The V&A Waterfront precinct of Cape Town is a vibrant hub, and is ridiculously photogenic thanks to the iconic Table Mountain standing guard over the coastal strip. The Cape Grace Hotel is front and centre on West Quay; sleek yachts bobbing out the front in the harbour.
This fine hotel’s signature dining experience is in Signal Restaurant, with its exquisite interior wall boasting a beautiful mural of the ships of yesteryear over a base of warming timber.
Inside, white-linen clad tables sit under delicate chandeliers, touches of gold glinting under the light. Buoyed by the elegant, welcoming ambience, we look at the line up for the five-course tasting menu with wine pairing, showcasing the talent of Executive Chef, Malika van Reenen.
Having overly indulged at lunch time, I go for an entree of confit pork belly with seared scallop, followed by a main of bobotie spiced springbok with butternut arancini. The dishes arrive looking so beautiful that it seems a shame to take a knife and fork to it, but that pang is momentary, as the flavours of the exquisitely-cooked meal send me into an intoxicated state.
Speaking of which, the wines suggested by our sommelier are just as good. He introduces us to Pinotage, a wine only produced in South Africa. We demolish the Longridge 2014, the lusty red nuances from the Stellenbosch region nearly matched by the dessert of pineapple upside down cake with lime cremoux.
This would be one of the best restaurants I have ever been in, a perfect cocktail of elegant surroundings, interior design, impeccable service and food that is hard to top.
