If you happen to be one of those people who would rather not hear the “V” word again or at least until the next Valentine’s Day, please bare with me. Everybody loves great food, beautiful setting and great music. I found all this under one roof at the 5Rooms restaurant in Constantia.
After agonising over the online menu, double checking my GPS directions thanks to Google my friend, it was finally time to enjoy the Alphen experience.

True to its name, 5Rooms is divided into five sections with one big table giving extra privacy for special occassions. But if you are like me and just looking to try new dishes, there is plenty of room outside. I enjoy taking going out to another level and always prefer to sit outside if the weather permits anyway.
We were welcomed with the usual, a bread basket. Even though I usually just ignore the basket, I just couldn’t resist freshly baked bread, it was still warm. Regardless, the bread was not my main focus so I quickly turned to the  menu.

Choosing what to have was not as difficult as I thought it would be. I had to try the Lobster cocktail as my starters while my partner enjoyed the vegetable broth. The lobster was presented beautifully and tasted even better. I didn’t have tricky crustacean shells to negotiate my way with, just succulent white flesh ready to be enjoyed.

I was so happy with my starter that I abandoned the idea of red meat altogether. I picked Norwegian salmon and when I saw the Sirloin steak for my date, there was zero food envy. I enjoyed my salmon so much that even though I ordered an extra plate of skinny fries (my guilty pleasure) I hardly touched them.

Richard, our waiter was super attentive as well and made our evening extra special. When he suggested we have desserts, I obliged even though I am more of a savoury kind of girl. I had a cheesecake brulee just so I can do the crack test and it cracked!

To add a little magic to the night a great band I happen to know was playing Bob Marley’s greatest hits. I had delicious food, great company, stunning setting, I just couldn’t help but feel that everything was alright, not going to be.
We left a little after 11 pm but there were still guests coming in I enjoyed seeing this. The last thing you want is to feel rushed to finish your meal as soon as the kitchen is closed. I guess these are the perks that come with an in house restaurant at a hotel.

I had a great evening at 5Rooms and even though it was just a normal night, I felt special. I can’t imagine what Valentine’s Day guests will experience, all I know is that they are in for a treat. If you haven’t finalised your plans 5Rooms will have a special menu just for you this coming Saturday and of course there will be music.
5Rooms is open Wednesday to Saturday evenings for dinner and Sundays for lunch with live music. I did not get to appreciate the view and a lunch date on Sunday is definitely on my plans.

DETAILS:
5Rooms Restaurant
Alphen Hotel, Alphen Drive, Constantia
Tel: 021 794 5710

Words by Zimkhita Sulelo | Images courtesy of Zimkhita Sulelo & 5Rooms Restaurant
 
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