Africa Month News

New culinary destination

CAPE TOWN: The Dornier Bodega restaurant, which opens in time for spring, combines Old World charm and antiquity with New World sophistication and innovation and is set to provide visitors with a food and wine experience as breathtaking as its Cape Winelands surroundings.

Located in one of the oldest buildings in the Stellenbosch area the former barn, then winery and finally art school, has been restored to its former glory by the Dornier family.

The Bodega is a mere 10-minute drive from Stellenbosch or just 40 minutes down the highway from Cape Town. An additional open-air veranda adjacent to the restaurant features dramatic views of the Stellenbosch Mountains and its rolling hills, as well as the contemporary curves of the architecturally award-winning Dornier wine cellar.

Under the helm of locally and internationally trained Chef, Tullishe Le Roux, the Bodega emphasises the marriage between a clean, simple and transparent menu and the delicacy of beautiful wines.

Illuminate the simplicity

Le Roux's expert knowledge in sourcing the freshest locally produced ingredients and her careful pairing of the Dornier-dominated wine list is intended to illuminate the simplicity of each individual food and wine flavour.

“The Bodega philosophy is the same as in the winery: For great end products, you need first class ingredients, creativity and a drive for perfectionism,” explains Raphael Dornier.

Bodega's atmosphere exudes modern classic – a duality created by the hodgepodge of upbeat colours, old kitchen furniture, uniquely crafted local pieces, and the striking glass chandeliers. Guests will find the menu appropriately themed and featuring free-range meats, homemade pasta, and Alsatian-style Flammekueche alongside Le Roux's added flare and the wonderfully complex wine-tasting menu. The wine list has a clear focus on the Blaauklippen Valley and includes the best examples of the neighbouring farms.

Environment

Consistent with Bodega's reliance on its surrounding environment is its consideration for biodiversity and sustainable viticulture. Dornier has dedicated 20 hectares of land to the re-establishment of original flora and fauna in the hopes of sharing the incredible richness and beauty of the Cape Floral Kingdom with each of its visitors.

The Bodega will open from 10am to 5pm daily. From 1 May to 30 September annually, the venue will be closed Monday and Tuesday. Booking is essential and functions facilities are available on occasion with due inquiry.

For more information, go to www.bodega.co.za.

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