Earth Hour happens once a year, on the same date at the same time. Isn’t it about time for a change?
Let’s keep the important message behind this initiative where we are asked to speak up for nature and inspire action in support of the environment. But why does this have to be limited to only one hour a year when we can do so much more.
Hotel Verde is located just a few minutes from the Cape Town International Airport and offers all guests a 100% offset carbon-neutral stay with modern and stylish guestrooms for those looking to stay over, excellent conference and event facilities for your next strategy meeting all in a wonderful natural and green setting.
Similar attention is given to Nuovo Restaurant, located at the hotel, which boasts a wonderful dining menu with locally produced, fresh and seasonal ingredients. A variety of herbs and lettuce is grown in the garden at the hotel while all other ingredients are responsibly sourced from suppliers all around Cape Town giving back to the local farming community instead of relying on expensive imports.
We joined one of their Earth Hour evening which are hosted every Wednesday, every single week of the year, 52 times per year. On this day, most of the lights in the restaurant are switched off with a hand-full being dimmed to give a wonderful intimate atmosphere to all dinner guests as soon as the sun sets.
The evening started with a refreshing Da Rocca pink gin & tonic for only R40. While sipping on the drink, I was already browsing the menu. Starters come to around R65 – R85 while mains range between R95 – R200.
…to start.
The soup of the day was a beautiful cauliflower and coriander soup served with bread on the side. Incredibly delicious, it had a thick consistency due to the cauliflower. The coriander gives the soup great flavor that is not too overpowering. Really really nice start to a meal.
But the calamari starter was even better. It had a wonderful balance of spice from the sliced peppadews that interacted perfectly with the freshness that came from a garlicy tartar sauce as well as a soya reduction. I would come back to Nuovo just for this – every single day if I could.
…for our mains.
Full of flavour, the lamb came with a charred aubergine puree, a potato fondant, pickled baby beetroot, a beetroot puree, peas, yoghurt cheese and mint jus. This elevated lamb – a dish I usually only know from a braai – to a level fit for a fine dining restaurant. All ingredients interacted, and each combination allowing for new flavours to shine.
Tender as it can be. The wonderful slow cooked pork belly with a sweet honey and soya glaze and crispy crackling is placed on a bed of coriander mash. Cauliflower with turmeric, apple puree and red cabbage pickle complete this colourful dish that is a delightful take on an ever-popular dish.
Overall, we had a fantastic dinner experience at Nuovo Restaurant at Hotel Verde. Only 15 minutes from the city centre, it’s not a long drive at all and there is plenty of free secure parking at the hotel. Prices also offer great value for money for what’s presented from the chefs. From impeccable service, a great initiative, and fantastic food, the Earth Hour evenings offer a wonderful experience that we can only recommend.
Call them today to book your table!
Directions to Hotel Verde
15 Michigan Street
Airport Industria
Cape Town
7490
021 380 5500
