Van Hunks is the name of a local legend in Cape Town who had a smoking contest with the devil. He lost. But legend has it that the cloud of tobacco smoke the two left formed the “table-cloth” – the famous white cloud that spills over Table Mountain when the south-easter wind blows in summer. It is said that when that happens, Van Hunks and the Devil are at it again.
Van Hunks is also the name of a cool new-ish restaurant/bar on the Corner of Kloof and Upper Union Street in Gardens, Cape Town. Some friends and I headed there last Saturday afternoon, after a morning sojourn at the Bo-Kaap Community Market (see other Cape Town markets here). They don’t serve wine at said market, since, well, it’s in a Muslim area. But we could think of nothing else. So, all samoosa-ed up, we pulled up chairs in a corner on the balcony of Van Hunks.
We had a spectacular view of Table Mountain through the buildings, with its table cloth thickly laid out. We also had views of a homeless chap who parked himself opposite the restaurant and began to holler out loud opera tunes, much to the dismay of some French tourists seated near us. We tipped him though and he moved on. The music at Van Hunks is good enough without him. Expect a mixture of old and new tunes. One of my favourite things to do in this city is to sit back on a sunny day on Van Hunks’ balcony, wine in hand, friends by my side, and listen to Van Morrison or Bob Dylan crooning away on the CD player inside.
One bottle of Pecan Stream Sauvignon Blanc was not enough between us three, so we knocked back another (R78 a bottle). The write up for this vintage on www.realtimewine.co.za, a blog that reviews wine in 140 characters, says it has “Serious zing. A bit like drinking orange juice after you’ve brushed your teeth. 4/10.” I disagree. It’s one of my favourite. Clearly.
We soaked up the booze with a big plate of chilli chicken nachos, topped with thick cream and guacamole, shared between us. Mexican style. Although a lot of the dishes on the menu are quite typically South African – like the traditional Cape Malay babotie, tandori chicken kebabs, Springbok shank and malva pudding. The grub here is undeniably great. You cannot go wrong.
We also recommend the Baby Patagonia Calamari (starter R40, main R78), and Wild Mushroom and Artichoke filled Ravioli (R68). There’s an indoor restaurant area, which is smart casual and cosy; an indoor bar area which gets a bit rowdier and an outdoor deck area – part of which is covered for colder days and evenings with gas heaters and part is exposed for those sunnier days and warmer nights.
Pull in when there’s a big rugby or other sport match on and you can watch the game on TV at Van Hunks with other supporters. Vibe, music, wine, food and views. Van Hunks has it all. Even an opera singer.
Image from elaineintherain.blogspot.com.
For more Cape Town restaurants, visit our website. Feel free to contact us to find out more about this city and tours and accommodation in and around it.
Contact
Tel: 021-422-5422
Address: No.1 Upper Union Street, Corner of Kloof and Upper Union, Gardens, Cape Town
Food is served from 11:30 am – 10:00 pm, Monday to Sunday
Where to stay
After a meal at Van Hunks, rest your head at Cape Cadogan or More Quarters, two luxury boutique hotels just down the road.
Van Hunks is a great little place on Kloof Street in Cape Town. Let us know if you’ve been and what you thought of it!