I am always looking for a reason to go to Overture at the Hidden Valley wine estate in Stellenbosch. The beautiful setting, fantastic view, good and friendly service and above all the excellent food makes it my favourite splurge restaurant.

A friend from Jozi was in town and Friday again did not disappoint. It was a beautiful sunny winter’s day and after spending a few hours walking Babylonstoren’s garden, lunch at Overture was the perfect follow up destination.

We chose a 5 course tasting menu and the stand out dishes were the Sauteed Gnocchi, Braised Springbok and the superb desserts. In all honesty I would have been happy with just the chocolate sauce for lunch. Just sublime! And since my mother won’t read this I can admit that I did finish it out of the jug.

You can do a wine pairing with each dish on the tasting menu and as much as I understand the concept I am not quite sure that it is such a good idea. By the third course you are getting more and more tipsy and you tend to lose focus on the food. Having done a few pairings, I now prefer to rather get a glass or two of my favourite wine and to enjoy it through all the courses.

Overture

Overture

Crumbed squid, sweet corn, Asian flavours, pak choi

Roasted pimento & aubergine roulade, smoked ashed camembert, basil, pine nuts, olive

Pea soup, lemon cream, pancetta, pea tendrils

Braised Springbok, linguini, gem squash puree, pumpkin seeds, pumpkin seed oil

Braised Springbok, linguini, gem squash puree, pumpkin seeds, pumpkin seed oil

Sauteed gnocchi, mushrooms, Jerusalem artichokes, thyme, garlic, parmesan

Jersey rump, parsnip, turnip, celery

Horseradish crusted Angelfish, mussel mariniere, Swiss chard

Guava granita and foam

Apple crumble, caramel mousse, vanilla ice cream

Orange souffle, orange ice cream, chocolate sauce (the chocolate sauce carefully poured into the souffle at the table)

Chocolate sauce (what’s left of it)

Stuffed Zucchini Flowers
Beer and Nuts Ice Cream

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