Featuring a small yet comprehensive menu packed with Cape Malay-style South African classics, Eat @ Perdeberg is an excellent complement to the Perdeberg Cellar’s wine and platter offering, as most tables seemed to order a mix and match selection from both.
This resulted in tables bursting with winter-warming comfort meals like waterblommetjie bredie, half-shell mussels in white wine, Prego steak rolls, or crumbled pork chops with parmesan mash, just perfect for sharing or wolfing down on your own.
Open since mid-April, owners Rob and Nicky Hahn focus on seasonal dishes set to delight the whole family in the 40 seater à la carte main eatery and sunny outdoor picnic area, with smiling staff in red and black logoed Polo shirts setting the scene for your meal.
The weather played along beautifully the day of our visit so we chose a table half-in, half-out of the sun, secluded from the main eating area and just walking distance from the wine cellar – a win-win spot.
“It’s not often the chef actually serves the food right to your table,” commented Rob as he treated us to his delicious bobotie spring-rolls.
Rob shared that the jam is so popular he sells jars of it. The visit was definitely off to a good start.
We also lucked out when we spotted the ‘chef’s trio; on the menu, as it meant we got to sample three of the best, all in one meal.
The tasting portion of venison pie with dates, chicken curry with crisp poppadum and classic tomato-ey oxtail, all served on the bone, with a side bowl of warm veg like baby sweetcorn spears, whole carrot and green beans and choice of starch (we went for the creamy Parmesan mash and mini bucket of chips respectively) is wholesome, filling and very good value at just R150.
We washed this down with a glass of the classic Merlot and a perfect strawberry milkshake – yes, that’s the sign of a kiddies’ menu that deserves a thumbs up, including hot dogs and waffles, just the thing after (not before) burning up energy on the jumping castle!
Speaking of coming back…
This is an excellent if slightly off-the-beaten-track conference choice, with three fully equipped facilities, as well as the stunning Chenin Blanc Hall making an interesting wedding venue option.
If you’re all about the food, Rob mentioned the Cape Malay chicken curry is proving especially popular during the cold months, especially as their special running until 31 August includes the tomato-based, coconut-curry classic with a side of basmati rice, green beans and sweet pumpkin fritters, as well as a glass of your choice of either Perdeberg’s Vineyard Collection Malbec or Grenache Blanc, for just R95.
All the wines we sampled were delicious accompaniments to the comfort food at Eat @ Perdeberg and at cellar door prices – just R25 a glass of or R30 for a tasting of five, which you can choose yourself.
Also impressive are Rob’s ‘braai picnic boxes’ for two. Rob grills these on the lawn and they’re presented in an Instagram-perfect wooden crate.
Priced at R400, these look like ‘Heritage Day’ in a box, packed with potato salad, lamb chops, fig and camembert roosterkoek, chicken-red pepper kebabs, skilpadjes and generous bowls of that tomato, coriander, chilli, ginger jam.
To end on a sweet note, there’s even a bottle of wine and a serving of creamy cappuccino tart. Almost enough for me to try make some space for more…
*Leigh Andrews was a guest of Eat @ Perdeberg. The new Eat @ Perderberg is situated on Vryguns Farm in Windmeul, Paarl and open from Wednesday to Sunday for breakfast, light meals and lunch from 9am to 4pm, with a special plated roast offering on Sundays. Booking is recommended with a deposit required 48 hours in advance for the braai picnic baskets. Click here to preview the menu. Call on 021 020 1626 or email az.oc.grebedrep@tae. You can also follow them on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates.
