Pane e Vino
Today, at last, after two weeks of working on a Friday afternoon, we had the chance to explore again. Once again we headed to the heart of the Cape wine lands, beautiful and charming Stellenbosch!
We reserved a table at a restaurant situated in a more or less industrial area of Stellenbosch. The address is 7B Distillery Road, Bosman’s Crossing, Stellenbosch. We did not really know what to expect when we entered the tiny Italian café, called Pane e Vino, meaning bread and wine.
This tiny restaurant was almost fully booked. The air was filled with the sound of many loud voices and laughter. People were enjoying their food and wine and maybe, just maybe, the thought of the weekend lying ahead made them all just a tad more exuberant. Strangely enough, no music was playing in the background and it did not matter.
You are supposed to study the menu, which is written on blackboards at the counter, and then to place your order before you are seated at your table. Or you could give your order to one of the friendly staff members who do not mind to attend you at your table.
I ordered gnocchi di ricotta e spinaci, a light and fluffy dish with ricotta and spinach, served in a creamy, buttery sauce. Deon ordered the vitello al lemone, which is lemony veal and mash. I ordered the gnocchi because it reminded me of our trip to Italy long ago where I ordered gnocchi at a restaurant in Florence. It was my first gnocchi, but the best ever. Gnocchi could easily have the consistency of a brick if it is not prepared well – but my gnocchi today was as fluffy as the gnocchi I enjoyed so much in Florence. The good helping of parmesan enhanced the flavour of the dish. We shared a tiramisu for dessert and Deon had to try their grappa with his espresso.
So, would we visit the restaurant again? Yes, definitely! It ticks all the boxes – Italian, vibrant, rustic ambience, fireplace in winter, excellent food, great bread and wine, friendly staff and reasonably priced.
I really love Fridays in Cape Town!
Another one on my April list! Thank you.
Another one on my April list! Thank you.
En wat van ‘n kuier in Durbanville daarby?