I am leaving this review of Bayede on my blog even though there is a new restaurant on the estate.
Bayede, which means “Hail to the King” is situated on the Eikendal wine estate on the R44 between Somerset West and Stellenbosch. The wine estate is a tranquil place, with a trout fishing pond, outdoor eating, and a wine tasting room. Expect excellent service and a warm welcome from the well trained and presentable staff. As it was raining, we chose the indoor eating area, which is well appointed, with tables spread out enough so that you are not rubbing shoulders with your neighbour. Most notable is the linen on the table and the fine glass and silverware. The menu is varied and well priced and all meals have a wine pairing recommended by the chef. The wine list is from the estate and the prices are reasonable.
JUNE 2011
Dave and I went for lunch and before we had decided on our menu choice, our waiter gave us bread with olive oil for dipping. We were told about the daily specials, and I was pleased to note that the waiters actually get to eat what they serve which means that they can give you an informed opinion. We chose to share two platters – a country platter (R72) and a cheese board (R62) and had a bottle of Eikendal Pinotage to accompany our meal (R88). My only gripe here is that I do not like wooden boards as serving platters – in fact, I do not even use a wooden board at home for chopping. The country platter could have done with a little bit of mustard but each and every component of the meal was tasty and well presented.
The restaurant sounds really great. I do agree about the wooden boards though.
I have visions of all sorts of lurking germs with the wooden boards 🙂
I’m with you on the boards 🙁
it grosses me out a LOT 🙂
it sounds good. apparently new to newish wood actually gives off ‘stuff’ that is anti-germs. so eat of newish wood, not too damaged by knife cuts
I will keep that in mind! Thanks 🙂
Apparently wood provides some natural anti-germicide goodies. just don’t use old stuff with many many old cuts in it, because then you do have problems.
plastics tend to have more germs than wood. Ceramic is still better
I use my Joseph Joseph cutting boards which are a hard plastic. I suppose everything has germs!
I have seen ceramic/good granite cheese boards, I definayely think a wooden board won’t look elegant in a restaurant fitting the description you gave.
I agree, granite would look so much better!