MasterChef top 18 contestant, Charles Canning has lunch with us at Boschendal

Boschendal recognised by 2012 American Express Platinum Fine Dining Awards – for the 14th time!

With strict qualifying criteria, the Amex Express Platinum Fine Dining programme was introduced in 1999, and Boschendal has been part of it’s annual celebration awards for 14 years, consecutively.

Boschendal competed with only the best Cape Town has to offer, and because of its high standard of cuisine and service, triumphantly walked away with yet another award this year.  General Manager Dawn Smith, represented Boschendal and accepted their award.

Judges of this prestigious award include Cape Town’s own food connoisseur Tamsin Snyman, and restaurant critic Victor Strugo, as well as a panel of experienced and highly regarded assessors.

 BusinessDay had this to say about the Awards:

“Selection criteria include quality and creativity of cuisine, service, wine list, décor and ambience as well as overall excellence and American Express card acceptance. In an industry rendered volatile by prevailing economics, consistency is paramount among the judging priorities”

Commenting on this year’s awards Strugo said they are more significant and relevant than ever due to the need for greater recognition of excellence against a backdrop of increasing mediocrity in the South African restaurant industry: "The American Express Platinum Fine Dining Programme identifies and honours the country’s restaurants that are at the top of their game across a wide range of food styles."

At the awards, the Boschendal buffet was singled out for the best roast potatoes in Cape Town. Other delicious dishes on the already famous 6 course buffet include  soups, an array of delicious quiches, pates and salads, and an extensive hot and cold main course buffet, with the pre-requisite roasts and veggies! Desserts include the always popular brandy snaps, malva and chocolate mousse, and cheese and fruit round off the perfect gastronomic experience.

To enquire about the buffet, alternative dining experiences such as Le Pique Nique or Le Café, or to make a reservation contact (021) 8704274/5  or  reservations@boschendal.com

The Restaurant - Tour Operator’s Luncheon – Wednesday 4 August 2011 (Boschendal)

Just like the venue, the weather did not disappoint. Clear skies with champagne filled silverware and crystal, made for a beautiful lunch at The Restaurant.

Guests were welcomed into a theme of black and white with a touch of the most beautiful elegant red roses just about everywhere.  Attention to detail had no equivalent!

Tour Operator’s, from all over the Western Cape, enjoyed a wine tasting, which was followed by a six-course lunch buffet.

Wine tasting in the dramatic rich wine room set the tone.  The lovely Maxine, who delighted the crowd throughout, introduced three wines to the guests.

First up, was the 100% wooded, 2009, Chardonnay.  Soft on the nose with fruit, nut, vanilla & oak undertones.  Glasses emptied fast!

A rosy Blanc de Noir was second, and was the first Blanc de Noir to be produced ever by Boschendal, in 1981.  The pale rose salmon colour delivered strawberries and fruity undertones, which is ideal to pair with seafood and light salad lunches.

The more ‘bodied’, “lady of the vineyards” – were introduced by Maxine last.  The lovely 2009, 100% French Oak matured, Shiraz.  This dark wine left behind peppery, spicy tannins – with many smiling guests.

Wine flowed freely around beautifully set tables and the scrumptious buffet started with 3 choices of soups.  Starters of chicken liver pate and mussels with light curry sauce were amongst the favourites while the feast of home cooked meats included fish, gammon, silverside, leg of lamb, roast chicken and the ever popular bobotie. Mints, jellies and mustards enhanced these already exquisite dishes.

A selection of local cheeses and decadent desserts were displayed, where the hot malva pudding amongst huge competition with the cheesecake, brandy snaps  and chocolate mouse, was a ‘must have’.

The nostalgic French music in the background took you back in time on this beautiful estate, amongst such great hospitality and one could not help smiling, remembering their ‘saying’:

‘At Boschendal, it is up to the nose, down to the toes, and nobody knows – where it goes’  - for here; time could stand still!