fine dining

Experiencing La Petite Colombe, Franschhoek

Experiencing La Petite Colombe, Franschhoek
Experiencing La Petite Colombe, Franschhoek
Experiencing La Petite Colombe, Franschhoek
Experiencing La Petite Colombe, Franschhoek
Experiencing La Petite Colombe, Franschhoek
Experiencing La Petite Colombe, Franschhoek
Experiencing La Petite Colombe, Franschhoek
Experiencing La Petite Colombe, Franschhoek
Experiencing La Petite Colombe, Franschhoek
Experiencing La Petite Colombe, Franschhoek
Experiencing La Petite Colombe, Franschhoek
Experiencing La Petite Colombe, Franschhoek
Experiencing La Petite Colombe, Franschhoek
Experiencing La Petite Colombe, Franschhoek
Experiencing La Petite Colombe, Franschhoek
Experiencing La Petite Colombe, Franschhoek
Experiencing La Petite Colombe, Franschhoek
Experiencing La Petite Colombe, Franschhoek
Experiencing La Petite Colombe, Franschhoek
Experiencing La Petite Colombe, Franschhoek
Experiencing La Petite Colombe, Franschhoek
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Experiencing La Petite Colombe, Franschhoek

Tucked away in the magnificent establishment that is Le Quartier Français is a restaurant that has had an incredible reputation for as long as I can remember. Its a place that I have been dying to visit - but for some reason never materialized, until now.

I finally got to experience La Petite Colombe and I can wholeheartedly confirm that it was well worth the wait.

Sister to the magnificent La Colombe, where I recently dined (you can find out more about that here); this intimate restaurant might be the little sister but it certainly doesn’t shy away from boldly stepping into the limelight in the flavour department.

Situated just 45 minutes from Cape Town in the wine-loving town of Franschhoek this restaurant is run by the talented La Colombe team and each and every dish is an artwork, with dramatic servings reminiscent of a Rembrandt.

The space is clean and elegant with minimal art on the walls and a beautiful view of the garden outside. Visiting on a rainy day meant that we were tucked into the warmth of the restaurant. My favourite thing about the experience is that the table setting is yours for the afternoon. This means that you can indulge in every aspect of the meal at your own pace until you ready to part (which will be an undertaking of sweet sorrow, I assure you). Each course is bought out in due course and the intervals between dishes allow you to appreciate and appraise each subtle flavour offering at hand paired with exquisite wines by sommelier Elton Damon.

When you find yourself in the hot seat at La Petite Colombe, you will certainly not be disappointed.

I recommend finding overnight accommodation or returning to your home in an uber because the truth is, you should be appreciating the full tasting menu and with the wines being as good as they are, you will want to enjoy every last drop.

You will start the journey with a variety of amuse bouches such as porcini, sherry, hazelnut, and thyme to spiced chicken chawanmushi. My favourite was the smoked snoek and curried labneh that was served with the Morena Brut Rose. There is something about smoked snoek that just makes me feel like I am home. Maybe it's the Capetonian in me?

We then moved on to the bread course. Butter shaped into sweetcorn, which was a reminder about the attention to detail that you can expect from the La Colombe kitchens, served with oatmeal and honey bread. What's not to love? Paired with a gorgeous local beer Hey Joe 'special Beige' - I have to admit; I don't usually drink beer but I absolutely loved the pairing with the beer’s crisp flavours and lightness.

I always think to myself - can it get any better if this is just the bread course and the amuse bouche rounds? The answer when visiting La Petite Colombe is a resounding YES! It does only get better.

Next was the Malay Tuna, avocado and coriander paired with one of my favourite estates; Hidden Valley's sauvignon blanc Voignier 2019. It has the perfect sweet note to compliment the curried spices that enveloped the tuna.

When I see scallop its the same as you had me at hello. It is one of my all-time favourite buttery textures and flavours. Not much compares and when it is treated with respect as an ingredient it sings. And sing it did in the scallop, pork, wild garlic, celeriac, and katsuobushi.

Paired with the La Chataigne Semillon 2015. Could it be possible? Had I found a favourite? So early on in the game?

Oh wait, the heavy hitter was yet to arrive. So for those that don't know this about me, duck is my death row meal. Yes, if I could have one last final dish, it would be a beautifully prepared duck. So, of course, the duck, langoustine, mussel and ham paired with Domaine Des Dieux 'Josephine' Pinot Noir 2011 was beyond spectacular. Maybe I am biased, you are going to have to go visit and let me know. All I can say is that if this was my last meal and glass of wine, I would be very happy.

Nothing clears the palette on a taste journey like the perfect sorbet and of course in true fashion the sorbet at La Petite Colombe is just out of this world. Frozen bowls that have edible flowers in this as if capturing a moment in time arrive with a perfect watermelon hit followed by a burst of geranium.

To be honest Karoo lamb can be a little, well, robust in flavour. Which is, of course, probably what you are after if you are eating lamb. Truth be told though, not on this round. The lamb was utter perfection. It was delicate in all the right places yet hit all the spots of big flavour that you would expect on your final course before wandering down the road to the sweet valley. Served with salsa verde, pumpkin and smoked olive this dish was paired with Mooiplaas 'Rosalind' 2011 bringing in the big red and leaving you sucker-punched in pure taste sensation.

Quick Sidebar Ok? - so let's take a moment. Not only were all the dishes absolute perfection but so was the service. The staff is beyond knowledgeable on each and every ingredient and I found myself in an incredible conversation on sustainability and the power that these types of establishments have in the sustainability and sourcing top-quality ingredients from ethical farmers and fisheries. This is where I choose to eat my meat and this is where I choose to vote with my dollar. The utmost care has been taken from the inception of these ingredients to honour them and to support farmers that are doing better in this current climate of mass production vs free-range.

Next was the cheese. Yes, that perfect little twirl and piece of art is the cheese course. La Colombe and their creativity never cease to amaze. The pastry as delicate as hand-woven lace and the cheese Boerenkaas paired with buckwheat and rhubarb. You will find yourself sipping on Avondale 'Armilla' Brut 2011. Just because it was the second last course didn’t mean it was missing anything.

It delivered on texture with its crunch, creaminess with the cheese and the perfect sweetness with the wine. If I haven't said it enough, perfection.

How better to finish such a spectacular lunch than with the perfect sweet/tart taste explosion. Possibly one of my favourite desserts to date. Simply because of its balance in flavours. The fresh tropical punch of the passion fruit and perfect sweetness of the pineapple left me wanting more. But more I could not. Winding down the road of flavour town is not to be taken lightly. I was full to the brim. I couldn't possibly fathom another bite.

Then in walked the sweet treats of roasted marshmallows inviting you down the road of childhood nostalgia and making you find space, because, well… no one says ‘No!’ to a roasted marshmallow. The perfect final bite to a world-class meal and experience.

There is something to be said for collecting fine dining experiences the same way we collect art. It's not a thing that you can buy but rather an experience which is better shared but also wonderful alone. To marvel at what is possible with food and to experience creativity on this level is truly something I cherish. Thank you La Petite Colombe. I can assure you it won't be so long before I wander down your road again!

-Melissa

Spectacular La Colombe, Spring Menu

La colombe, silvermist wine estate
La colombe, silvermist wine estate
La colombe, silvermist wine estate
La colombe, silvermist wine estate
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La colombe, silvermist wine estate
La colombe, silvermist wine estate
La colombe, silvermist wine estate
La colombe, silvermist wine estate
La colombe, silvermist wine estate
La colombe, silvermist wine estate
La colombe, silvermist wine estate
La colombe, silvermist wine estate
La colombe, silvermist wine estate
La colombe, silvermist wine estate
La colombe, silvermist wine estate
La colombe, silvermist wine estate
La colombe, silvermist wine estate
La colombe, silvermist wine estate
La colombe, silvermist wine estate
La colombe, silvermist wine estate
La colombe, silvermist wine estate
La colombe, silvermist wine estate
La colombe, silvermist wine estate
La colombe, silvermist wine estate
La colombe, silvermist wine estate
La colombe, silvermist wine estate
La colombe, silvermist wine estate
La colombe, silvermist wine estate

La Colombe is so much more than a dining experience. It is theatre and art. A taste sensation and a journey through the senses.

Situated a mere 35 minutes from Cape Town CBD on the hillside on Silvermist wine estate this world renowned fine dining establishment is nestled amongst the trees and has a peaceful atmosphere.

I recently visited the team after they returned from international travels to the USA, Mexico and Japan. Chef proprietor, Scot Kirton, and executive chef, James Gaag have created a menu that is delicately thought out and executed with the utmost brilliance and flair.

With spring being in the air the tables are decked with gorgeous wooden pieces that become part of the dining experience. Florals and flavours are part of the symphony and every mouthful utterly delicious.

The journey begins with a fresh Yuzu and white chocolate palette cleanser that you pick out of a 'nest' on arrival that bursts in your mouth and is testament for what is to come.

I had to start my journey with a cheeky gin because it should be gin o' clock all the time. What's even better? The gin is homemade by La colombe and taste of a warm summer day at a cooling poolside.

I highly recommend doing the full tasting menu along with the wine pairing. Just a warning - you will need an uber post lunch and you will need about 3-4 hours for this experience because you don't want to rush it.

With crisp white table clothes and world class service you are in for a mind blowing treat. The staff move around you seamlessly, adding to the experience with their in depth knowledge and impeccable service.

The food journey begins with a selection of amuse bouche that will tickle your taste buds and wow your senses. Presented as a garden selection with florals, wood and stone, my personal favourite was the delicate lamb roti which quite literally fell off the bone coupled with the margarita it was the perfect fresh, complimentary punch. (Yes we have moved on from the gin keep up!) The selection included Marlin with burnt lime to squeeze and release the glorious juices and then lick off with aplomb. The mushroom parfait was decadent and dreamy, cased between delicate brick pastry.

The sweet potato wagyu drippings, bone marrow and craft beer were next for the bread course. With pull apart bread that you submerge into the drippings it was the bread course of my dreams!

Their sommelier Tongai Joseph Dhafana will drift in and out of service sharing his knowledge on the grapes, wines while keeping you abreast of the flavours you can expect from the immaculately paired combinations.

To keep us on our toes the signature dish of Tuna in a can (this time with a mexican twist) was served with a blind tasting of wine (read: in a solid black glass). I can proudly say I managed to guess the wine correctly but not the estate and it brought a lot of fun to the course.

Followed by the Kerala style Quail, prawn, and coriander which was delicate in its flavours and perfectly executed. Each plate is a work of art with colours and textures complimenting each other.

The fun didn't stop with the naartjie palette cleansers that was fresh in its flavour and brought out on an awesome display of dry ice thearics.

Next, was the fish course of Malay style line fish that is typically paired with Chardonnay however Tongai kept it exciting and shared the Groot Constantia Chenin Blanc reserve which was beyond delicious and the best partner in crime to the malay flavours.

The meat course invites you to select your knife which, for those that appreciate a beautiful sharp knife is the perfect touch. The attention to detail throughout the experience is what makes it so profoundly exciting and memorable. It is so much more than just eating at a fine dining restaurant.

The cheese course asks you to select your desired cheese from various options of blue cheese to mature cheddar but to be honest - I savoured one of each. I simply could not choose only one! I mean who has a favourite child? (The boerenkas won)

Ending off with a banana, Hazelnut tonka and the yummiest Delhiem Edelspatz 2018 - I was in pure bliss. To make my way through a menu where every single bite is more inspired and delicious that the last is just wonderful!

To top it off it doesn't end with dessert but rather with a display of final sweet touches in another spectacular garden display. One of Salted caramel, cashew and almond ice cream with pancakes. Chocolate disguised as acorns and ice cream in pancakes? SOLD!

Bookings are essential for this amazing experience and the menu is subject to change. It is worth every second.

What a spectacular experience at one of the top restaurants in South Africa that had truly made its mark for the rest of the world to see!

Congratulations to La Colombe for being named the 12th Best Fine Dining Restaurant in the World by the acclaimed TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice® Awards 2019.

-Melissa