Winter has officially arrived in Cape Town! Time to stay indoors and stay warm. Or is it? While the arrival of Jack Frost heralds cold, rainy days and trying to keep one’s fingers and toes from going completely numb, the Western Cape’s Mediterranean climate also graces us with sunny days that beckon one to go out and explore.
Many restaurants and cafes offer tempting winter specials, so there is no need to hibernate for the entire winter season. One such place is Tryn, Steenberg’s signature restaurant. Situated about 30 minutes from the city centre, Steenberg is a luxury wine destination in the idyllic Constantia Valley.
Established in 1682, the Cape’s first farm will transport you to a corner of the Constantia Valley that is truly spectacular. Steeped in rich heritage, the property boasts the luxurious 5-Star Steenberg Hotel & Spa, excellent dining options at 2 restaurants, an exceptional winery and more, making Steenberg a premium destination in the Cape Winelands.
An invitation to dine at Tryn coincided perfectly with my husband’s birthday. The day we visited Steenberg was just beautiful with bright sunshine and blue skies. I like to think that Steenberg was showing off just for us! A stroll around the immaculate gardens is always a highlight. Lush lawns, tall trees, an outdoor artwork collection and buildings featuring classic Cape Dutch architecture all vie for attention.
The contemporary restaurant is dedicated to Steenberg’s 17th-century founder, controversial Catharina Ras, or Tryn as she was known to those closest to her. Her story is remarkable and provides a fascinating insight into this feisty and fierce woman who overcame insurmountable odds.
Chase the winter blues away with Tryn’s indulgent 3 course Winter Menu, available for lunch and dinner from now until the end of September 2021 (currently closed due to Lockdown Level 4). As an added extra, you’ll receive an amuse-bouche to start your meal and Tryn’s signature chocolate truffle at the end; all for just R395 per person. Executive Chef Kerry Kilpin has firmly placed Tryn as one of the top contemporary restaurants in the Mother City.
The bold and modern interior features vivid emerald, black and gold tones with a variety of plush textures and pleasing designs, as well as an eye-catching bar area that has that WOW factor. Tryn exudes a luxurious opulence without being over the top. Prepare to embark on a multi-sensory journey that will thrill and tease your tastebuds.
Chef Kerry creates authentic and inspiring cuisine with Asian and Middle Eastern influences, using local, seasonal produce bursting with freshness and vibrant flavours. Contemporary dishes are beautifully presented and exciting to eat, with new and unusual ingredients, textures, and flavour combinations. Each enticing dish displays modernity and cohesive flair where every element is beautifully balanced to please the palate.
Onilia attended to us with impeccable professionalism and quiet efficiency. She was an absolute delight as she guided us through the appetising menu. Our dining experience would not have been the same without her enthusiasm and warm hospitality. Steenberg’s 1682 Pinot Noir Cap Classique is fresh and fruity and was a wonderful way to start the birthday celebrations, along with a moreish amuse-bouche. The culinary extravaganza had begun!
THE APPROACH
Oysters? Tempura Prawns? Tryn Steak Tartare? There were at least 3 or 4 sumptuous starters that caught my eye, but seafood was always going to be my choice. As a seafood lover, I’m very aware that fish stocks around the world are in sharp decline, mainly due to overfishing. I like to know where my seafood comes from and that it is sustainably sourced. This is where #FishWithAStory comes in.
Chef Kerry has supported the ABALOBI app for a long time. In fact, Tryn’s sister restaurant, Bistro Sixteen82, pioneered South Africa’s very first restaurant-supported fishery, supplying traceable and sustainable premium quality seafood caught by small-scale fishers.
From hook to cook, you can find out exactly who, what, where and how your seafood was caught. This ground-breaking initiative supports the local economy and promotes sustainable fishing practices. Download the ABALOBI app for more information.
I can never resist Oysters, and these were so divine with a lime and ponzu granita, chilli, and coriander topping. The refreshing and unique flavours were superb. Ryan opted for the Tryn Steak Tartare with pickled daikon, onion soil, confit quail egg, caper, and cornichon dressing. The Steak Tartare was plated quite differently from how I imagined it would be, with the pickled daikon mimicking a mini tartare-filled taco.
The Tempura Prawns undoubtedly stole the starter show. The tempura batter was crispy and the prawns perfectly cooked. Paired with pickled vegetables, avocado pulp, passionfruit and orange gel, aioli and jalapeño syrup, this dish was to die for.
The flavours and textures were perfectly balanced and I enjoyed everything about this utterly delectable dish. Of course, a glass of bubbles was quaffed – do give the crisp Steenberg 1682 Brut Chardonnay Cap Classique a try.
SOJOURN
The main event, or Sojourn as it appears on Tryn’s menu, offers 9 tasty options. Once more, I was drawn to a seafood dish while Ryan went with the turf.
The fish of the day was Carpenter, also known as Silvers. To find out the story behind the fish you order, simply scan the provided QR code with your phone (you need to download the ABALOBI app first) and voila! You’ll instantly have more information about the type of fish, where it was caught and the fisherman or fisherwoman’s story. I enjoyed the interactive and educational aspect of this and confirmation that the fish is sustainably sourced from locals.
SWEET MERRIMENT
Our leisurely lunch was coming to an end, and for once, I still had space for dessert. Ryan’s sweet tooth had already decided on the Crème Brûlée served with Angostura and orange and a white chocolate biscotti. The caramelised top had the perfect ‘crack’ to it and was just delicious.
I had a spoonful or two before diving into my heavenly Whipped Yoghurt Panna Cotta with citrus segments, berry compote, vanilla bean ice cream and honeycomb. It was luscious, light and the perfect ending to our culinary journey.
When asked if there was anything we would change, we honestly couldn’t think of anything. We just want that jalapeño syrup bottled to take home please, Chef Kerry. 😉
If you are looking for a relaxed yet refined ambience, combined with exceptional service, superb cuisine, and world-class wines, make sure to reserve your table when they reopen. Our dining experience was simply sensational, and I cannot wait to return once the current Level 4 lockdown has been lifted. Thank you Team Tryn for your generous hospitality and for taking our tastebuds on a deliciously decadent journey.
In the meantime, you can support Tryn at Steenberg by ordering from their Steenberg @ Home and Takeaway menus. Click the link for more details and how to place your order >> https://bit.ly/3y93vZr
Disclosure: I was invited by GC Communications to review Tryn at Steenberg. All views and images are my own unless stated otherwise. All Covid-19 safety and hygiene protocols were adhered to. The special winter menu and price was correct at the time of publishing.
Yours in Fabulous Food & Wonderful Wine
xoxo
Until the next adventure!
