Cuisine at Upmarket Steakhouse – “Big Easy”

A gem in the heart of Stellenbosch is the Historical National Monument, La Gratitude built by the Rev. Meent Borcherds, the parson in Stellenbosch from 1786 to 1830.
Today, La Gratitude, also known as “The Grand Old Lady” is home to Big Easy Restaurant & Wine Bar, the Ernie Els Signature Restaurant. It reflects a blend of Cape Dutch, Georgian and Victorian architecture, tastefully styled and decorated in an eclectic collection of art and rich fabrics with various rooms to accommodate all type of diners. “Each area has a different theme” says Jean Engelbrecht, one of the five owners of the restaurant.
The Restaurant was established in December 2008 lending Ernie’s nickname “Big Easy” as the name of the Restaurant. One of the rooms, “The Golf Estate Room” displays Ernie’s favourite golf courses while the other “Ernie’s Bar” displays his trophies and memorabilia. It also features Johan Rupert’s “Karoo Room” decorated with pictures reflecting Johan Rupert’s love of the Karoo, inclusive of a beautiful painting of the Karoo desert.
The “La Gratitude Private Dining Room” is surrounded by photos of the historic building while the Barista, also known as “The Glass Room” is decorated with wine bottles of the owners and pictures of their vineyards.
The “Wine Estate Room” has a touch of elegance with a heartening fireplace and photos of the different vineyards and wine estates of the Big Easy Restaurant & Wine Bar owners; not to mention that Sport lovers can enjoy a glass of wine at Ernie’s Bar surrounded by his golfing photos and a Big Screen.
To the alfresco diner, the Dylan Lewis is the most popular area in summer, with outside tables fully covered by umbrellas and surrounded by oak trees.
The Courtyard and Garden areas are two additional outside areas with umbrellas and water features.
The Big Easy is all about serving great food and fantastic wine in a relaxed setting. Guests can choose between fine dining in a private area, wine pairing in a grand room, or a light lunch outdoors.
To Ernie dining means the inclusion of the “Big Easy Beef Burger” which he insisted on having on the menu, followed by the “Big Easy Seasonal Salad” as well as the “Or Els Platter” which reflects a combination of three desserts on one single plate.
THE CHEF
As Chef, Jean-Pierre Lopion grew up in a family of cooks and enjoyed it so much that while at high school his friends would put all their money together and purchased the required ingredients in order that he may cook lunch for them. He decided to follow a career in culinary art, completed a chef course and achieved distinction in all three years of the advanced course. Jean-Pierre worked in various restaurants in Stellenbosch and Cape Town, and finally took up the position as Executive Chef and General Manager of The Big Easy Restaurant & Wine Bar.
Jean Pierre says, “My thinking behind food is that it should be traditional, yet perfect. I would rather add fewer ingredients and amplify the flavours.” He enjoys positive response on dishes prepared especially when guests say, “This is what it is supposed to taste like.”
He also believes that changing dishes, which include the likes of Soup, Gnocchi, Line Fish, Chicken Fillets, Cheesecake, the Els Platter, and Big on Chocolate Platter, on a weekly or even a daily basis is the reason for guests’ continuous return.
SERVING EXCELLENT FOOD
In a relaxed atmosphere of the Wine Estate Room our gastronomic experience began. As a starter, we enjoyed the roasted vegetable soup prepared from fresh vegetables and herbs, served with a toasted herbed bruschetta.
Another favourite starter dish on the Menu was the Venison Carpaccio thinly sliced kudu loin, served with a port-wine reduction, Parmesan shavings and balsamic caramelized red onions. For fish lovers the Cured Norwegian Salmon Carpaccio served with crème fraîche and guacamole is a winner.
The Braised lamb shank as mains, was an excellent choice. According to the chef the lamb shank was slow roasted for hours before being braised in red wine, fresh garlic and herbs, served with roasted garlic and fresh herb creamed potatoes, and flavourful julienne vegetables.
Another delicious item on the Menu is the Grilled King Prawns served with a special savoury rice, side salad and béarnaise sauce. Most popular dishes requested include the Ostrich Fillet and Venison Loin.
A meal at Big Easy is not concluded before indulging in the mouth-watering desserts on offer.
The classic Crème Brule finished off with a caramel brittle to create contrasting textures of being smooth yet crunchy, is a true favourite at Big Easy.
The perfect way to end off a wonderful “Big Easy” dining experience is to indulge in the “Or Els Platter” combination of three – a French white chocolate and caramel cheesecake, a tequila sunrise sorbet and berry bavarois topped with a berry coulis, accompanied by Jean Engelbrecht’s dessert wine from Donkiesbaai, called “Hooiwyn.” What a winning combination!
PARTNERS PAR EXCELLENCE
Patrons can enjoy wines from the cellars of Big Easy owners, Jean Engelbrecht of Rust en Vrede, Guardian Peak Wines, and Donkiesbaai; Johann Rupert of L’Ormarins, Anthonij Rupert Wines, and Protea; Paul Harris of Audacia; and Ernie Els of Ernie Els Wines. Jean Engelbrecht was influential in putting the impressive wine list, a variety of more than 170 wines, together.
Giuseppe Ciucci, the fifth partner of Big Easy, supplies the restaurant with olive oil from his Villa di Buona Speranza at Lucca in Italy. The olive oil is especially imported for Big Easy.
The Newspaper can highly recommend the cuisine at this upmarket Steakhouse, tastefully prepared with an emphasis on using the finest, freshest ingredients to produce world-class food. Meals are reasonably priced when compared with dishes at other Restaurants.
Big Easy is open for breakfast from 07h30 – 11h00, Lunch from 12h00 – 15h00, and Dinner from 18h00 – 22h00. Tappas is served from 11h00 – 1200, and from 15h00 – 18h00.
It is recommended to book in advance to avoid disappointment.
For more information contact 021 887 3462 or visit www.thebigeasyrestaurant.co.za
 


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