We live just around the corner from this little gem, and have always wanted to go. They launched a Winter Special, so we decided to grab the opportunity and reserve our space at the long 18 seater table. It can be quite daunting not knowing who you're going to be sharing the table with and there's definitely a fear that you won't have anything in common with anyone...which would make for extremely awkward conversation... But we were extremely lucky! To our left were a group from my partners home town in Australia, and to our right fascinating Sexual Studies students and teachers, and all around the table either people from the same industries as us, or we knew people in common. 'Six degrees of separation' at its best...
All of this just made the food and wine even more memorable, as we had the opportunity to 'uhm' and 'ahh' with a great group of people! Don't let the location of this little tucked-away Observatory/Salt River Main Road restaurant scare you off. The gates are always locked, and the welcome and staff are extra friendly and will make you feel right at home. You get welcomed with a glass of bubbly, and then taken for a tour of the kitchen and the adorable and relaxing lounge area. And then with each course, talented chef Julia comes to explain the dish and wine pairing personally, adding that little extra touch!
The dishes seem to change almost daily, so if you go back, you'll be surprised by some new flavours and textures. But it's worth it, because what we were served the first time around, was amazing, and the wine pairing also perfect.
We've been to The Tasting Room in Franschhoek a few times, and I would honestly put Julia and her creations right up there with flavours and presentation.
And all of this right on our door step, and shared with 16 other strangers at one long Social Table...
