I’ve now eaten at the upstairs and more formal Raphael’s as well as the Bistro & Tapas bar on the lower level and I am in no hurry to return. There’s nothing to report in terms of eating excitement. The much-upgraded Asara used just to be a winery but is now also a luxury hotel, restaurants, a high-end kitchenware shop and a deli. The food at both restaurants is unremarkable however, and no reason to travel here. I did have higher hopes for the Bistro and Tapas but this is a hotel facsimile of the real thing. Plus a wine steward who served me a glass of corked chardonnay from a half-full bottle. Perhaps if you are looking for something special for the kitchen the shop will appeal (with stickers naming it “High-end Asara” you get some idea of the costs here). Post-lunch, we did have some delicious ice-cream at the deli.
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3 Comments
Hmm, I’m trying the tapas for lunch on Wednesday. I’ll share my thoughts…
I can’t comment on the food as I have not eaten at Asara. I did kind of like the wine tasting area when last I visited and I do like a couple of their bottles.I have no idea what the owners hope to gain with that kitchen-ware shop though? Do tourists and visitors really show up, buy a kitchen-aid mixer, pack itin their bags and go home? Or those big orange french pots(name completely slips my mind now-Le C-something)…..brilliant stuff but weighs 30 kg each?
I imagine location is really going to be a problem for these guys, it’s on the Other road to Stellies and the entrance I can easily imagine being very daunting to south africans. Pity about the food really, Stellies is kicking off at the moment in that regard.
A little delayed, but here is some feedback on my lunch at Asara:
I had not been before, so can’t compare. It certainly doesn’t have a wine farm feel. It’s a really big space, containing the hotel, restaurants, wine tasting, shop and more. I was actually quite impressed, ít’s done out quite nicely.
We ate at the bistro, on the patio overlooking the ‘lake’. A pleasant setting, but it’s not exactly La Petit Ferme. We were a large group so we ordered several platters of tapas which came with good bread so it was enough food for us.
The tapas were not mind blowing, the range from good to very good. I was happy with all of them, and some of them I was very interested in. The ones that stood out:
Gambas al Aioli Chilli
Calamari a la Plancha on lemon chilli dip
Black Pepper & Pineseed crusted ostrich fillet on orange thyme polenta
Seared Tuna on orange fennel bulb salad
and the Tortilla with Chorizo wasn’t bad
Overall, I would say it’s not a bad option. Reasonably priced, and I thought the wines weren’t bad. I wouldn’t rush back but if you’re looking for something new to try…