There’s no finer place to celebrate romance than at Cape Town’s legendary Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel. Sensational dining and live al fresco music wait to embrace happy couples among The Nellie’s fragrant gardens and rose-tinted walls.
Kick off your Valentine’s weekend in the Planet Bar, where the stars align to bring you succulent oysters with chilled Moët & Chandon, or Imperial Heritage Caviar washed down with either Dom Pérignon or Belvedere Vodka. Seeking something sweeter? Opt for chocolate truffles with Hennessy Cognac. Or why not try every indulgent combination? The perfectly paired treats are available from Friday 11 until Monday 14 February.
“Where words fail, music speaks,” said Danish author Hans Christian Andersen, and if you’re looking for a melodious way to show your love, the Sunset Soundscape Series could be just the thing for you. Launching on Saturday 12 February, this vibrant line-up of live music on the outdoor terrace allows you to soak up irrepressible rhythms with your Planet Bar specials. Alternatively, book a Sunset Tea or a Sunset Picnic and let the music play.
The Sunset Soundscape Series has been curated to offer a tapestry of music woven across multiple genres. Setting the tone is the opening act, Acoustic Element, a super-cool, sought-after violin-guitar-beatboxing duo. Visit on subsequent Saturdays to enjoy the African rhythms of Hassan’Adas, Carol Thorns on electric cello, multi-talented saxophonist Don Vino, and more.
Sunset bites
You could also choose a Sunset Tea to enjoy with your Saturday Soundscape experience. Masterminded by Chef Rudi, the incredible spread, with a complimentary glass of bubbles, includes a variety of tartlets, empanadas, tartines and pastries. Tuck into Farmer Angus’ charcuterie from pasture-reared pigs, Norwegian salmon home-smoked in the kitchen and a decadent brownie slice topped with vanilla crème and fresh berries. A parting gift? A delicate pink macaron with chocolate to take away.
Or kick back, relax and let the music stir your senses and indulge in a Sunset Picnic. The enticing selection includes charcuterie, smoked trout, spice-fried chicken, beef frikkadels, Cape Winelands cheese, strawberries and cream, and so much more.
The big day
On Valentine’s Day itself, the exceptional Chef Rudi has pulled out all the stops for the evening.
His irresistible Valentine’s Dinner menu, on Monday 14 February, delivers flavour sensations your palate may never have experienced. Take, for example, the gin-cured salmon starter, crafted in-house with a selection of fynbos, hibiscus, liquorice, rose petal and citrus, wrapped around prawn and avocado and served with dune spinach and spekboom. Or the Tomato Variation, which pays homage to the seasonal bounty in simple yet mouth-watering style. Savour tender beef fillet, seabass or squash cannelloni before arriving at a luscious dessert of strawberry consommé, rum baba and champagne jelly.
Chef Rudi says: “The aroma of lemon verbena and mascarpone ice cream reminds me of summer in a bowl.”
For those who prefer a more laidback celebration, a Sunset Valentine’s picnic will be laid out on the expansive Mount Nelson lawns, with all the additional extras, a glass of bubbles included, of course.
If afternoon tea is your heart’s desire, Mount Nelson has taken their iconic spread to new heights. Treat your loved one to Afternoon Tea over the entire Valentine’s weekend with exquisite specialities ranging from pakoras and croquettes to milk tarts and eclairs, plus some surprise rosy-hued delicacies. To raise a toast? A glass of bubbles is included (Friday 11 – Sunday 13 February).
To top it all off, you’ll be serenaded by the wonderful keyboard guru Henry Dike on the baby grand – showing once again that music is the food of love.
To find out more, or to make a booking, contact restaurant reservations on: [email protected] or phone +27 21 483-1000 and ask for Restaurant Reservations.
- Location: 76 Orange St, Gardens, Cape Town
- Website: www.belmond.com
Also read:
Pictures: Supplied