Executive Chef Gary Coetzee has launched his new menu at The Bistro at Brookdale Estate. Since scooping the Dineplan Reviewers’ Choice Newcomer Award for the Cape Town and Winelands region after it opened in 2023, it has become a favourite destination for long and lazy lunches, as well as weekend dinners in the heart of the Paarl Winelands. The Brookdale Bistro experience is complemented by an exciting wine list that not only showcases the Brookdale and Mason Road ranges, but also includes other interesting wines from the Paarl region and beyond.
In celebration of the change of seasons, the new menu pays tribute to hearty, classic French bistro dishes presented in a contemporary style. Main courses include Coq au Vin, Bouillabaisse, and Red Wine & Rosemary Oxtail, as well as 58 Degree Lamb Rump, perfectly paired with Brookdale’s Mason Road Syrah, or the GSM blend of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre.
Produce is sourced locally to provide a conscious balance of choice for meat lovers and vegetarians alike. Chef Gary shows his flair for vegetarian cooking, as well as touch of spice, with lighter dishes such as Red Lentil Dahl, Mushroom Risotto, and Char-grilled Miso Aubergine. Seafood options comprise of Mussels Meunière, or Prawn and Fish Croquettes, complemented by the estate wines of Mason Road Serendipity Rosé or Chenin Blanc.
He says: ‘We are proud to offer a relaxed dining experience where guests may cosy up next to the central fireplace, or on sunny days, relax on the terrace and enjoy the vineyard views. Our winter menu returns to the classics with flavours that honour international cuisine in a South African style, with Bobotie Tortellini as a good example. Pastry chef Marinesha Moore’s sweet creations also give a nod to our rich South African heritage with desserts such as Milk Tart Soufflé, while the other options, Deconstructed Tiramisu and Apple Strudel too, are pure art on a plate – guaranteed to end every meal on a high note.’
The Bistro is open for lunch from Wednesdays to Sundays and serves dinner on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings. Adjacent to The Bistro, the Tasting Room is open Wednesday to Sunday from 11:00 to 17:00 (closed on Mondays/Tuesdays), offering visitors the opportunity to taste wines grown on the estate, vinified by winemaker, Kiara Scott Farmer.
Bookings via Dineplan.
