Country hotspot 96 Winery Road in the Helderberg Winelands has just launched an uncomplicated new menu filled with country-style gems.

Called ‘one of the brightest stars in the constellation of winelands restaurants’ in Eat Out magazine 2007, the eatery features farm-style tables and a relaxed feel along with gourmet dining.

Chef Craig Backhouse has attentively freshened up the menu with ‘hearty yet haute’ country fare.

Chef Craig says you won’t find bite-sized food here, but real comfort food with rustic charm, using only the freshest seasonal ingredients with the accent on local produce to arouse the senses.

Local flavours are infused with hints of French and Italian country cuisine.

On the menu
For starters try the Baby Onion Tart enriched with Brie cheese and a balsamic reduction.

Old-time favourites, the classic Gatriles Duck & Cherry Pie as well as the ‘Hollandse’ Pepper Fillet still feature, but if you’re looking for something new, try the Malay Calamari or a Traditional Kaapse Potjie with truffled potato mash.

Another goodie sounds like the Crispy Roasted Duckling served with anchovies or sweet and sour Guinea Fowl on a bed of horseradish risotto.

Wine country
And since the restaurant was founded by wine personalities, Ken Forrester and Martin Meinert, the menu is of course paired beautifully with local wines.

The restaurant also has an impressive listing in the US published Wine Spectator Magazine’s Restaurant Awards – for the second year in a row, and the first SA restaurant to crack the nod.

An ‘Award of Excellence’ was granted for ‘an impressive bouquet of premium local wines and world benchmarks including a smattering of peculiarities from leading wine-producing countries in both competitions’.

96 Winery Road is open from Monday to Saturday for lunch and dinner and Sundays for lunch only.

96 Winery Road
Zandberg Estate, Winery Road, off the R44 between Stellenbosch and Somerset West
Call 021 842 2020
www.96wineryroad.co.za