Where to start.. I had the pleasure of taking a very dear friend out to Bellgables hosted wine pairing in collaboration with La Motte Wines, and can honestly say it is the most magical setting for a dinner!!
The wine pairing was hosted by Winemaker Michael Langenhoven and Chef Patron, Errol Gobey (of course) and neither are new to the game of wining and dining.
As us ladies put our heels on and strutted down the steps to the reception area, we were greeted by friendly staff who presented us with our welcome drink, a glass of La Motte Sauvignon Blanc 2017 and we settled in to take in our beautiful surroundings around the expansive grounds of what an only be described as an enchanting estate complete with art galley. Fountains, rich ornate antiques and artworks every where you look seductively lit by candlelight. What a romantic experience, for anyone in search of the perfect proposal spot!
It is impossible to not see why this award-winning country restaurant offering such exquisite fine dining experiences has picked up not one but eighteen American Express Fine Dining Awards over the years and I had done my research.
After being seated, it was onto the food:
Course 1: Chicken, barley, carrot and celery soup flavored with thyme paired with… La Motte Pierneef Sauvignon Blanc 2016.
Course 2: Norwegian salmon placed in a creamy pool of smoked salmon trout sauce paired with… La Motte Chardonnay 2016.
Course 3: Our main course was duck pie. This duck in black cherry and La Motte Syrah red wine reduction (served with rice pilaf) paired with… La Motte Syrah 2013.
Course 4: The chocolate delight dessert. Dark and white truffle chocolate pudding paired with… La Motte Millennium Merlot Cabernet Franc 2015.
Bellgables Country Restaurant manages to take the most loved staples and classic dishes, but move them to a next level, both in presentation and taste. The portions are ample and you never get the impression that you will leave hungry.
Our smiling host, as busy as he was, made a point of coming to each and every table throughout the evening to check on our experiences and us ladies could not help but feel like absolute queens.
All in all:
Service: 5/5
Ambiance: 5/5
Food: 5/5
Experience: Priceless.
I can assure you that since this first visit, I have been back time and time again for their pairings (think Haute Cabriere, De Wetshof..), and I have never left disappointed! This is truly one of the top gems in South Africa but I will let the photos speak for themselves.
*Recommendation: A fine dining country restaurant that transports you into a magical, over-the-top opulent world of all art, antiques, opera and some of the best service that I have received in South Africa. If you have not visited Bellgables, what are you waiting for?
