Winery Road Small Plates Concept | Somerset West

Dave and I have been eating at 96 Winery Road since we moved to Gordons Bay. But, my passion for their food dates back to Gatrilles in Johannesburg. And it is that crème brûlée that I set my standard to when comparing desserts at other restaurants. We have celebrated birthdays and anniversaries at the restaurant and if you want to do the same, try and book the cellar. The wine cellar has a beautiful table and is hidden away from the main restaurant, allowing for privacy.

96 Winery Road Small Plates Menu

Natasha Wray, the head chef and co-owner has designed a new small plates menu. When speaking to her business partner Allan, he said that they had wanted to move in this direction for quite some time. With lockdown came many changes, and this is one of them. I absolutely embrace the concept and we have been several times to enjoy meals there. The dishes are larger than a starter and smaller than a main course, and you choose how many plates of food you want to try. Pricing works as follows: 2 plates cost R210, 3 plates cost R300 and 4 plates cost R390. An absolute bargain in my opinion.

First plates

We decided to nibble on some of the artisanal bread (R15) which is served with Wagyu butter and garlic oil. I miss the old days of their mosbolletjies, but this was the perfect pre-dinner snack. I started with the wild mushroom risotto served with Parmesan, truffle oil and pesto. Dave had the smoked venison carpaccio, Eric started with the slow roasted pork belly and Bev had the fish cakes. I have always wanted to try the risotto, and this dish was the perfect size for me. It used to be on their main course menu so I avoided it. The risotto was the perfect texture and tasted fantastic. We have had the venison at home, and this gets another tick from me, as well as the fish cakes. I had those to start on our previous visit, and they have just the right amount of heat from the chilli.

Second plates

My second course was the wagyu slider which was phenomenal. I have often enjoyed the burgers at 96 Winery Road, but the Wagyu makes all the difference. Eric and Bev had the duck and cherry pie which hails back to Gatrilles original menu. Dave had the butter chicken curry which had been my choice on our first meal out after lockdown.

Third plates and drinks

As per usual, we ordered 2 desserts between the four of us. Bev chose the apple and and berry crumble which was very sweet. Dave went for the malva pudding as he had licked his plate clean the first time he tried it. We had a bottle of Forrester Renegade (R265) with our meal, Eric had beer and Bev a sherry. The meal including gratuity came to R1580.00

The deli

Part of the new concept is a deli which is open daily from 09h00. If you are looking for the best pork bangers, then look no further! You can buy Wagyu steak, carpaccio, free range eggs and much more. Enjoy a cup of coffee after you browse, overlooking the vineyards.

Summer choices and carafe menu

The menu has changed and there are lots of new dishes I am looking forward to trying. These include the grilled artichoke and baby veg salad, new style sashimi and confit duck. 96 Winery Road has always prided themselves on having one of the most extensive wine lists in the country. Over the lockdown period, they were blessed to have been supported by some amazing wineries. To show their appreciation, they have a special new wine menu with a list of their wines by the carafe. The Forrester Renegade will cost R90 for 250mls and R180 for 500mls.

Contact them on +27 78 924 1713 – bookings are essential.

Inspiration published on Lavender and Lime December 30:

• • 2019: Fish Finger Roll
  • 2016: Oliebollen
  • 2015: Phillippa Cheifitz Answers Questions For The Blog
  • 2013: Coconut And Cranberry Rusks

Check out my instagram feed to see what we ate from the summer menu.

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