The Table at De Meye

Back in Cape Town. Back to blogging. I had the most stunning six weeks off traveling, getting new ideas but mostly just being offline and relaxing. A break from the tough life of visiting restaurants and tasting beautiful Cape Wines.

Cottage on De Meye winery

The Table at De Meye is off the beaten track. Quite close to the N1 and not far from Paarl, yet it is in an area of Stellenbosch that we hardly knew existed.  As soon as you step out of the car, you know that you have arrived somewhere special.

This little cottage on De Meye winery simply oozes warmth, hospitality and a passion for doing things well. Mismatched chairs, herbs and onions hanging from the ceiling make you feel right at home.

Quirky little touches abound

The menu is completely set (other diets are catered for). The day we visited, the starter was a soup with plump west coast mussels. Succulent veld reared lamb was served as a main on a bed of haricot beans accompanied by couscous and lovely baby leaves from the farm next door. Dessert was a baked cheesecake that despite being a baked cheesecake somehow managed to be light. Magical. We ended our meal with a cup of coffee on their sunny lawn.

Delicious shoulder of lamb

Owners, Camilla and Russel, strive to buy from small local producers where possible. The lamb comes from a farm close to Laingsburg where they rent a cottage. The delicious sausages that you can take home are made from pork from  the same farm.  The drinks menu supports this local policy. Darling brew beers are served alongside the de Meye winery’s wines. The Table offers the de Meye wines at pretty much cellar price so it is a great way to get to know this boutique winery. A bottle of unoaked chardonnay for R60 is a steal by any standards.

cheesecake with fresh strawberries

With all the shared platters, the Table at De Meye is a great spot to visit with a group. Wholesome, down to earth food that makes you smile. What more could you want? Mental note to book for that family lunch next Sunday.. Booking in advance is essential.

PS. The co-owner of the Table at de Meye, Russel Wasserfall, is a renowned food photographer. His work adorns all the major food magazines and he has shot some beautiful books as well. There is a new one on South African cheeses which I shall rush out to buy when it comes out. Needless to say taking photos of their lovely set up made my hands tremble. Have a look at his photos on their website to do the place justice : ). Russel also does great food photography courses.

De Meye Wine Estate

Stellenbosch

http://thetablerestaurant.co.za

Russel 083 252 9588
e-mail rwasserfall@eca.co.za

Tags: cozy, de meye, free range, local, lunch, off the beaten track, quirky, seasonal, stellenbosch, winelands