Breakfast at Societi Brasserie

If you're talking about restaurants in Cape Town, someone is bound to ask "Don't you just love Societi Bistro in the city?" When I avert my gaze and whisper something as quietly as I can about never actually having been there, it's usually met with wide-eyed disbelief and mutterings of "And you call yourself a foodie?". I have no excuses, I've just never been. I'm well aware that I am missing out hugely, judging from the passion with which people - both friends and total strangers - describe the food, the venue and the ambience. A visit to Societi Bistro is therefore firmly atop my list of New Year's Resolutions for 2012 (I only resolve to do things I'll actually be motivated to do). Luckily, I received a breakfast invite to try out their brand new restaurant in Tokai, Societi Brasserie, which launched over the weekend. 

On arrival, I was warmly welcomed by Chris, co-owner of the Brasserie, who gave me a tour of this shiny new addition to the Societi family. The large interior is decidedly rustic (as fellow breakfast buddy Chef Neill Anthony instantly described it), with bare brick walls, wooden tables, quirky, vintage furniture (many of their pieces were discovered at auctions), and the use of natural, uncomplicated elements. Chris explained that they purposefully keep some tables "bare", whilst others are dressed with table linen, maintaining a casual look and feel. A large wine bar runs along one side of the restaurant, with dark wood, low-back bar stools and a huge variety of wines to choose from. Beautifully intricate beaded lamp shades hang over the bar, creating a distinctly French "casual chic" feel (well, for someone who's never been to France, but assumes that's what a French brasserie would include). In the corner, a diverse selection of juicy charcuterie hangs patiently, waiting to be sliced and served atop thick wooden boards. The open-plan kitchen is positioned at the back of the restaurant, with an unassuming Chef's Table set up along the counter - giving guests the front-row opportunity of watching the Chef in action, and interacting with him throughout their meal.
  

It was time to eat. Although this was my first experience of eating at Societi, their reputation for commitment to using local, sustainably sourced and seasonal produce is one which I know well. Head Chef Garth Morton and Executive Chef Stéfan Marais have created menus that maintain this ethos, with free-range chicken and eggs, free-range pork, sustainable fish, and locally sourced, organic (where possible) veggies. The impressive breakfast menu offers a host of choices to suit every palate, including lighter options (toasts, granola and Bircher muesli), traditional breakfasts, and classics, such as Eggs Benedict, Croquet Monsieur et Madame, and smoked salmon with scrambled eggs. A firm fan of Eggs Benedict done right, I just had to order them. The portion was really generous, with two toasted English muffins topped with a hearty serving of the tastiest spinach I've had in a while, rashers of thick-cut back bacon, fluffy poached eggs and a delicious (not too acidic, with just the right amount of lemon for freshness) Hollandaise sauce. It's a big portion and could easily be shared between two. My breakfast buddies, Matt Allison and Neill Anthony, tried the Bacon and Egg Ciabatta, with Homemade Chutney, and traditional breakfast of Eggs, Sausage and Bacon, and declared both to be very tasty.

With attention to detail, quality produce and delicious meals like this, it's no wonder that Societi Brasserie has been fully booked every evening since opening. I foresee their wine bar becoming the place to meet for after-work drinks and eats, and I look forward to going back on a busy evening for the ultimate Brasserie atmosphere. Thanks so much to Chris, Peter, Garth and Stéfan for hosting me yesterday - I cannot wait to see how this new venture develops and grows!