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by Chef Caro

One of my top meals of the year – Oep ve Koep

June 21, 2011 in Uncategorized

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ope ve koep

When we visited the gorgeous little town of Paternoster a week or so ago we excitedly went straight to Oep ve Koep to see my food god and inspiration Sardines on Toast.

kobus van der Merwe

Kobus van der Merwe in my opinion, is one of the best chefs in the country, he is experimental, uses local produce (really local) and has a natural talent that most of us could only wish for. The best part – he’s a great guy.

Die Winkel op Paternoster is the most gorgeous place, so quirky and casual and perfect. It’s filled with retro teapots, enamel mugs, fabulous things and foodie deli heaven.

Check out this awesome  ibrochure with pics of it all and an amazing 360 photo as well.

Outside is the colour splashed courtyard filled with tables, a boat garden and THE MENU.

One of my best meals of the year

The bokkoms on toast with citrus beurre blanc was unbelievable and the potato dumpling mushroom dish was eye-popping. The mussels were wondrous and huge, plump and fresher than fresh and then the ultimate bobotie – calamari. Yes you read correctly, light and filled with flavour – go and taste it to believe it.

Everything is simple, with clean but complex flavour and a local, unique touch on every dish.

Great local wines too.

Bokkoms on toast – don’t you want to eat that right now?

bokkoms on toast

Potato dumplings with mushrooms and almonds

dumplings

Calamari bobotie

calamari bobotie

And the bread! Oh the bread, we ordered some for the next day and on pick up on our (sad) way out of Paternoster, it was fresh and crusty and filled with figs – ahhhhh. It was gorged on for lunch and delicious.

Oep ve Koep is a treat and an experience, zero pretention with a great vibe.

oep ve koep

Take a turn past there when you can people and just enjoy!!

Caro xx

Avatar of Chef Caro

by Chef Caro

Fantastic food at the gorgeous Abalone House

June 10, 2011 in Restaurants

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beach Paternoster

Hi everyone,

Have you ever been to Paternoster? I hadn’t (I should be whipped in public) and last weekend we managed to get away from the babes for a whole 24 hrs and pop up the West Coast.

It is a ridiculously quaint little fishing village about 1 1/2 hours drive from CT and is an Asterix-style whitewashed haven with a proper holiday feel.

It’s become somewhat of a foodie destination with one-of-the-best-chefs-in-the-world Sardines on Toast of Die Winkel op Paternoster – watch this space for a detailed account of his wondrous food and our delicious lunch there – and many other wonderful places to get fork to mouth.

We stayed at the drop dead gorgeous Abalone House which tops the bay and is so warm, friendly and comfy I almost shed a tear when we had to leave.

If you want to see more pictures, info and the coolest ever 360° photo of the view CLICK HERE.

Abalone house

The food

Chef Darren Stewart (previously with the Singita group) is an unassuming wizard of gastronomy and is doing big things in little Paternoster.

We had an impressive 5 course tasting menu (R265) for dinner, it was perfectly portioned and beautiful. Think carrot and saffron soup and warm beetroot and goats cheese salad (amazing) to start.

Then, a mind-blowing sphere (like an egg yolk) of blackcurrant and licorice with salmon – yes you read correctly – sounds mad, but an amazing  ‘pop’ of juicy flavour with a salty salmon finish – molecularly brilliant.

Main course was a poached fillet in broth that melted on my tongue and was wonderfully light – loved it.

Lastly a tah-die-for chocolate risotto to end of a meal filled with tastebud happiness.

There’s also an indulgent afternoon tea and bistro-style menu with things like Prego rolls and mussels and chips.

Some of his dishes:

darren stewart

Breakfast

OMG. It was luscious. Fresh artisan breads with honeyed granola and beautiful cured hams and cheeses followed by an awesome cooked breakfast menu that is really, really hard to choose from.

All I can say is ahhhhhhhh and can’t wait to get back. Go as soon as you can, Paternoster, here I come again.

view Abalone House

Love and sand between your toes,

Caro xxx

PS: They are running a great Winter special for R1200 pp including, afternoon tea, dinner, brekkie and overnight stay!