The spice of life at Fairview

I've always maintained that a visit to Fairview is never the same as the last - whether they're releasing a new range of wines, renovating their tasting centre, or if you're just in the mood for gluttony of the cheese kind, it's always a brilliant experience. When The Bulls Fan and I headed off in Fairview's direction yesterday, we had a new goal in mind. Instead of turning into their gates, we made an early turn into the neighbouring farm - Charles Back of Fairview recently purchased Seidelberg, the farm next door, and has transformed it into the Spice Route. In addition to offering their wine range of the same name exclusively at this new farm (these wines are Swartland region origin), they've also opened a brand-new winelands restaurant (opened about three weeks ago). It was this restaurant that The Bulls Fan and I had come to try out. 

One of the best features of the old farm that Spice Route has inherited is the location - the restaurant and cellar are set high up against the hill, with uninterrupted views for miles. Sadly, we'd arrived on the day when Cape Town was being subjected to an incredibly unpleasant gale-force wind, so we opted to sit inside instead of at a table on the otherwise-very-inviting lawns. In contrast to Fairview's signature restaurant, The Goatshed, which is rustic and casual, the Spice Route restaurant is beautifully light and airy, with wooden tables, white chairs and white table linen. It's also relaxed and informal, however, which we liked - you don't have to put on your Sunday best to visit! We hadn't made a reservation and were lucky enough to be seated at the last unreserved table, right at the window overlooking the valley. I ordered a glass of Spice Route Chenin Blanc and opened the menu (full menu at the end of this post). Whilst I had been expecting a country-style restaurant, I was very pleasantly surprised to find that the Spice Route restaurant is taking things a few steps further - the menu offers a delightful mix of contemporary and classic dishes, but each with a decidedly modern flair.

I decided to order two starters instead of a main, whilst The Bulls Fan - who was still ravenous from his 200km cycle race the day before - chose to go for a main. Every dish on the starters menu had me positively drooling, but I ended up choosing the Ceviche, with cubes of cured linefish marinated in citrus and served with a Szechuan pepper and wasabi mousse, and the Pork Belly with Dark Chocolate Lentils, consisting of slow-roasted five spice infused pork belly, served atop a Madagascar DV chocolate lentil salad. The Bulls Fan opted for the Coffee Butter Chicken, a traditional fragrant Indian butter chicken curry served with rice pilaf, fresh roti and an espresso foam.

The presentation of each dish was outstanding - I could not get over how beautifully my starters were plated, or how absolutely inviting and delicious The Bulls Fan's curry looked, when everything arrived. We were also both very impressed with the generosity of the portions. Any expectations that were set by the presentation were more than exceeded by the flavour combinations - I, for one, would never have thought of combining chocolate and lentils, but the taste and texture were addictive. The pork belly was drop-dead-delicious, crispy-crunchy on the outside and tender on the inside. The ceviche, with its tangy, zesty flavours, was wonderfully refreshing and light. The Bulls Fan's curry looked, smelled and tasted incredible. The chicken was really tender, slow-cooked in the butter sauce on the bone. The flavours were spot on, but we were both amazed at how the espresso foam changed the flavour profile in an indescribable - but delicious - way. Suffice to say, there wasn't much conversation taking place at our table while we were eating! We didn't get around to having dessert, but I have my eye on the White Chocolate and Rose Water Mousse, served with a goat's Chevin and honey tartlet, and fresh peach coulis, when we next visit.

The entire experience was such a pleasure - the service was fast and efficient, the food was mouthwatering and the setting is perfect for a long, lazy lunch. With prices in the mid-to-upper range (well, for us anyway!) it's not somewhere we'd be able to eat on a regular basis, but we would definitely pick the Spice Route for special celebrations and get-togethers. This is an example, in my opinion, of a restaurant that's getting it right - and, judging by the fully-booked house, I'd say I'm not the only one who thinks so! Do yourself a favour and book a table - it's an experience to remember.