There are occasions when you go out for lunch or dinner and it is a rush, rush "eat and get done" experience. Today was NOT one of those days! It was a completely delicious culinary experience! It was an absolutely idyllic day weather wise in Cape Town and at about midday I was wonderfully surprised by my man with the gesture "should we go out for lunch"...

I was all too keen, as (many of you will know) I have spent quite a bit of time flat on my back of late - and anybody who knows me well, knows how much I love to "wine and dine" hehe... so Dave told me to decide where I wanted to go - which is normally the moment where I refer to my trusty "trip advisor" app - so that we can discover what is around us.

Buitenverwachting it was. Now despite the fact that Dave has frequented this venue on several occasions for work - I have never actually eaten there... so yes... that was my choice! and off we went!

Only a ten minute drive from where we stay - the scene on arrival is "GRAND" to say the least...

This beautiful farm on the east-facing slopes of the magnificent Constantiaberg and barely 12km from False Bay, originally formed part of the Constantia Estate, which was founded by Simon van der Stel, the first Governor of the new Dutch colony at the tip of Africa. (Quoted from http://www.buitenverwachting.com/history.html)

We were offered a table inside which offers absolutely breathtaking views... had it not been such a perfect day weather wise, I honestly would have opted for an indoor table, because the tables situated overlooking the vineyards through the stacked glass windows is nothing short of spectacular!

But Cape Town was showing off today so outside it was! and it was equally as lovely! There are actually so many facets to this restaurant - it has a place and space for every mood and style, which is wonderful!

ok, ok... enough with the pleasantries... time for some Rosé YAY!!!! Nothing beats a good lunchtime Rosé! Cheers Folks!!! and after the cheers, it was time to investigate the menu!

As with any venue of quality, we were presented with some breads to tame the hunger demons. I forget all the various flavours, but I do remember the one I liked the most - which was the olive bread :) YUM! Personally I am all about the butter... but hey... hehehe

We were surprised with an absolutely delicious "impromptu" salmon appetizer from the executive chef himself. I did look for it on the menu, but it was not there - (not that I saw anyway - so we felt VERY special!) It was truly delicious and was only the START of what unfolded for the rest of this luncheon experience...

Whilst we continued to gawk at the options on the "actual" menu - we were presented with the most unusual and "fun-filled" starter! The Trio of Soups" which comprised of mielie, spinach and garlic soup - accompanied by lamb fillet, pesto, tomato, onion, pine nut and current flamkucchen - which was something of a German "sensory playground" not to be forgotten!

We were then presented with the most mouth watering palate cleanser which was a Lime and vodka sorbet! Oh my HAT! it was AMAZING! I love sorbet at the best of times, but this was simply out of this world!

Capetonians are KNOWN for being particularly fussy when it comes to customer service - and I am most DEFINITELY one of them - especially when visiting a prestigious venue and I cannot fault the team at Buitenverwachting in this regard. They were outstanding!

So, mains had been decided... I chose the "Oriental Lamb" which was Roasted rump, confit riblets, pistachio, spring onion, cous cous, chick peas, aubergine, oyster mushroom, pomegranate and dates. It was the BEST lamb I have eaten in a VERY long time (excluding my own grilled lamb chops of course... hehehehe..... just KIDDING!!!)

Dave opted for the "Café de Paris Butter pan fried Beef Fillet" with a bone marrow crust, potato log, parsley puree, asparagus, bacon-carrot and a potato chip. It was the most aesthetically delightful looking plate of food and whilst I cannot speak for its flavour... Dave's clean plate afterward said enough!

Like I said at the beginning of this post... this was NOT the kind of dining experience that was to be rushed - but irrespective of "how much time" we thought we had - it had run away with us and we had to leave rather promptly to fetch our son from school and take him and two of his friends to their karate lesson.

The chef however, was SUPER attentive and brought two chocolate truffles "to go"... which were AMAZEBALLS - No pun intended! hehe -There is no picture evidence of those as they did not stick around long enough to be photographed! lol

There are two words I have for todays dining experience - Absolutely - Spectacular!

A BIG hats off to Buitenverwachting!