Gordon Manuel used to cook in town but is now to be found in the countryside, here at South Hill – known for its wedding spaces and sauvignon blanc. “The Venue” is the rather anodyne name that the restaurant trades under – actually the full name is Gordon Manuel @ The Venue – but it does get more exciting from here: the space takes the form of an open modern-rustic barn with huge wooden doors framing vineyard views, inside bold rich artworks prominently decorate the walls and a large fireplace adds warmth to winter’s days. The tables are neat, with lovely flowers on white.
I say days advisedly because this restaurant is currently only open for lunches (Wed-Sun) and only has dinners on Sat if there is no wedding in play. The wine list is proudly local and the farm’s wines are available at tiny mark-ups, so don’t bring your own. Menu changes weekly, and the selection is tight, three or so starters and a similar number of mains; there’s also a kid’s menu. Pricing is set: 2 courses for R 150.00 per person or three for R 180.00. My lunch consisted of a Goats Cheese and Mediterranean Vegetable Tart with a Gazpacho Sauce followed by Kabeljou Saltimbocca on a Fennel Risotto. The tart was very good, light, the pastry a light bar instead of a basket, the flavours fresh and seasonal. The unusual variation on kabeljou unfortunately made the fish disappear in the wash of salt (Manuel afterwards apologised for the sheer power of the ham); and while the fennel risotto was ably cooked, it lacked anise flavour and was also of the rich and cheesy style. Dessert, a selection “assiette” was good but the coffee not.
In sum, a great venue and a fine addition to the winelands (and to the further afield) with modern, eclectic food that is generally good (based on this and a previous visit, notwithstanding the ham). Attentive service. 021 844 0033. 113 The Valley Road, Elgin.
Related posts:
- Vanilla, Cape Quarter Extension, Cape Town Perhaps the most ambitious of the new restaurants in the...
- Portofino, Greenpoint After initial (very positive) comments from George here and less...
- Reuben’s, Franschhoek Restaurants that are open seven days a week are beginning...
- Seafood at The Marine, Hermanus A quick lunch here, at this fine hotel’s “little” restaurant,...
- Happily, Mezzaluna now also Cape Town dinner option After a good few visits and comments on this Italian,...
One Comment
South Hill for those not too familiar with the Elgin valley is a gorgeous wedding venue / guest house / vineyard / gallery set against the hill side not too far from the N2. The restaurant is operated by husband and wife team, Gordon and Emma. Only open for lunch. The views are spectacular and every bit worth the 45 minute drive from CT. The menu is small – 3 starters, 3 mains and 3 desserts. R150 for 2 courses, R180 for 3. Tiger prawn salad & goats cheese tarte were simple, delicious, well cooked and well presented. Followed by linefish wrapped in parma ham with tapenade – slightly overcooked but tasty. And a fabulous Elgin free range chicken caesar which was elegant & balanced. Dessert was shared – a perfectly prepared crème brûlée with berries. All in all great food in an amazing venue. Wines are obviously South Hill ( R22 – R25 a glass and about R60 – R65 a bottle). Great value and good wine – especially the Cab. Also other more upscale wines form the area. Attentive service throughout. Lovely spot – check it out!