For a taste of summer in the winelands, head to the Vineyard Kitchen at Eaglevlei Estate where Executive Chef Herbie van Schalkwyk entices with his daring interpretation of South African cuisine. Situated just off the R304 en route to Stellenbosch from the N1, its winelands location makes The Vineyard Kitchen the perfect venue for summer feasting.

As chef van Schalkwyk points out, he likes to satisfy the entire palate at once, hence the use of ice-creams and mousses with most of his dishes. New inventions are included on the menu on a monthly basis and he is currently experimenting with an Oyster surprise which includes oysters served with three kinds of sorbet – lemon, pepper and tabasco and a cocktail martini.

Current creations include smoked Snoek Bobotie with coconut risotto, apricot cocktail, caramelised banana mash potatoes and chilli jam; or Ostrich steak with sweet potato cake, peppadew puree, walnut and Amarula sauce.

And for dessert, a decadent Trio of South Africa with a cocktail milktart, Koeksister ice-cream, caramelised banana and pinotage crème brûlée.

Good news for the less adventurous or those with children – less complicated menu choices range from burgers and tapas platters to hotdogs with smiley face chips.

The Vineyard Kitchen
Eaglevlei Estate, Stellenbosch
Call 021-884 4713