Successful, down-to-earth and relaxed, Michael Broughton is no stranger to Eat Out. His first restaurant, Broughton’s in Parkview, opened in 1997 and made it on to the Eat Out Top 10 twice. In 2003 he became the executive chef at the Mount Grace Country House and Spa in Magaliesburg. Soon after that, the dream of owning his own restaurant in the Cape winelands became a reality: in October 2004 Terroir opened at Kleine Zalze Wine Estate in Stellenbosch. Since then, Michael has seen to it that Terroir has graced Eat Out’s Top 10 list an impressive seven times.

Steered by the availability of fresh ingredients and seasonal produce, Michael compiles a chalkboard menu that changes regularly. Inspired by French cooking-techniques as well as research done while he travels, reads, eats and engages with other chefs, Michael’s dishes deliver classic bold flavours.

Terroir

Given all that experience in the culinary world, we thought Michael would be just the man to counsel us as to where to get great food. He shares some of his favourite places to dine for different occasions, from a weekday dinner to a blow-the-budget celebration.

My favourite place for…

A pizza

The pizzas at Burrata are truly authentic. That oven is the red Ferrari of all wood-burning ovens! And Neil Grant…well, he’s such a gracious host.

Burrata

Asian food

I love the Eastern bursts of flavours at The Pot Luck Club.

Burgers

My home braai area is a family favourite for the kids to gather around and build their own burgers.

Sushi

Willoughby’s at the V&A Waterfront is consistently good when I need a city fix.

The Pot Luck Club

Takeaways

This is a delicate one. I confess to the very occasional visit to McDonald’s when I’m on the run.

Take-away coffee before work

I like the coffee at Waterstone Woolworths.

A weekday breakfast

Sadly, when I’m at work I don’t have the chance to have breakfast.

Sunday lunch with the family

Nearby Camphors at Vergelegen has a great view ­and there’s room for the kids to run around.

Camphors at Vergelegen

A romantic dinner

La Colombe has been a Cape-classic favourite of mine ever since the Franck Dangereux days.

La Colombe in Cape Town

A blow-the-budget celebratory dinner

I just love the journey of flavours at The Test Kitchen by Luke Dale-Roberts.

An end-of-the-month weekday dinner

The sushi at Waterstone Woolworths is a nearby and convenient option. It’s a treat to have it on my doorstep.

The Test Kitchen

Buying bread

The only real bread is sold at Schoon De Companje in Stellenbosch.

Buying wine

Caroline’s Fine Wines is always great; they have friendly and knowledgeable staff and an incredible selection of local and international wines.

Ordering birthday cake

My wife and I make birthday cakes every year for our two kids. It’s become a tradition.

Market-style shopping

Again, the Waterstone Woolworths is convenient and they just get it right, from fresh artichokes to the purple figs.

Schoon De Companje