Just the ticket: Bistro 82 restaurant, on Steenberg Farm in Constantia. (Heiko von Fintel)
As soon as the temperature drops, we go one of two ways. Some stay indoors, huddling close to the fire in pursuit of warmth and comfort. Then there are those folk who escape the cold by taking a holiday on the Mediterranean.
Luckily, it is possible to be both warm and in an idyllic setting in Cape Town’s Constantia wine region during the winter months.
When it’s cold outside, what we all need is a feast, so we booked a mid-week table at Bistro Sixteen82, at Steenberg Farm, to try its Hearty & Homely lunch special for warming winter dishes at a special price.
Visiting one of Cape Town’s wineries tends to be a weekend excursion, so there is something hedonistic about popping into one for a weekday lunch.
The grounds of Steenberg are so bucolic that you forget it’s winter — but isn’t that the point?
There is a good mixture of guests at both Bistro Sixteen82 and the wine-tasting area, where locals, foreigners and local tourists all dine while sipping wine.
This especially makes us feel welcome during the week since many dining experiences at the Cape’s finest wineries feel specifically tailored for foreign currencies, excluding local diners from visiting.
Bistro 82 restaurant, on Steenberg Farm in Constantia, serves tapas as part of its winter menu. (Claire Gunn)
Order this: Make lunch a three- course feast.
Start with pan-fried chicken livers with a kumquat salad, cracked hazelnuts and chilli port reduction for a hearty protein course.
Then opt for a bowl of creamy parsnip and shallot risotto with pecorino, kale and sunflower pesto. We recommend adding a big grind of pepper.
Finish off with a fun dessert such as the Valrhona chocolate marquise with an almond chocolate biscuit, salted caramel, sorghum popcorn and macadamia ice cream.
Signature bev: For a hearty winter red wine, order the 2020 Steenberg Catharina Red Blend for a warm and smooth mix of merlot, cabernet sauvignon and malbec.
You’ll like this eatery if: You are an epicure with a taste for adventure and luxury. For those looking for a getaway not too far from the city or the suburbs, Bistro Sixteen82 is a treat for a midweek lunch, especially when the weather keeps us indoors.
The Friday mood is: Cosy winter dates. The plush seating and mellow lighting, paired with massive windows, kept us feeling warm, while reminding us of the vineyard setting.
There’s no argument that some of the country’s most exciting cooking is at wineries but dining at one of Cape Town’s most iconic wineries is a delight to remind us of our country’s natural and culinary beauty.
Location: Steenberg Road, Tokai, Cape Town.
Social media: Instagram: @Steenbergfarm.Website: Steenberg Farm Winter Specials