The Test Kitchen, La Colombe and the River Cafe

Wow! Weekends like this don’t come around too often…

It all kicked off last Friday on the most beautiful summer’s day. Courtesy of Manley Communications, I was invited to dine at The Test Kitchen in the Old Biscuit Mill in Woodstock. It’s the latest offering by acclaimed chef Luke Dale-Roberts of La Colombe fame. 7 Courses paired with wine – an eating extravaganza.

After a disastrous start to the Ashes, Saturday got under way with a straight sets defeat at squash (the low light of the weekend, but some much needed exercise all the same), before a light, half-price sushi lunch at Sevruga. Then it was off to the peace and tranquility of Constantia in the Southern Suburbs of Cape Town. We checked in at Constantia Uitsig just in time for the kick off of the England v South Africa game at Twickenham. Constantia Uitsig is such a picturesque estate – the immaculately kept grounds and gardens are instantly relaxing. It’s the ultimate destination for food lovers to come and unwind with three of South Africa’s finest restaurants on the estate – La Colombe (currently ranked as the 12th best restaurant in the World), River Cafe and Constantia Uitsig itself.

After a cheeky half at Peddlars pub and a comfortable victory for the Boks, there was just time to change for our dinner at La Colombe. Little did I know that I was about to enjoy the best meal of my life. Another 7 Courses with wine pairing. I was in my element.

Sunday morning kicked off with a hearty country-style breakfast at La Colombe – fresh berries, smoothies, cereals, croissants and juices followed by a tasty full English – a great way to celebrate England’s magnificent fight back in the Ashes – Alistair Cook you beauty! And an honourable mention for Strauss and Trott. It was only fitting that we took a draught down to the Constantia Uitsig cricket pitch to watch some local village action and read the Sunday Papers. Next up – a full body massage at the Constantia Uitsig Spa. Jealous yet?

A much needed stroll through the vineyards preceded some wine tasting (and buying) and the final indulgence of the weekend – a long, lazy Sunday lunch at the River Cafe.

A quick tally came to 22 courses in 48 hours (excluding some sneaky amuses bouches). Nothing tastes as good as thin feels. Except all 22 of those courses.

After some delicious cheeses and a tasty port, we reluctantly left Constantia Uitsig. I got home just in time to watch Spurs beat Liverpool in a thrilling finale to what was undoubtedly the best weekend ever.

Look out for the Horny Grazer reviews over the coming weeks…