A night of fine-dining with a localized twist, 1 on On19’s April edition championed the best local flavours and produce with inventive flair.
This monthly culinary experience, that highlights one ingredient and one cultivar, takes place on the 19thfloor of the Westin at their flagship restaurant On19. While looking out on a phenomenal Cape Town nightscape, five courses and six wines are served in On19’s refined dining room, a space both elegant and cosy.
The chosen pair for the night was Fynbos and Shiraz, a combination that inspired the use of striking ingredients and unusual flavours. The eclectic menu was the brainchild of On19’s exciting new Executive Chef, Stephen Mandes, who displayed both culinary ingenuity and prowess.
A celebration of both local ingredients and wine, the Westin collaborated with wine farms from all across the Western Cape, exhibiting the diverse effects of terroir, climate, cellaring and vinification.
Welcome
The night began with a glass of Elgin Vintners and freshly-baked mosbolletjies, served with lightly spiced butter and airy feta mousse. Traditionally made during wine harvest season with unfermented grape juice as their key ingredient, the mosbolletjies were a clever nod to the theme of the night.
Amuse Bouche
The amuse bouche took the form of a Kingklip Puff, an airated cracker with a light mousse, and a cup of sweet, refreshing lemoncello. The dish was accompanied by a glass of Cordor wine, a cool climate Shiraz with flavours of berries and plums.
Starter
A starter of Sour Fig Salami with indigenous leaves and seed crusted creamy goat’s cheese, with the addition of a sweet hibiscus vinaigrette which complemented the salty and savoury elements of the dish beautifully. Simple with strong flavours and varied textures, the dish was paired with Ormonde’s Chip Off the Old Block; soft and spicy, it coupled seamlessly with the meaty, saltiness of the dish.
Palate Cleanser
The Palate Cleanser of ‘Snoek and Patate’ with an edition of a Honeybush gastrique, presented local, classic flavours in a new form. The fondant potato cubes were cooked to perfection while the fried potato ball was crisp and light, a moreish bite to accompany the flavourful pâté.
The dish was paired with Lammershoek ‘the onnocent’, a shiraz with a delectable aroma of dark chocolate and red berries, with savoury undertones. The smooth texture and natural acidity paired wonderfully with the snoek.
Sorbet
The sorbet: a spekboom, mint and rooibos Granita provided a welcome light and refreshing pause to a confident menu.
Main
The main course of Springbok, Chocolate and Num Num Jus, with Fermented Cabbage and a Sweet Potato Croquet was paired with the Merendal, a full-bodied wine with flavours of black pepper with a hint of smokiness.
The intergration of Num Num into the jus, the ruby red fruit found in gardens around South Africa, was an inspired addition. Soft and succulent, the springbok was wonderfully matched with the Chocolate and Num Num Jus.
The fermented cabbage added a lovely tangy note and the sweet potato croquet helped balance bold flavours. The carrot puree and roasted carrots were simply delicious, the puree was full of flavour and the roasted carrots were perfectly-seasoned.
Dessert
A homey dessert with finely-crafted execution rounded off the meal: Apple Cobbler, with creamy fynbos honey, thyme and olive oil gelato. This dish had an element of nostalgia; its crisp pie crust dusted with icing sugar was balanced on the spiced, stewed apples with a miniature golden toffee apple perched on top.
An innovative menu that made use of a broad range of local ingredients and produce, and paired with a lovely range of South African shiraz wines, the entire experience was thoroughly enjoyable.
To embark on an equally thrilling culinary journey, join On19 for their next Wine and Dine Evening: Seaweed & White Blends on 28 September! With an event per month featuring a new single ingredient and wine pairing, each dinner offers an entirely new menu of gastronomic wonderment.
Take a look at their menu line-up and book a spot for the next event.
Email: Rochelle.Voigt@westin.com or Call: 021 412 9050
Directions to On19
Westin Cape Town
Convention Square
Lower Long Street
8001
021 412 9999
