A little while ago I was lucky enough to spend a few hours in the company of celebrity chef and Master Pâtissier, Eric Lanlard, at Simonsig Estate. This decadent affair was hosted by Cuvée Restaurant and it was a chance to get up close and personal with the celebrity chef, much to the envy of all my friends.
We were treated to a soufflé-making demonstration, followed by a four-course feast with each dish featuring chocolate. Some of the dishes were a surprising combination (like the carrot risotto with carrot crisps, cheese and white chocolate sauce), but all were delicious and an eye-opener as to how diverse chocolate can be (another great example is Reuben Riffel’s springbok with chocolate-blueberry sauce.) All the dishes were paired with Simonsig’s wines including their flagship red wine, Tiara, and the delightful Kaapse Vonkel Brut Rosé.
Mr Lanlard himself was indeed as scrumptious as his recipes and it was a wonderful treat to meet a down-to-earth celebrity who took the time to chat to everyone, answer questions, sign books and happily pose for photographs with his fans. As they say, charm and good looks will get you everywhere! His book, Chocolat, is charming too and will have every chocolate-lover melting with delight.
To tempt you, we have three recipes from Chocolat, Eric Lanlard’s most seductive offering yet! They’ll be posted in the upcoming week, so keep your eyes peeled.
Hot chocolate soufflés
Double chocolate macaroons
Flour-free chocolate sponge cake (gluten-free)
Eat at Cuvée Restaurant
I know not everyone has the chance to meet celebrity chefs and dine on chocolate-infused gastromic delights, but Cuvée Restaurant at Simonsig Estate is worth dining at when you visit Stellenbosch (for more ideas, check out these top 10 things to do in Stellenbosch.) In summer it’s bright and airy with additional seating outside under ancient trees and in winter things are kept cosy and warm with a fireplace. From the moment you enter you feel quite posh and yet everyone is friendly and helpful. Most of the ingredients and vegetables they use come from the estate’s own herb and vegetable garden and all their dishes can be paired with Simonsig’s wines.
In winter they have signature evenings (previous evenings have included Cabernet & Venison and Aromas of the Orient) where you can tuck into a five-course meal for a set price, which is a fairly affordable way to sample both their cooking and their wine. I can almost guarantee you will leave with a happy tummy and a bottle or two!
There is also a jungle gym for children, making Cuvée Restaurant a great place to take the family in summer where the kids can play while parents enjoy a glass or two of wine.
Tel 021-888-4932, email [email protected], www.simonsig.co.za.
Simonsig Estate
Simonsig was named after the majestic Simonsberg Mountain and these views, along with a tree-lined avenue, beautiful gardens and ancient oaks, make Simonsig Estate a worthwhile visit just to take in the beauty. Simonsig’s wines are well-respected and are crafted according to the Malan family traditions. Taste their wines and take a cellar tour any time of the year – in summer you can sit at tables and chairs in the gardens and in winter relax by a fire.
Simonsig Estate also hosts events, the next one being their Vintage Wine Day on Saturday, 24 August 2013.
Tel: 021-888-4900, email [email protected], www.simonsig.co.za.
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