Eat/Cook/Play with the Food24 team

Place: Cloete's at the Alphen Hotel in Constantia, Cape Town

Time: Thursday evening for the media launch of Cloete's.

Decor: Colonial, stylish, beautiful. Wingback chairs in the lounge, wooden beams in the high ceilings and sash windows. Old world elegance.

Ambience: Inviting and cosy. The fires were roaring and the lighting perfect - nice and low. There is a large stoep outside with tables and chairs, which will be  lovely in summer. It is quite smart, but you could definitely wear good jeans and a nice top.

Service: Very good, it was a 7 course set menu with wine and I didn't feel like there were hovering waiters.

Attention rating: 9/10. My food magically appeared in front of me when the next course was due, and disappeared when I was finished.

Food presentation: Beautiful. Contemporary and colourful, very imaginative but not too frilly.

Salivation: 9/10. Lookin' good.

Trend factor: This is not a trendy restaurant looks wise, but I imagine it will become trendy to visit. The vibe is quite smart and I would go there on a weekend and for special occasions. Its not the kind of place you just swing by for a quick bite. You need time to savour your meal and the surroundings. Go the whole hog and begin with a drink by the fire!

Bathrooms: They need an upgrade but totally do-able.

Spotlight moment: This was a meal of meals, Sam and I are still feeling quite starry-eyed about it. Simon Kemp is a genius. The flavours were fantastic and intense and it all worked beautifully.

If I have to choose,

- The 'warm brie parcel' melted in my mouth and burst with berry flavour.

- The 'prawn and salmon cake' - superior flavours and quite delicious. I just wanted more!

- The 'white tomato soup' is a triumph, he extracts the flavour from the tomatoes and incorporates it into a light but full-flavoured foamy soup.

- the beef fillet - UNbelievable. Extremely soft with a 'gorgonzola melt'. Now don't be afraid, this was not a whole wodge of cheese, it was a very thin, beautiful sauce over the perfectly cooked meat.

- coconut and cardomom creme brulee - butterfly-wing thin top and silky centre. 

  
Overall nummy star rating: 10/10 I have to say! I can't wait to go back and I highly recommend giving Cloete's a try.

At R160 for 2 courses and R200 for 3, this is well worth it!

Reviewers:

Sam Wilson     Caro de Waal