by Lisa from Party Things
I can truly say we have found a little gem in Cape Town, that has led us to go back for a second time and it still rates right up there with our best experience that we had last year!
I say it’s a “little” gem because it is an intimate setting, a small group of diners sharing some amazing food and wines in the company of the chef at his home. The Flagship in Simonstown is however LARGE in every other way!
It was the brainchild of one of SA’s best chefs Bruce Robertson who sadly lost his battle to Leukemia late last year. After our first experience with Bruce last year and his extremely larger than life personality, we were nervous that the dining experience just wouldn’t be the same.
But we were not disappointed as chef Duncan Doherty has certainly taken over the reigns with his own unique flair on fine-dining and taste explosions, all beautifully paired with the Graham Beck range of wines.
Duncan hails from the gourmet capital of Franschoek. An acclaimed chef, he has a diverse portfolio that includes Haute Cabriere, Fancourt, The Lanzerac Hotel and the Graham Beck Wine Estate.
What excites us most about this unique Chef’s Table is that you get to experience it all in an intimate setting together with strangers. And you just never know who you may meet! Everyone arrives at the same time to mingle over a glass of MCC, enjoy the views, and get to know each other.
You all sit together at the dining table to enjoy the unique food, mostly seafood, and wine pairings while watching the kitchen staff prepare your meal.
The food is superbly presented and each and every one deserved to be photographed.
I even found a new favourite wine, Graham Beck’s Gorgeous, a beautiful Pinot Noir chardonnay with the most gorgeous coral colouring!
We even had a deserved break between the courses to enjoy the surroundings. This is home to the chef and it is also run as a guest house.
And chef Duncan even took the opportunity to relax and join us towards the end of the meal extravaganza.
The menu may vary, but a sample is:
First Course
A Taste of Summer
Multi-hued baby tomatoes, olives, onions, coriander, olive oil served with a tomato Cuvée
Second Course
Crispy Franschoek Salmon-Trout and Pea Puree
Lightly Smoked Franschoek Salmon-Trout, sautéed until the skin is crispy, served on a pea puree | truffle mayonnaise | chilli and lime syrup | micro veg | salmon bitterballen
Main Course
Angels Sea Tagliatelle
Angel fish, served on a bed of pan roasted savoy cabbage and almonds | asparagus and seaweed tagliatelle | white wine and mussel sauce
OR (depending on availability, not a choice on the day)
Sexy Seared Tuna Seared Tuna
Fresh tuna served on a bed of pan roasted savoy cabbage and almonds | asparagus and sea tagliatelle | Cape Malay tikka sauce | tuna tartar
Peninsula Cheese
*Locavore and very proudly South African
Duncan’s personally selected hand made cheeses | seven spice pears | grapes | Cape gooseberries | crackers
The End!
Death by Bumblebee
75% dark chocolate Terrine | seasonal yellow fruits poached in liqueur | Shiraz syrup
The wines included the following, all from Graham Beck’s eco-friendly wine estate:
The Game Reserve Shiraz
Gorgeous Pinot Noir Chardonnay Rose
The Game Reserve Sauvignon Blanc
Brut non vintage Cap Classique
The Game Reserve Chenin Blanc
Gorgeous Pinot Noir Chardonnay Rose
The flagship is managed by the wonderful hostess Kerry-Anne who ensure the guests are comfortable and having a good time and is willing to answer all your questions. Visit the website for more information and booking details: http://www.chefbrucerobertson.com
Read more Food Blogging from Lisa @ Cape Town Food Blogger
Lisa runs the kid’s party business, Party Things Online, and aim to offer you the perfect ingredients for you child’s party. Find out more.