In June, Dave and I took the long and windy roads from Gordons Bay to Greyton, where we stopped for lunch at 1854. As it was a cold day we decided to sit in the restaurant, rather than on the deck. The dining area is comfortable, but could have been improved had the fire been lit, and the admin paperwork cleared away.
1854 Restaurant
Their emphasis is on modern comfort food and that is exactly what the weather called for. But, we also did not want anything heavy being a lunch time meal. Dave decided to have the calamari starter (R93). These were pan seared calamari tubes and steaks flavoured with ginger, garlic, chillies and coriander. Served with rocket and deep fried popcorn tentacles every bite was excellent. My choice were mussels (R93) served in a creamy citrus and white wine sauce with toasted ciabatta. I could have licked the bowl clean, the sauce was so good. And the mussels were perfectly plump.
Why 1854?
In 1854, Herbert Vigne purchased Weltevreden Farm at the base of the Sonderend Mountain Range. He established an agricultural village and named it Greyton after the Governor of the Cape, Sir George Grey. 1854 is named in honour of the town’s birth. In the same year, the British recognized the independence of the Orange Free State in South Africa. In February Britain send Russia an ultimatum to withdraw from Moldavia and Wallachia. And in March they declare war on Russia in what is the Crimean War. Seems like some things never change?
Contact them on +27 28 254 9639, bookings essential when they have live music.
View the previous posts on August 31:
- 2022: Home Cooking
- 2020: Sourdough Flatbreads
- 2018: Pernod Mussels
- 2016: Scottish Single Malt Whisky
- 2015: Fruit Concentrate
- 2014: Skeletons
- 2012: Peony
- 2011: Herbed Danish Feta Pasta
- 2010: Mushroom Risotto
Quite apart from seeing food I would not have minded enjoying myself – it is interesting to learn about the local history . . . in my case I must admit to only knowing the basics . . .
Our history is very rich Eha 🙂
The food sounded excellent… A tad too far for us for lunch as we live in Spain. You do down some yummy noshes, Tandy! Good for you. Cheers, x
I am sure you get some great food where you live!
Oooh those mussels do look divine.
They really were!
a fire is something we don’t need here in sunny brisbane :=) I love calamari, and I’m so glad it’s not octopus as they are one of the smartest animals on earth apparently . So I don’t eat ’em even tho they re delicious.
I cannot imagine living in that climate! My step-son won’t eat octopus for the same reason 🙂