VISIT STEENBERG: LUNCHING AT BISTRO SIXTEEN82

Dine in the heart of the Steenberg Estate and Vineyards, situated at the foothills of the Constantiaberg, at the beginning of the famous Constantia Wine Route. Enjoy bistro style dining and high-end tapas put together by Executive Chef, Kerry Kilpin, while sipping on some of the countries most loved wines.

On a recent visit, we got the full experience! We joined a group of fantastic, inspirational ladies on a day out. After being ‘cheesed’ and ‘wined’ upstairs with Dan the Wine Guy, tasting the finest selection of Super-Premium Steenberg Wines with his favourite cheeses from The Real Cheese, we were taken on a quick cellar tour, had a quick sabrage lesson and then headed to the most wonderful lunch of my lifetime.

The Constantia Valley is oldest wine producing region in South Africa, with Steenberg Farm being the oldest Cape farm, having been established in 1682. With nine award winning farms in the region, churning out international quality wines. The valley has been as to be called the ‘cradle of quality wine making in South Africa’ and is famous for producing wines enjoyed by Napoleon Bonaparte and his 18th century royals.

I am STILL in awe of the lunch I had at Bistro Sixteen82 on this visit. Now, I’ve had Brunch there before, but enjoying a fine dining meal was on my Cape Town Foodie Bucket List. With glasses full of the Steenberg 1682 Chardonnay MCC, our wonderful waitress suggested a few items on the Vegetarian Menu* for me, and then a customized version of a special on the board.

To kick start our palttes, a cute amuse-bouche was delivered: Shimeji Mushroom, Toasted Almonds, Creme Fraiche and Caramelized Onion on mini-Greens.

I was already drooling by the time my starter arrived. We had decided on the Panko Crusted Cheese Fritters with Tender Greens, Beetroot Carpaccio, Truffle Honey and Rosemary Creme Fraiche off the menu. Possibly the best starter I have eaten! Something so seemingly simple, made extraordinary with flare. The dish was fairy rich, but being a smallish portion, it was the perfect balance of creamy cheese and extras with the fresh, earthy taste of the beetroot and greens.

I had the Warm Chorizo Quinoa Salad, where Chef Kerry substituted the Chorizo for Panfried Artichokes for me to make it vegetarian. So the dish arrived – and I was BLOWN away: My Artichokes where sharing the plate with Courgettes and Peppers on a Warm Quinoa and Wild Rocket Salad, finished off with a Smoked Paprika Red Pepper Coulis, Balsamic Syrup and an Aubergine Mousse. Just amazing! Right until the last bite.

Dessert was served platter style. A platter full of the top sweet treats on the menu. Simple, lovely and delicious.

*The Vegetarian Menu is available on request, so be sure to ask your waiter. Should you have any other sorts of allergies or dietary requirements, be sure to mention it.

Follow Bistro Sixteen82 on social: Website, Facebook, Twitter and the Instagram hashtag. To book your table at the Steenberg Estate, Steenberg Road, Tokai venue, call +27 (0)21 713 2211 or email reservations@bistro1682.co.za. Important to know before visiting: The breakfast kitchen closes at 11, so be sure to be seated and have your order in before that. Lunch is served between 12 – 3pm and Tapas Dinner is served between 5 – 8:20pm, daily.

Follow Steenberg Wines on Social: Website, Facebook (The Farm), Instagram (The Farm) and Twitter. To Read up on the conversation, head over to #VisitSteenberg and see what is being said. There is loads of free parking around the venue, and the venue is wheelchair friendly.