JUNE 2010

What qualifies someone to review a restaurant? Well, in my opinion anyone who eats at an establishment and pays for the meal can review the experience. This review would therefore be totally independent. I love sharing my experiences through the blog forum and am sure my reviews are more than qualified. I spent eight years working professionally in restaurants and have published a recipe book but what I think most qualifies me to share my experiences is the fact that I have eaten at top restaurants since I was a young child. I have been exposed to top chefs and top restaurants all over the world. Further I consider myself an accomplished cook and I have high expectations. My earliest memory is eating at Gatrilles in Johannesburg and I have relocated my passion for their food by eating often at 96 Winery Road.  This has led me to Henri’s and here is my review.

On a not so warm Wednesday night we met two other couples at Henri’s Restaurant in Somerset West. Dave and I went to the bar for a whiskey before we were shown through to a private dining room. Not long after we sat down, the one couple arrived, and we had barely said our hello’s when the second couple arrived. We chose our wine – red for Nico, Dave and myself, and white for Wanette, and Bruce and Marina ordered their drinks.

We read the beautiful menu, and I chose an asparagus and anchovies starter. I am a new convert to anchovies, but this dish was not 100% to my liking. The asparagus was too cold, and it needed something more to lift the taste slightly.  However, this is a good base for a pasta sauce which I have been experimenting with.

My main course was lamb shank. Now, I am not pro asking for doggy bags at an upmarket eatery, but lamb shank bones are safe for my two dogs, and I asked the waiter to keep mine aside, and another one if possible. It must have been a popular dish of the night as we got 7 bones! The lamb shank was served with a lovely gravy on a bed of mash.  It fell off the bone, and is worth going back for!

Each time we have eaten there I have ordered the crème brullée.  It never fails to impress me, with its sublimely smooth texture and wonderful presentation.

The restaurant is owned by Laura and Grant Norton and Grant runs the front of house. He warmly greets and seats all the guests and will ensure that your entire evening is most enjoyable.  Laura is the chef, and the food is always exceptionable. The staff are well trained, professional and most attentive.

They are situated in an old house in Somerset West with a wonderful history attached to it.

AUGUST 2010

Henri’s in Somerset West have a winter special – a three course meal and a bottle of wine per couple for an extremely reasonable price. As you walk in, you will be normally be greeted by a friendly face at reception and have the option of being taken through to the bar or to your table. The night we went, Grant was not in the best of moods which was quite a let down. There are three dining areas downstairs, as well as a smoking section outside. The one section is a private dining area that can seat 6 – 8 people quite comfortably. The second area is part of the bar, and the third area is quiet and warm. The bar has limited seating but is perfect to sit at while waiting for guests, which is what we did the night we went. We had a whisky while waiting. Two issues that evening in the bar area concerned me. One is that people eat at the bar – which for a restaurant is not becoming. The other is that there were children running around, which is dangerous.

We were met by our friends and we moved to our table where we had a wonderful meal. The service as per usual was excellent and the food sublime. We had the special menu and were given a choice of 3 starters, 3 main courses and 3 desserts. We managed to have the two bottles of wine and after dinner drinks.

© dinner at Henri's

I had my usual crème brûlée – this one was rooibos infused and served with a lemon zest koeksister.

OCTOBER 2010

We went with friends to celebrate Dave’s birthday and once again, the meal was fantastic. The service was excellent and the small touch for Dave’s dessert went a long way to impress:

© dave's birthday

Contact them on 021 852 6442

Tandy

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