A sophisticated summer braai in the Winelands

By Nell Hofmeyr

Stellenbosch Visio had the distinct pleasure of attending the launch of Spek & Bone’s Pop-Up on Fire, a culinary collaboration between Bertus Basson’s acclaimed eatery and Le Grande Domaine Wines in Devon Valley.

Invited guests and members of the media were given a taste of what to expect from the pop-up braai in the Winelands dinner series which will run for a limited period from 27 February until 29 March.

In the spirit of summer, the Spek & Bone team traded in their Dorp Street kitchen for a rustic outdoor braai in the Winelands at Le Grande Domaine, an award-winning winery situated at the top of Devon Valley road. Albeit one of the lesser-known routes in the winelands, Devon Valley boasts a lovely selection of wine farms well worth a visit.

Guests were greeted with a glass of bubbly and fresh roosterkoek on arrival, while majestic views and delicious smells emanating from the grill set the scene for a laid-back evening of quality food and conversation among friends.

True to form, the Spek & Bone-inspired menu consisted of sharing plates, each dish a flavour bomb of seasonal ingredients cooked on an open fire. If, like us, you believe that everything tastes better with a hint of smokiness, make this your braai of choice before the season’s out!

Starters included fire-grilled aubergine with tahini dressing, cucumber, mint and roasted almonds; spiced, charred corn ribs, and whole sustainable fish dressed with palm sugar, chilli and coriander.

For mains, a trio of beloved braai classics: hang hoender with fire-roasted cauliflower; sout ribbetjie on a bed of sorghum and chickpea, and best of all, crisp potatoes with a miso and chive cream, the winning dish of the evening.

Beautifully balanced lemon posset, brioche and apple doughnuts, and coffee (with condensed milk!) ended the occasion on a sweet note.

The pop-up dinner series launches on 27 February and will run over five weekends until 29 March, select Thursdays, every Friday and Saturday for dinner and Sundays for lunch.

Tickets are for sale on DinePlan at R500 per head and include a welcome drink, snacks on arrival and 3 flights of food. Le Grand Domaine wines can be purchased at the event. Bookings are essential.

Book on Dineplan. For queries, contact FeedMe@granddomaine.co.za or 064 689 0049.

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