If chowing on gourmet food prepared by a talented young chef, paired with elegant wine from the Stellenbosch wine valley, and the ever-present chatter of the African penguins in the background sounds like a lekker weekend away – boy, do I have a treat for you. This is a foodie experience like no other.
I’ve always had a faint outline of what heaven would be like, and this was exactly what I pictured, writes Cape {town} Etc’s Lynn Cupido. Tintswalo Boulders Boutique Villa is a beauty amongst Cape Town’s rugged coastline, offering spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean and an atmosphere so comfortable you’ll forget you’re not at home.
The feeling of being a home away from home really stuck with me as I roamed the corridors of this space. This feeling was only amplified by the fact that I was treated like an old friend that hadn’t been around in a while, something that all guests have a chance to experience. While the incredible views will have you transfixed on the horizon, it’s the endless chatter of the African penguins that really had me giggling like a school kid and trying to spot the adorable tuxedoed creatures from a distance. I’m embarrassed to say that I may have spent an obscene amount of time trying to “spot the penguins.”
Thankfully, there was plenty of food and wine to keep me busy.
Headed by Chef Braam Beyers of Chefs Warehouse at Tintswalo Atlantic, Tintswalo Boulders is offering a one-of-a-kind weekend experience that will have you swooning. If learning to make your own sushi is something that’s always been on your bucket list, then this is your sign to indulge. However, the interactive cooking and dining experience doesn’t end there! Along with a masterclass taught by the very talented Braam, guests get to watch (and drool) as he prepares the evening’s dinner service. All courses are paired with Idiom’s award-winning premium wines – an experience all in its own.
But let’s get to the real reason you’re here – the food.
Enter The Food:
Like any foodie, place a delicious dish in front of me and watch it disappear. However, I found myself savouring every bite during this weekend. The melt-in-your-mouth meat, the bold flavours of wine, the sweet and salty journey your taste buds go on during the dessert course.
Throughout the weekend, breakfast, lunch and dinner are whipped up by Braam and his talented team. Not only did I love the attention to detail that went into the preparation of each meal, but again, it really felt as though I was enjoying a two-hour dinner at my friend’s home (note to self: become besties with a talented chef).
The main event of the weekend is an eight-course meal that will leave your eyes and tummy sighing with content. It’s expertly paired with some of those bold flavours Idiom is famous for, which will transport you to the vineyards in Italy, only to have you plop back into your seat when the next course arrives.
Eight courses of exquisite and unique flavours, including Aged beef, pine-ring mushrooms, miso egg yolk, and Jerusalem artichoke – and that’s just the beginning!
The coal-roasted Cape bream was the highlight of the menu for me, purely due to a talk that took place with NPO Abalobi earlier that day. This incredible NPO is doing their part to ensure that the profit of fishing remains in the hands of the small Cape fisherman while ensuring our oceans are protected. Again, this interactive weekend is all about getting your hands dirty while enjoying your food, and I loved every minute of it.
Along with learning to make your own sushi (which is much tougher than it looks) guests may also enjoy learning how to fillet a fish from one of Abalobi’s fishermen and indulge in a pasta-making masterclass from Chef Braam himself.
This incredible weekend experience goes beyond food and wine pairings and is a chance to really get intimate with the food making process and drinks selection. I found myself really contemplating each bit and swig of wine, tasting and understanding the flavours. The cherry on top? How many times can you say you’ve cooked alongside a renowned Chef?
The perfect way to spend your weekend
Whether you’re looking to surprise your partner on a romantic weekend getaway, or you’re doing something special for your parents, this is a treat that should not be missed. Weekend packages are available from R5 500 per person sharing and include two nights’ luxury accommodation. You won’t be going hungry as all meals, wine pairing with dinners, food demos and wine tastings are included in the package.
Keep in mind that bookings are limited to only 18 guests with COVID protocols diligently followed.
Ready to go on a culinary journey? Contact [email protected] to book your culinary weekend.
TINTSWALO AT BOULDERS
Tel: +27 21 773 0900
https://tintswalo.com/boulders/villa/
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Also read:
WIN| A dreamy night away at Tintswalo’s Boulders Boutique Villa
Picture: Chefs Warehouse Tintswalo Instagram / Tintwalo Boulders