Did you know? It is considered impolite to eat sushi with a fork and an insult to the sushi chef. Or at least it was according to an article I read many moons ago when my delicious sushi journey began. I tried using chopsticks but never quite mastered the art. Most Japanese people eat sushi with their hands and I too have always enjoyed eating with my hands. It takes the sensory experience of touch to another level, so it was only natural for me to do so with sushi.

Much has been written about the correct etiquette for eating sushi, but whatever your choice, I think the most important aspect of sushi is to ENJOY it! Capetonians are truly spoilt with a wide variety of sushi spots in and around the city, but now you can indulge your sushi-loving heart in the winelands. GlenWood Vineyards Gourmet Sushi Restaurant started as a pop up to begin with after the Uncorked Festival in November 2020 and officially launched on 1 December 2020.

If our recent visit is anything to go by, the move to offer a Gourmet Sushi & Wine experience has proven to be very popular. Owner of GlenWood Vineyards, Alistair Wood and DP Burger, General Manager and Cellar Master, both love sushi and came up with the brilliant idea to serve gourmet sushi when they realised there was a gap in the market.

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A day out in the winelands is always a good idea, especially when it takes you down a winding country road towards the mountains. The Franschhoek Wine Valley is known as South Africa’s Gourmet Capital and it is here that you will find GlenWood Vineyards.

Nestled in the Robertsvlei Valley, nature’s wondrous bounty surrounds you in all directions – mountain and vineyard views beckon from the shaded oak tree terrace, while the ambience invites you to sit back and relax. Warmly welcomed by Jasmin, we proceeded with the now-standard Covid-19 protocols – sanitising of hands, temperature check and completing the sign-in form. The tables are placed sufficiently apart to allow for social distancing.

SUSHI SMORGASBORD

A friendly bit of advice from someone in the know – skip breakfast and come hungry! The menu offers a dizzying array of delicious choices, but do not fear. Jasmin and her capable team are on hand with helpful suggestions. If you really can’t choose, allow them to create a platter or two for you based on your preferences.

You’ll find familiar favourites such as Seared Salmon and Seared Tuna Salad, Sashimi, Nigiri, Maki Rolls, Hand Rolls and Salmon Roses, with a few vegetarian options. Be sure to give the Chef’s Signature Dishes a try, as well as New Style Sushi for something a bit different.

LUNGANI NTULI – MASTER SUSHI CHEF

Master Sushi Chef, Lungani Ntuli, has been a chef for 20 years and has a passion for seafood with great respect for it as an ingredient. Celebrated Chef Arata Koga mentored Lungani when they met in Johannesburg in 2001. The team relocated to Cape Town and proceeded to establish three sushi restaurants – Genki, Tank and Izakaya Matsuri.

Lungani has learnt from one of the best in the business, honing his craft over the years. He is now the Master of his own kitchen at GlenWood, creating and serving fresh, delicious, and inventive sushi dishes that blew us away. Ryan and I both agreed that this was some of the best sushi we had tasted in years.

GLENWOOD WINES

Prior to starting our sushi feast, we enjoyed some of GlenWood’s fine wines which included the Save Our Rhino Rose 2019, Vignerons Selection Shiraz 2019, and Merlot 2019. White wine lovers can sip and savour a variety of Chardonnays from across their ranges, including their top range, Grand Duc, Vigneron’s Selection, and everyday easy-drinking wines from the GlenWood range.

The Kageso Age aka Calamari Tentacles served with a spicy mayonnaise was a great dish to start with, as was Ryan’s Seared Tuna Salad. Fortunately for me, he doesn’t mind sharing. 😉 While I loved the crunch of the Calamari, the Seared Tuna was exceptionally prepared and so delicious that this dish was the favourite. After placing the remainder of our order with our server Bob, we sipped and chatted while enjoying the lovely setting and views.

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New Style Sushi was served next and was a first-time dish for us. New Style Aburi Sashimi is Tuna or Salmon that has been flambéed in sesame oil (we had a few pieces of each) served with sesame seeds and spring onion. The preparation of the Tuna and Salmon was spot on, but I felt that the sesame oil overpowered the fresh flavours of the fish.

WHAT FLOATS YOUR BOAT?

Ever had your sushi served in a boat? If you order enough dishes, you get your own sushi boat at GlenWood! Not to take home though, just for your dining pleasure at GlenWood. This was such an unexpected delight and added a touch of whimsy to our overall experience. The brains behind the boat idea? Sushi Master Chef Lungani. And let me tell you, this is what sushi dreams are made of!

We had to pace ourselves as the entire boat was brim-full with generous, luscious bites of sushi that made our tastebuds dance with pure, unadulterated pleasure! Beautiful, fresh pieces of Tuna and Salmon Sashimi and Salmon Roses. Roses Grenade is a different take on Salmon Roses, topped with sweet soy sauce, spiced mayo, tempura crumbs and caviar. The tempura crumbs reminded us of Rice Crispies, adding great crunch to each delectable bite.

You simply must try one or two of the Chef’s Signature Dishes. We chose the Crunch Bomb which is the bomb! It is a heavenly combination of prawn tempura, avocado, cucumber and seared tuna topped with sweet soy sauce and mayo, as well as the Aburi Toro Salmon Roll – salmon and avocado on the inside with grilled salmon, spring onion and spicy mayo on top. Each mouthful was beyond delicious!

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For a sweet ending, there are two dessert choices, Lemon, Lime and Basil Sorbet and Vegan Matcha Green Tea Ice Cream. Our authentic Gourmet Sushi & Wine Experience was truly a feast for all senses and one that I highly recommend. If some of the menu items seem a bit pricey, the exceptional quality and generosity of each dish, along with friendly service, fine wines and an idyllic setting make a visit to this restaurant well worth it.

It’s perfect for a day out with friends (the dishes are great for sharing) or a special occasion with a loved one. Or simply treat yourself! Whatever you do, make sure you get to GlenWood Vineyards for world-class wines and sumptuous sushi. You can thank me later. 😉

The Gourmet Sushi & Wine Experience is available from Wednesday – Sunday from 11:00 to 16:00 (kitchen closes at 15:30). Bookings are essential and can be booked online via Dineplan >> https://www.dineplan.com/restaurants/glenwood-vineyards

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GlenWood Vineyards Contact Information

Tel: +27 (0)218762044

Email:  info@glenwoodvineyards.co.za

Website:  www.glenwoodvineyards.co.za

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/glenwood_vineyards/

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/glenwood.vineyards

Disclaimer – I was hosted by GlenWood Vineyards for review purposes. Thank you to Alistair, Jasmin, Lungani and Bob for your warm hospitality and the opportunity to enjoy this delightful dining experience. All views and images are my own unless stated otherwise. Transport to and from the venue as well as the service fee was excluded and paid for by us.

Nadine aka Living It Up CT endorses and supports responsible drinking.
Please don’t drink and drive. Appoint a designated driver or make use of a taxi service. Drinking is not allowed for persons under 18.

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Yours in Travel, Food, Wine & All Things Fine
xoxo