Fast facts

Name of restaurant: The Melting Pot

Address: Oak Valley Wine Estate, 127 Oak Ave, Grabouw,

Contact number: 021 859 4111

Food type: Contemporary small plates

Average price of a main course: R95

Opening times: Wednesday to Sunday 12noon – 4pm; first Friday of every month 6pm – 10pm

Parking: Ample safe parking in a nearby large parking lot.

Best for… A group of adventurous eaters who like to share.

Food

John’s brand of cooking is one that delivers bold, punchy flavours with casual but sophisticated presentation. His global contemporary small plates concept is in full swing at The Melting Pot, with regular menu changes that ensure everything on offer is at seasonal perfection. Many of the ingredients could even be termed ‘hyper-local’, as they are sourced from within the Elgin region.

To start, a creamy, rich chicken liver parfait served with fresh bread and homemade grape chutney sets the scene for a true Winelands feast. The grapes are sourced from vineyards a stone’s throw away from the restaurant.

While the menu features a range of mostly Asian- and Indian-inspired dishes from which to choose, the real way to experience The Melting Pot is to order one of everything and share them between two or three people.

Highlights include chargrilled octopus with smoked potato aïoli and green sauce – a moreish mouthful of smoky spice mingled with the most tender octopus meat, beef tataki with Cape Malay dressing, carrot cumin puree and West Coast mussels served on a thick slice of toasted sourdough in a pool of creamy herb sauce.

This flavour explosion is finished off with a fresh and crunchy baby fennel salad – decadent in its simplicity and a dish you’d want to eat again and again.

Don’t leave without ordering something off the dessert menu. The apple tarte tartin with spiced ice cream and candied orange is a classic that is expertly executed and pays homage to the fruit for which the Elgin region is so renowned.

Drinks

The Melting Pot shares the same space as the Oak Valley wine tasting room, so you can expect the farm’s wines to shine on the menu, including those from other well-known Elgin cool-climate estates.

There’s also a range of classic cocktails, as well as local ciders, craft beers, popular spirits, cold drinks and warm beverages.

Service

Service staff are welcoming, friendly and go out of their way to make you feel spoiled.

The waiters are knowledgeable about the menu and are able to clearly articulate the concept.

Ambience

The restaurant is located in one of Oak Valley’s most beautiful spaces, overlooking a large swimming pool and surrounding vineyards, offering the feeling of expanse and abundance.

The floor-to-ceiling glass windows echo this. Inside there’s a rustic farmhouse-chic aesthetic that exudes practicality and comfort.

While the tables are quite close together, the gentle buzz of conversation only enhances the convivial atmosphere where good food and wine are plentiful.