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Hurry! Ending Soon! Your Last Chance to Experience Bistro Sixteen82 Hearty & Homely Winter Lunch Menu

Hurry! Ending Soon! Your Last Chance to Experience Bistro Sixteen82 Hearty & Homely Winter Lunch Menu

It was totally a STUNNING Spring Day in Cape Town, a sight I always welcome when I travel to what I quite fondly call “this side of the mountain”. With a deep sigh and an aching nostalgic heart, I realized how much I miss Cape Town, especially when you are greeted by good old Table Mountain, the bustling cityscapes, and the calmness of False Bay. To top it all off, it was the perfect day to indulge in a gastric masterpiece at Steenberg’s Bistro Sixteen82 with an open heart and an empty stomach, ‘Allez cuisine! I was ready to explore the Hearty and Homely Winter Lunch Menu at the Bistro.

As I started to make my way to the Bistro, I could not help but to notice the little glimpses of spring trying to weave its way past winter. The little patches orange and yellow daisies in between the bright green budding vineyards adding splashes of vibrant colours to the dreary winter landscape. The warming spring weather slowly and gently defrosting the long winter spirit. It was the ultimate perfect day to send your taste buds and tummy on a culinary journey.

pops of orange and yellow daisies amongst the budding vines and blue sky

Steenberg was blessed with the bluest of blue skies and the gentle glow of the spring sun, a massive welcome after weeks of grey skies and stormy weather. Sadly, the wind was a nasty piece of work – spoiling everything, with its icy cold howling chill, making it unpleasant to sit outside on the terrace and enjoy the beautiful spring day.

To be honest, I was a little disappointed that we couldn’t get to enjoy Bistro Sixteen82 terraced dining area because of the wind. The terrace is just absolutely beautiful and elegant with its lush indigenous garden, interesting sculptures and glistening water feature which is always my big highlight when visiting Steenberg.

Hearty & Homely Winter Lunch Menu is enjoyed at  bistro sixteen82

Having said that… the inside of the bistro is anything but shabby! I love how the sleek modern furnishings with its clean lines and neutral color palette, creates a chic and stylish vibe. Most importantly, it doesn’t feel cold… instead, it has a lovely warm and inviting atmosphere. I think this is due to the excellent use of natural materials like wood and stone, which adds a rustic je ne sais quoi.

Okay okay…. enough jabbering. I am sure you are eager to hear about the Hearty & Homely Winter Lunch experience, I meant after all is that not the reason you stopped by. And also, I am pretty sure you are just as ravenous as I am.

The Hearty & Homely Winter Lunch and Abalobi’s Ocean to Plate Journey

The Hearty & Homely Winter Lunch promises to send your taste buds on a tantalizing rollercoaster ride that will warm your very soul. All I can say is that Executive Chef Kerry Kilpin…“Sy mag maar!”

Chef Kerry the master mind behind the Hearty & Homely Winter Lunch Menu
Steenberg’s Bistro Sixteen82 Executive Chef Kerry Kilpin

She is extremely passionate about crafting menus that resonate with the South African palate. She gets super creative in the kitchen transforming everyday favorites into something truly gastronomic.

But one thing I can say about Chef Kerry, is that she is deeply committed to sustainability, and this is very evident with her collaboration with Abalobi.

It is a brilliant initiative that supports the local small-scale fishing communities within South Africa by bringing the daily catch straight to your plate. This partnership not only supports local fishers but also provides diners with a unique insight into the journey of their meal from ocean to table.

Abalobi’s innovative technology ensures transparency and traceability, making every bite a conscious choice.

Abalobi, meaning “fisher” in isiXhosa, is a social enterprise dedicated to helping small fishing communities in South Africa to thrive sustainably.

Abalobi uses data and technology to empower the fishermen with tools needed for reporting catches, accessing markets, and managing finances.

Their “Fish With A Story” program not only connects the diners with the fishermen stories but also a fantastic way to encourage people to eat seafood in a more responsible and sustainable way.

Hearty & Homely Winter Lunch Menu collaborates with Fish with a story.

By incorporating Abalobi’s daily catch, Chef Kerry not only enhances the dining experience but also supports the environment and local fishers’ livelihoods. Which I think is very important.

Hearty & Homely Winter Lunch: The Menu

Bistro Sixteen82 Hearty & Homely Winter Lunch Menu

First things first, you get to choose from one of three delightful options:

  • 2 courses for R370 per person
  • 3 courses for R470 per person
  • 4 courses for R570 per person

I promise you; the portions are so generous that you can easily be satisfied with a 2-course meal. However, eyes being bigger than the stomach we decided to dig away in the 3-course meal option.

As you sit down and dilly dally over the menu, you’re treated to a few delightful surprises:

  • Freshly baked artisanal bread: This comes with a sprinkle of crunchy salt and rosemary, making it irresistible.
  • Homemade olives: A perfect nibble to start your meal.
  • A complimentary “something from the kitchen”: A little surprise to whet your appetite.

And so, our culinary journey begins with the starters…

What I love most about this menu is its culinary versatility. There are dishes that are rich, heavy, and soul comforting… like curling up by the fireplace with a good book on a stormy day.

Then, there are options that perfectly match those beautiful spring days: light, fresh, and bursting with flavour and colour just like when basking in the gentle warmth of the sun like a dassie, surrounded by vibrant colors and newness of spring.

It’s as if the menu dances between the seasons, offering a cozy embrace one moment and a refreshing spring breeze the next. Just like the weather one experiences in Cape Town.

So, for starters you have the following choices:

  • Cumin Roasted Pumpkin and Sweet Potato Soup with dollops of Goats Chevin Mousse and Onion Crisps;
  • Pan Fried Chicken Livers served with sticky miso & orange egg noodles topped with a spring onion and peanut slaw;
  • Pickled Fish Taco with Saffron Aioli and apple & lime atchar.

Now, let me tell you, my dear foodies normally, I’m the first to pounce on anything fishy. But on this particular day, much to my very own surprise, I wasn’t in the mood for fish (shocker, I know!)

You see my dear foodie lover’s hubby dearest is from the Free State where chicken is viewed a vegetable and fish well it is just… taboo! So in our house – we never eat fish.

I like to think that I am not a fussy eater and maybe quite adventurous when it comes to food.

HOWEVER, there is something about chicken livers I just CAN’T DO!!There’s just something about them… while my mind expects tender, juicy bites of meat, my taste buds are greeted by a this soft, dry, spongy texture thing that’s a horrid metallic taste!

So, naturally, the soup was my salvation. And oh, was it a revelation! Silky, smooth, with a warm embrace of cumin and roasted sweetness. Each spoonful was like a cozy hug, made even better by those tangy little clouds of goat’s cheese mousse and crispy onion crunchiness.

As for my dear friend, she went all in with the fish taco. Let me tell you, she was in for an absolute treat. “Layer upon layer… upon layer of flavors,” she said while her eyes are lighting up with each bite. There was sweetness, sourness, brightness, softness, and just the right amount of crunch. “I’m on a rollercoaster ride to heaven!” she shouts, and from the look on her face, I had no doubt she meant every word.

Diving into the Main Course

With the starters behind us, it was time to dive into the main course—a moment of true decision-making pressure! The options in front of us were all so tantalizing, it felt like we were about to embark on three very different, yet equally tempting culinary adventures.

My friend who is a seafood enthusiast, opted for the Ethically Sourced Fish. This wasn’t just any fishy. It is served in the form of crispy potstickers, paired with a vibrant Asian salad and drizzled with a hot & sour vinaigrette.

As my dearest friend takes her first bite, her eyes immediately light up. You can see her taste buds going into a euphoric frenzy. “Pocket bombs of flavor!” she mutters as she savours each delectable bite.

The dish just screams spring, with bright greens and a freshness that practically leaps off the plate. It was as though the season had fully awakened in her plate… light, crisp, and bursting with life.

As for me, I was drawn to the deep, comforting embrace of the Braised Beef Gnocchi. Just close your eyes for a moment… oh wait… you can’t you’re busy reading.

Okay well then just think for a moment spinach and ricotta gnocchi, tender braised beef, and a rich truffle and Parmesan cream.

I mean seriously how could anyone resist? The charred cauliflower adds a delightful smokiness, adding another level of complex flavours and adds a contrast of textures that made each bite… what can I say? Droolworthy? Leaping in for another morish bite – just absolute pure bliss!

Hearty, homely, and pure comfort on a plate just as the menu name promises. Every forkful felt like you were tightly snugged in an ultra-soft plush blanket… you know… the kind you crave on a chilly Cape winter’s day, but with an elegance that elevates the dish beyond comfort food.

Rolling into Dessert

By this point, I was feeling like a very content (and very stuffed) little piggy. My tummy was full and was doing a happy dance. Honestly, I thought I couldn’t manage another bite. But then… with tears in my hazel eyes… how could I possibly resist Chef Kerry’s signature decadent chocolate marquise? Sigh!

With its macadamia streusel, popped sorghum for that perfect crunch, and creamy macadamia nut ice cream… it was a dessert dream. The fresh berries added just the right touch of acidity to balance the richness out. Even though I was fully convinced I couldn’t eat another thing, there I was… leaning in for yet another bite, as the chocolate marquise simply melted away into the bliss with every spoonful.

Meanwhile, my partner-in-overindulgence initially claimed she’d skip dessert (gasp!), but a sweet nudge from our amazing waitress telling us that “You’ll need something for the gram!” My friend totally caving ordered the Warm Crispy Almond Brioche with citrus compote and caraway ice cream.

Yes, you read that right! Caraway ice cream, and it was an absolute masterpiece! The warm brioche had this oozing, gooey center that, when met with the melting ice cream, created a mashup of flavors that was nothing short of glorious.

With a wink and a smile, we couldn’t resist a bit of playful plate-hopping, eager to sample the other’s choice. As much as we enjoyed sampling and sending our taste buds on a psychedelic trip, we secretly knew that we had both chosen the right dish for our own palate’s culinary adventure.

Wrapping Up in Comfort: A Feast Worth Savoring Before Winter Fades

As the last bite was savored and the final sip of wine lingered on our palates, it was clear that Steenberg’s Bistro Sixteen82 knows how to craft the perfect culinary experience. And for me personally had managed to create one so perfectly that actually embraces the seasons.

The Hearty & Homely Winter Lunch wasn’t just a meal. It is more of a celebration of flavors that comforts the soul and warms even the coldest of cold spirits.

Every dish, from the starters to the mouthwatering good desserts, felt like a thoughtful embrace, perfectly suited to chase away that winter chill.

If you’re looking for a culinary journey that feels both familiar and exciting, this winter offering is not to be missed. So, before the season slips away, indulge in the warmth and richness of this menu. It’s a feast that will leave you feeling truly at home.

But hurry the Hearty & Homely Winter Lunch menu ends on the 30th of September 2024. So, you better get going if you want to experience the culinary journey.

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