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Win a table for 4 at magical Towerbosch

The concept of ‘down-to-earth’ takes on a magical charm at the new Towerbosch earth kitchen at Knorhoek Wine Estate where unpretentious ‘ouma’s kos’ defines old-fashioned culinary bliss.

Earth kitchen lets grandma’s recipes come to life with enchanting flair. No French terms, no fusion of any kind, no fuss, only honest food cooked with the best local ingredients with the smallest carbon footprint.

Here on their farm the Van Niekerk family have tapped into their romantic surroundings to transform a ramshackle thatched-roof lapa into a mystical white space reminiscent of an enchanting forest retreat.

In a feat of recycling wizardry, Neil Stemmet of Koncept Design & Architecture, used raw materials salvaged or hand-crafted on the farm in the renovations and decor.

This cosy sphere with its bright white detail against dense thatch, weaves a spellbinding touch of timeless elegance with its definitive decorations of antique bric-a brac and rustic chic.

A particular highlight of the restaurant is the heart and soul food from the kitchen, giving life to grandma’s family recipes by serving wholesome feasts from the larder and the land.

Chef and life partners, Westley Müller and Carmen van der Merwe, warmly invite guests to their table – and even into the kitchen for a taste test of what is cooking on the stove – with the a la carte menu depending on their mood and pantry content on the day.

“We pride ourselves in ‘salt-and-pepper’ food bursting with natural flavours. Simple, slow cooked, traditional family meals served on big platters where everyone can help themselves to a delicious selection of heritage fare at their own table,” shares Westley.

There is no rushing of Karoo lamb shoulders or drenching with heavy sauces in their kitchen, where everything is cooked to perfection at a slow pace, with the meaty mains as special as the vegetable accompaniments.

No French terms, no fusion of any kind, no fuss, only honest food cooked with the best local ingredients with the smallest carbon footprint.

Think traditional Kaapse Smoorsnoek with curried onion pickle, slow-roasted tomato soup with freshly baked farm-style bread and homemade jams; smoked Sirloin salad with homemade garlic mayonnaise or Springbok pie served with preserved quinces.

A firm Towerbosch favourite is the Vicky Wes Lamb Shoulder, slow cooked for 10 hours and flavoured with coriander seeds and cloves.

Desserts include sago with a grilled sugar crust or a traditional Jan Ellis pudding, and preserved guavas with homemade custard.

On Sunday’s Towerbosch, surrounded by a forest and stream, lights the fire for their Asado lunch which is especially popular amongst families with children of all ages.

This al fresco, open braai next to the pool, is typical of the laid-back ‘Argentinean-style' braai which starts with empanada (filled pastries) on arrival followed by fresh breads and a myriad of succulent meat indulgences with delicious accompaniments including fat-roasted potatoes, cinnamon ‘soet pampoen’, slaphakskeentjies (pickled onions) and tomato and onion salad.

A typical meal at Towerbosch costs R130 for a two-course or R160 for a three-course and includes a glass of Knorhoek’s finest with each meal. The Asado lunch costs R165 per head. Towerbosch earth kitchen is open for lunch from Wednesdays to Sundays (from 12h00 till 3pm) and for dinner on special request or for private functions with a minimum of 15 guests.

The restaurant invites any celebration, whether it is a fairytale wedding or an intimate lunch affair with friends. Reservations are essential.

To book your table contact Tel: (021) 865 2958 or send an email to [email protected]. Knorhoek is a working wine farm on the R44 north of Stellenbosch.

Besides its new restaurant, visitors can enjoy a tranquil sleepover in the country guest house; hold a ‘bosberaad’ breakaway with colleagues, or simply stop by for an informal wine tasting of exceptional red and white cellar gems in the newly renovated tasting room. For more information visit www.knorhoek.co.za.

WIN A SUNDAY LUNCH TABLE FOR YOU AND 3 FRIENDS AT TOWERBOSCH RESTAURANT AT KNORHOEK ESTATE

One lucky entrant will win a hearty Asado Sunday lunch for 4 at Towerbosch Restaurant. The prize includes delicious Knorhoek wines.

To stand in line, answer this easy question:

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