When the celebrated restaurant at Gabriëlskloof Estate, just outside Bot River, launched Sharing Sundays last winter, it caused a sensation. Some exciting changes have been made this year, but the feast is still presented as a traditional, family-style meal.
Chef Frans Groenewald has “gone French” this time round, specifically French Farmstyle. Think: an abundance of wholesome food, rich flavours, vivid colours and glorious sauces – this is Gallic comfort food with flair!
“Eating this way is about companionship built around a table laden with delicious food; it’s about sharing an experience rather than just sharing food,” says chef Frans. “We serve simple, slow-cooked family dishes on large platters, for everyone to help themselves.”
Expect French classics like moules marinière and rillettes; duck à l’orange and coq au vin; cassoulet, crème brûlée, tarte tartin, crêpes suzette and much, much more.
The energy and joie de vivre can be felt beyond the weekend feast, too. The regular week-day menu sees a fun twist to the conventional pie-of-the-day. Chef Frans’s flaky pastry pies get an update with a fusion of classic fillings from tomato bredie and curry to stroganoff and potjiekos. Now that’s new, isn’t it?
Gabriëlskloof is an easy is 45 minutes up the N2 from Cape Town.
Naturally, as an estate that makes wines to be enjoyed with impeccable meals, Gabriëlskloof’s full selection of superlative, award-winning wines are available at the restaurant.
Overlooking the fields and mountains of the majestic Overberg, Gabriëlskloof enjoys an envied position. Its unique Mediterranean-type terroir, cooled by ocean breezes, nurtures the wines to a complex and elegant maturity before they’re bottled and sent to be enjoyed across South Africa and the globe.
It’s within this centre of excellence, the home of Gabriëlskloof wines, Chef Frans prepares his popular dishes from the freshest and best locally-sourced seasonal ingredients.
The winter offering, including ‘Frans goes French on Sundays’ and his wickedly decadent pies, will run from May to the end of August.
The week-day Winter Menu is R210 pp for two courses; R250 pp for three courses, or order á la carte from the Deli Menu.
The Sharing Sundays banquet is R300 pp. Early bookings are essential, as space fills up rapidly.
Gabriëlskloof Restaurant is open daily for breakfast and lunch, except on Tuesdays.
To reserve your table, contact Tel: 028 284 9865 or send email to restaurant@gabrielskloof.co.za.
Gabriëlskloof Estate is just outside Bot River, on the Swartrivier Road, off the N2.
