Terrace restaurant and Esquire Whiskey & Cigar Bar to only name a few. 

The most magnificent entry, leading up to the Lanzerac Estate

The estate itself dates back to 1692, whereas the Lanzerac Deli is a new addition and opened its doors late 2013. It enjoins the newly renovated wine tasting room and is a fitting companion. Like most deli's, the Lanzerac Deli offers freshly baked artisan breads, cheese and charcuterie platters, cakes and pastries as well as picnic baskets which can be enjoyed while overlooking the vineyards.

We stopped over for a lazy lunch and I was pleasantly surprised by their efficient service, quality food and presentation. Very often, new restaurants take a while to find their feet - however joining the rest of the Lanzerac family, the Deli is setting a high standard. I had the Grand brie & coppa open sandwich, served on light rye bread, with chardonnay onion marmelade, butternut hummus spread and rocket (R 60). This was quite a feast and an option I can definitely recommend. My mom and brother had the Beetroot and orange cured salmon sandwich, with herb cream cheese and avocado butter (R 65).

Grand Brie & Coppa Sandwich on light rye bread 

Orange & Beetroot Cured Salmon on Ciabatta 

The outside seating area overlooks the vineyards

Other delectable lunch options which caught my attention, is the spice roasted sirloin, cumin boerenkaas, cucumber relish & sweet dill mustard (R 45) or the tuscan salami, creamy taleggio and grilled peppers (R55). They also have platters available for sharing, ranging between R 125 to R 140. These platters will be ideal, when accompanied by a bottle of wine and good company. 

You can also design your own picnic basket  from a selection of meats, breads, savoury and sweet items and add your preferred beverages. They also offer a pre-selected heritage picnic and wine basket for two with a grande selection of their finest products and wines (R 535).

For dessert the Lanzerac Deli offers a wide variety of treats, cakes and pastries which you can enjoy there and then or as a take-away. Their freshly baked breads can also be bought at the deli, to enjoy later. The Deli is a perfect getaway and the peaceful atmosphere on the estate contributes to the success of this enterprise. 

When visiting, make sure you have enough time to do a wine tasting. They standard wine tasting, includes 4 wines (R35). Other options include the chocolate and wine pairing, (R40) and cheese & wine pairing (R75). They also have a kiddies pairing at R 35, where the young ones pair three different chocolates with grapetiser. The Lanzerac Estate is family friendly, we have had big family luncheons at their other restaurants and they easily accommodate big groups, especially with their Sunday Buffet option. 

The interior of the Lanzerac Deli

Happy patrons! 

The Lanzerac Deli is a fresh, alternative to the other restaurants on the estate  - whilst keeping up the high standards of their counterparts. 

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Address | 1 Lanzerac Road, Stellenbosch

Telephone | 021 887 1132

Website | www.lanzerac.co.za

Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/LanzeracWineEstate?fref=ts

Twitter | @LanzeracHotel_

Challenge # 11: Liza's Meeting Place

| The Stellenbosch Culinary Challenge |

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

before her final graduation - 

With a philosophy such as "Happiness through food, drinks and wine" you can't really go wrong. I was pleasantly surprised when I stumbled upon Liza's. Situated in Dorp Street, (next to Big Easy), I have often driven past Liza's, but  never paid them a visit. 

When my dad was in town however, we met at Liza's for a coffee and sweet treat. Liza's surpassed all my expectations. Firstly, the owner of Liza's is by far the friendliest and most welcoming restaurant owner I have ever come across. This attitude resonates from their aim to not treat customers as customers, but rather like family. 

Secondly, if you enjoy cheesecake, there is no better variety and quality available in Stellenbosch. On the day that we visited, they had  no less than six different types of cheesecakes available (standard, strawberry, caramel, peanut butter, nutella and oreo cheesecake). Even better, they bake all produce themselves, therefore it is bound to be fresh. 

Knowing myself, I ordered a slice of chocolate torte. After a long day of class, the torte and earl grey & blue flower tea was a fantastic combination, complimented by my dad's presence. 

I love that they serve loose leaf tea, seeing as it allows for a much richer and better developed flavour in the tea. Liza's use the now famous Nigiro glass teapots, with tealight candle beneath, to retain some of the heat (These teapots are available to order online, via Yuppiechef).

Chocolate torte indulgence and Earl Grey & Blue Flower tea

Since our visit, my family have visited Liza's a couple of times - I'm pretty sure it is the cheesecake which lures them back. The cheesecake is definitely their specialty but they have a large, array of treats such as beautifully decorated cupcakes, croissants, tarts and plenty of savoury options available. They also have a liquor license and serve well known beers and ciders. Liza's are open from 07:00 am, making it an ideal spot for an early breakfast seeing as most restaurants in Stellenbosch only open much later. They also serve a hearty lunch and have a real commitment towards quality food. 

Bar-One Cheesecake

Oreo Cheesecake

Dad & daughter bonding :-)

Their decor is simple and elegant with our national flower, the protea, prominent throughout. Liza's take great pride in showcasing our national heritage to tourists. With great service and the warmest of welcomes, they are worthy ambassadors. 

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Address | 87 Dorp Street, Stellenbosch

Trading hours | Monday - Saturday 07:00 - 17:00

Telephone | 021 883 3977

Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/pages/Lizas-Meeting-Place/220143391494543?fref=ts

Challenge # 10: The House of JC Le Roux

| The Stellenbosch Culinary Challenge |

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

before her final graduation - 

The House of JC Le Roux lies at the end of the Devon Valley Road, just outside Stellenbosch and is a celebration of "le good life". The picturesque views, classic interior, stylish cellar and quality restaurant all combine to deliver an unique experience in the heart of the winelands. 

The history of JC Le Roux dates back to 1704 when a French Huguenot, Jean le Roux who planted vines in Stellenbosch. This tradition was continued by his descendants. In 1983 the first Sauvignon Blanc sparkling wine was made and soon became so popular a Pinot Noir Methode Cap Classique  followed in 1985. They now produce a wide variety of Methode Cap Classique and sparkling wines and have also added a non-alcoholic range. 

This unique venue has so much to offer, so make sure that you have enough time to spend here. Firstly, as the first cellar in South Africa dedicated entirely to making sparkling wines, you visit will not be complete without a cellar tour. These are offered for free and you are guided by informative videos mounted on the walls which describes the art of making Methode Cap Classiques and sparkling wine. 

Thereafter you have to treat yourself to a tasting, where you have five options available: 

• The mixed tasting is a variety of 5 pre-selected sparkling wines (R 40). 
• The MCC tasting offers a selection of 5 MCC's which are also preselected (R 50). 
• Bubbly & M&M's is a tasting of 5 different sparkling wines, paired with marshmallows and meringues at R 65. 
• The Bubbly & Nougat is what I would recommend. It consists of 5 different sparkling wines, paired with a variety of nougat and turkish delight (R 85). 
• They also have a non-alcoholic and fudge tasting, with two types of non-alcoholic sparkling wines, paired with various types of fudge (R 50).

Photo Credit: Spice4Life

Your tasting will be hosted by the JC Le Roux staff who are well informed and provide great service. 

For all of these tastings, booking is essential. There is also a gift shop on the premises where the whole range of JC Le Roux products is available as well as other souvenirs.

The last time I visited JC Le Roux we were part of big group of students for a breakfast organised by the Law Faculty with the Public Protector, Thuli Madonsela as the guest speaker. 

Le Venue is the restaurant at the House of JC Le Roux and they will ensure that your visit to JC Le Roux ends on a high note. The restaurant is open daily for breakfast and lunch and you will be treated to a stunning view on the mountains as you enjoy your food.

Interior of Le Venue

Photo Credit: JC Le Roux

During our visit, we had breakfast platters for the table and after which a full, hot breakfast followed. 

Their breakfast menu includes amongst others omelets with bacon, avo, brie, caramelised red pepper & pesto (R 70), Salmon stack with lemon zest scrambled eggs and salmon roses on toasted cranberry and nut bread with chive cream cheese and rocket (R 95) or Eggs Benedict  - toasted rye with candied prosciutto, poached eggs and spinach, topped with a hollandaise sauce (R 85). 

For lunch they offer plenty decadent options. What stood out for me was the MCC Prawn and Shrimp Risotto  (R105), Ostrich Burger served with bacon, roasted peppers, rustic ciabatta and hand cut chips (R98), Chargrilled Sirloin Steak with Cafe du Paris sauce, gratinated potato and mediterranean vegetables (R 135). They also have a oyster and MCC pairing, which should be exquisite.

Their menu changes on a two-weekly basis so you will never get tired of the same old options. They also offer a selection of desserts such as a red velvet cheesecake with pod creme anglaise and berry compot (R55), cheeseboard (R135) and a deconstructed banoffee pie (R55). 

Le Venue really has a fresh take on food and is clearly distinguishable from many other run of the mill restaurants. Their service is sharp and friendly and it definitely contributes to the general atmosphere at the House of JC le Roux. 

 Breakfast at Le Venue

Thuli Madonsela, Ms Beryl Botman and students at Le Venue

The House of JC Le Roux also host private functions - from bachelorettes to weddings and year end functions and have a variety of different locations on the premises. 

The House of JC Le Roux is truly a treat and an an uplifting experience.

I don't know if it's the bubbly, but leaving this venue you will feel refreshed and revived.

Time spent at JC Le Roux is never time wasted. 

Location | Devon Valley Road, Stellenbosch (travel for 6km's  until you reach the end of the road)

Telephone | Tasting Room 021 865 8200 ; Le Venue Restaurant 021 865 8222

E-mail | info@jcleroux.co.za ; levenue@hsvhospitality.co.za

Website | www.jcleroux.co.za

Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/HouseofJCLeRoux?fref=ts

Twitter | +LeGoodLife 

Challenge # 9: De Stomme Jonge

| 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

The Market at Val de Vie Polo Village

Grab a calendar and diarise this event. It is once again time for the Summer Sunday Markets held at Val de Vie Polo Village. If you are looking for a new market experience, this one is a very promising candidate. 

Val de Vie is a polo estate and is located on the Wemmershoek road (R 301), between Paarl and Franschhoek.

Photo Credit: Val de Vie

The market showcases some local produce, crafts, wines, gourmet food and treats. Additionally there will also be clothing stalls and jewellery. Chocolate and Pongracz pairings will also be available.

The true highlight however is that it is located on the Polo Pavilion and polo matches start at 10 am. If you have never seen a polo match before, this is a great opportunity combined with a promising market and live entertainment. 

Entry to the market is free :-)

The dates for the Summer Sunday Markets are:

• 5 October 2014
• 16 November 2014
• 7 December 2014
• 25 January 2014
• 29 March 2014

Photo Credit: Val de Vie

This will definitely be an unique market experience and with five market dates this summer, there should be one that fits in with your schedule.

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