Imagine standing on a beautiful vineyard, surrounded by majestic mountains and feeling part of an exhilarating historical journey. This was my noon time welcome at Catharina’s at Steenberg on a crisp winter day.

The restaurant greeted us with blazing fireplaces and friendly staff. Our vivacious welcome by restaurant manager, Ronel Smidt started this Sunday lunch to be very memorable. Ronel oozed passion and explained the exciting and adventurous stories of past and present rulers of the land. It was like she spoke of family.

 

It was fascinating to hear of the spirited Catharina Ras, and how she came to own Steenberg. Hearing the incredible story gave meaning to the artworks on the wall from maps to artistic framed stories, animal drawings and the origami swan artwork hanging from the ceiling. The overall décor was modern and fitted gracefully to its history. The ambience was completed by gentle and lovely live music and sang melodically with our entire experience.

I am sceptical to tell the tale. It is far more captivating to be on the land, be transported to times past, and hear of a legend who lived romantically and adventurously.

 

This first taste of Catharina’s at Steenberg was a stylish way to work up an appetite!

The bubbly and wines were luxurious.

We started with the Steenberg 1682 Brut Chardonnay (MCC) and it said a soft smooth hello to the palate.
The Sunday Feast is about family and friendship time, the coming together to share a hearty meal with a contemporary flair. It could be termed as a chic “deconstructed buffet”.

The Sunday Feast lunch menu offers plentiful tastes and flavours. There is a choice option for starter and dessert. For mains there is a splash of meat, fish and vegetarian plates.

 

We squeaked delightfully at one of the starters – Soup De Jour – Cauliflower Soup (a must for all Banting followers). The other was Chicken Liver Parfait, complimented perfectly with red onion marmalade, tasty mixed leaf salad and grilled ciabatta.

The HMS Rattlesnake (wooded Sauvignon Blanc), HMS Sphynx Chardonnay and the Semillon were the white wine tastings with the starters. The Sphynx Chardonnay was my favourite as it teased with the taste of fruit and cream.

The abundant main courses were wholesome and earthy. The “deconstructed buffet” is plated and brought all at once to the table. The Meat Plate spread included slow roasted pork belly, herb crusted beef sirloin, chimichurri chicken and yorkshire pudding.

The Fish Plate spoiled us with most decadent mussels, in white wine & saffron cream sauce, flash fried calamari and fillet of line fish with herb crust.

The Vegetarian Plate delighted us with exotic mushroom phyllo bake, roasted carrots, broccoli gratin, and new potatoes crispy fried.

The culmination of the lunch feast was delicious dessert – Amarula crème brulee and sticky date chocolate pudding with stracciatella ice-cream.

Every moment at Catharina’s at Steenberg fitted succinctly together. We departed with a warm appreciation of great food, wine and people from this beautiful restaurant.

It was a nostalgic journey back to having Sunday lunch with mum and family at home. This spoil and lavish cuisine left us in a “food coma”. We took in the beautiful surrounds one more time and said, “Yes, time for an afternoon nap!”

Words & Images by Christina Wiese

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