Alfresco summer vibes and superb food and wine at this Gallic restaurant in Stellenbosch.
The Vine Bistro’s picture-perfect terrace, with vineyard views unfolding right in front and the Simonsberg in the distance, epitomises dreamy lunches in the Winelands – perfect for spontaneous summer’s day outings and balmy evenings alike.
Sunday lunch is a special three-course set menu (with two options per choice) – ideal for get-togethers with family and friends. The bistro is also open on Thursday to Saturday for magical date-night dinners.
Authentic cooking
Chef-patron Christophe Duhasse and head chef Michael Saville have compiled a seasonal menu that gives a French cuisine touch to this season’s freshest local ingredients.
Starters include Provençal porcini with a Parmesan crisp, a summery cool gazpacho soup with prawns and chorizo, seared yellowfin tuna with red pepper purée, and springbok pastrami with apple and pear chutney.
For mains, there’s The Vine Bistro’s mainstay, bouillabaisse du Cap, as well as duck (confit leg and pan-fried breast) or a hearty steak (grass-fed beef rump) with Pont Neuf potatoes and mushroom duxelles, slathered with a red wine and bone marrow sauce.
The dessert menu features crème caramel and crème brûlée, of course, along with canelé (classic custard cakes) paired with rum-and-raisin ice cream, plus a selection of artisanal local and French cheeses to end off with.
Must-have wine
The wine list includes a selection served by the glass, carafe or bottle, and a diverse range of whites, reds, rosés and MCCs from the estate, from around Stellenbosch and from France. If the mood takes you on a glorious hot summer’s day, there is also a hibiscus sling cocktail on offer.
Opening times Tuesday – Sunday, 12pm – 3pm
Thursday – Saturday, 6.30pm – 8pm
Contact 021 809 6444, bistro@glenelly.co.za
Address The Vine Bistro, Glenelly Estate, Lelie Street, Idas Valley, Stellenbosch
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