Described on their website as simply nirvana for carnivores, is not really what I have in mind when I visit a restaurant for lunch, but the beautiful setting of the restaurant, situated 7 km from Wellington, makes up for the statement on their menu.

On The Deck

The Local Grill is the restaurant at the Val du Charron Wine and Olive Estate.  The estate was established in 1699.  The farm was named Val du Charron after the Valley of the Wagon maker, the original name of the Wellington valley.  Rich in history, the valley was where many Huguenots had their wagons serviced before traveling forth to the hinterland.

Interior

We decided to sit on the deck outside the restaurant, from where we had a panoramic view of the vineyards and olive orchards.  Blue mountains and white buildings complete the beautiful scenery.  It must be heaven to live in an area with a view like this.  Fortunately, it is only a thirty-minute drive from where we live in Durbanville.

View

The menu is extensive with platters; lighter meals; grain-fed and grass-fed beef; venison; pork and chicken as well as fish and vegetarian options to choose from.  My choice was traditional bobotie and Deon ordered brisket on mash in its own beef jus.

Brisket

Bobotie

For desert we shared the bite-sized platter with Crème Brûlée; Chocolate Brownie, Pecan Nut Pie and Vanilla Ice-cream. And best of all, we were welcomed by JR, the owner’s cute Jack Russel.

Dessert

JR the Jack Russel

It was a lovely lunch in a beautiful setting.  Naturally, as we were close to the leather factory shop, Redemption, I went home with a pair of beautiful red pumps.