Stefan Marais of Societi Bistro knows how to mix French class with South African comfort. Richard Holmes Winter is a time for comfort food, and in a Cape winter there are few restaurants as cosy as Societi Bistro. Rain taps against the sash windows while vintage Victorian fireplaces crackle cheerfully with warmth. Apron-clad waiters bustle back and forth as the high ceilings resonate with the burble of happy chatter. Rough brick walls frame daily specials scribbled on chalkboards, as plate after plate of comfort food flows out from the pass of Stéfan Marais’ kitchen. “There’s something rewarding about long, slow…
TO DRINK: An unoaked Chardonnay like Bouchard Finlayson Sans Barrique will refresh the palate with bright fruit, without overpowering the delicate veal flavour.
TO DRINK: Neethlingshof Noble Late Harvest Maria
This minestrone di verdure recipe is from Osteria Boccondivino in Alba, a restaurant that follows the Slow Food movement. A delicious vegetable soup full of warm, comforting flavours, it’s perfect for a winter night.
The famous Chianti wines from Tuscany are now found all over South Africa. Try Sangiovese Socrate from Monterosso with this Tuscan pot roast. It is food-friendly and full…
To drink: A cousin of the Italian grape Primitivo, Zinfandel is a great match with Italian flavours, and its berry and spice flavours stand up well to anchovies. Try Blauuwklippen Red Zinfandel, SA’s best example.
Wine is used to flavour this deliciously simple dish from a famous wine-growing area. This recipe comes from Azienda Agricola Brezza. If you can’t find Barolo wine, use…
This recipe comes from Chef Maurizio Dellapiana at Osteria della Arco, a fine restaurant in Alba, Piemonte. COOK’S TIP Doppio zero (double zero or “00”) flour can be…