It wasn’t long after I had stepped through the gateway of Five Elements Restaurant, that I began to forget about the world outside. Only moments ago I had wondered away from the yachts, boardwalk and Monacan air of Port St Francis just across the road. Now I was making my way down a stony pathway past olive trees and new vineyards not yet ready for harvest. The sky was smudged with a rosy pink, orange and red as the sun said its goodbyes and an owl flew overhead.
I already saw little hints of the five elements which the restaurant’s name is based on in the fresh evening air, fountain’s water, wood of the trees, and soil of the earth. Each element of fire, earth, air, water and wood is meant symbolize their approach to food, “an awareness of each ingredient, the preparation process and finally presentation as a cycle, which involves each element in turn”.
Logs decorated a dormant fireplace, light streamed in through double glass doors leading out to the garden and cushions lay on plush couches in the centre of the restaurant. The final element of fire from flickering candles added to the warmth of this fine dining setting. And I immediately longed to get comfy on the couch with one of the coffee table books on display.
But first, there was a delicious three-course meal to be enjoyed. I couldn’t help but feel special as the gracious host and owner Charles seated my partner and I at our table and delivered the evening’s menu with our names printed on the front, welcoming us to his new establishment in the heart of St Francis.
I honestly don’t remember how I was able to choose from a menu boasting starters such as spiced crab cakes with ginger and coriander, beef carpaccio with roasted red pepper sorbet and rack of Karoo lamb, duck breast and seared scallops and prawns to mention but a few of the mains. But somehow my heart and tastebuds chose brie cheese bonbons with a pear, walnut and celery salad and grilled beef fillet with pan friend veal sweetbreads, shallot puree, roasted asparagus spears drizzled in a tarragon bérnaise sauce. Every mouthful deserved a round of applause and made me eagerly anticipate dessert.
Five deadly sins were then placed in front of me in the form of dessert shots. Hazelnut panna cotta with a pecan nut praline and cappuccino mousse with an apple compote and mini cinnamon doughnuts were just two of the rich tempting fillings that sent me over the edge to happiness.
If the entire experience was not unforgettable enough, then a walk outside on the lawns beneath the canopy of forest trees and some coffee accompanyed with chatter on the couch sealed the deal. It is very clear to me that for anyone to pass through St. Francis without stopping here would be utter madness. In fact I suggest going to St Francis just so you can say you have sampled a bit of the elegance and effortless beauty that is the Five Elements restaurant.
Five Elements also serves as a venue for events and weddings.
For reservations: [email protected]
Contact: Charles Black, tel 042-294-0868, [email protected]
