Constantia Uitsig wine estate, where the French inspired with an Asian touch restaurant La Colombe is located, has a long history all the way back to the 17th century. 1988 David and Marlene McCay bought the farm and restored it to its former glory. Constantia Uitsig wine estate now has three restaurants, a hotel, a spa and a vineyard producing top rated wines. Three restaurants on the estate, but La Colombe shines more than the others. The restaurant is located just outside Cape Town and the drive through the vineyards of Constantia Uitsig is worth the visit alone.

British Luke Dale-Roberts was Head Chef at La Colombe until recently. He spent more than three years making the restaurant just better and better and remains as a culinary advisor. The new Head Chef is Scot Kirton and he worked under Luke Dale-Roberts for several years. No question about the fact that Scot will continue in the same tradition as Luke, but of course add his personal touch to the food.

The menu is presented on a big chalkboard and might not be that trendy, but the Provence-inspired tasting menus make sure to convince you that La Colombe is nothing less than fine dine world class. The restaurant does not offer the typical porcelain, crystal glasses and cutlery that you have come to expect from award winning restaurants. No, the dishes are served on custom-designed plates made by a community arts project and the style of doing its own thing goes like the main thread all through the restaurant.

The menu is updated on a daily basis and the tastes and textures on each dish capture the essence of the restaurant’s perfect mix from vineyard and mountain to forest and sea. The French cooking technique and traditions fused with Asian umami result in a modern South African cuisine that is presented in an interesting way with a sense of humour.

Cape Town and its surroundings offer some of the most stunning environments anywhere, but it is worth visiting for La Colombe alone. Book a table pronto, go there and enjoy some of the best cuisine on the African continent.

Images courtesy of La Colombe

Written by Andy