One of the things Steenberg does VERY right is the food on site. I have been very blessed to now have eaten at both the restaurants on the estate, Bistro Sixteen82 and now the beautiful Catharina’s. We embraced winter with a girl’s visit to this original Steenberg homestead recently and indulged in their gorgeous Winter Warmer lunch special seated by the roaring fire, with the well loved Steenberg Sparkling Sauvignon Blanc flowing freely.
The Constantia Valley is oldest wine producing region in South Africa, which turned 333 this year, 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.
Starters were served and there was a general ‘wow‘ around the table as the first course was placed down in front of us. The food is BEAUTIFULLY presented, on the most beautiful plates. We all know that plating really does wonders for the food. But then the starters spoke for themselves. I had the Butternut Salad with Roasted Butternut, Chickpeas, Quinoa, Red Onion, Feta Cheese, Toasted Pumpkin Seeds, Baby Leaves with a Whole Grain Mustard Dressing as a vegetarian option. The dish’s flavours were super simple and worked well together.
When the main courses arrived, one things was for certain. We weren’t going to be leaving lunch hungry! The portions were HUGE – which is something I really LOVE in a restaurant! Again, my entree was so very beautifully presented. I had chosen the delicious Smoked Butternut and Feta Risotto, chopped Coriander and a drizzle of Parsley Oil. Already a big fan of pretty much any risotto, the smoked element caught me pleasantly off guard, as I hadn’t noted that when reading the menu. I do love that kick of smokiness! I would have maybe liked a bit of toasted ciabatta with the dish or some roasted Butternut to add a crisp & crunch to the texture, but it was a great dish as it was served.
The Amarula Creme Brulee, served with Churros and Dark Chocolate Sauce was a lovely, relatively light way to end our gorgeous, generous meal. The Creme Brulee flavours were nicely balanced with the Amarula, the crack was solid and I really liked the idea of having two very different flavoured desserts on a platter to end off the meal.
Catharina’s is offering some great deals at the moment. Try out the Winter Warmer Lunch Special: 2 courses R185, 3 courses R215 or the Winter Warmer Dinner Special: With wine for R375, or without wine for R345. Not bad for some world-class food on our doorstep, hey?
Follow Steenberg on Social: Website, Facebook (The Farm), Instagram (The Farm) and Twitter. There is loads of free parking around the venue, and the venue is 100% wheelchair friendly. Please note that Catharina’s is closed between 2 & 8 July 2018, and the Winter Warmer Specials are valid until 31 October 2018 and are subject to availability. Book your table at this beautiful Steenberg Estate restaurant by calling +27 (0)21 713 7178 or emailing reservations@catharinasrestaurant.co.za.
Looking to get in contact with us? Pop us an email at jenna@thesocialneedia.co.za or find us on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.
Stay Golden x
DISCLAIMER: Although this visited was a PR visit #TravelChatSA Experiences, by no means was a positive review or write-up promised. All of the above is the true feelings of us at The Social Needia. We hold the rights to all the pictures used in this blog, as they are our own.
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