The art of summer cuisine
13 Mar 2015
When people eat at the Belmond Mount Nelson, they tend to choose dinner at the Planet Restaurant. And for good reason: Executive Chef Rudi Liebenberg's creative flair is the reason this eatery was a finalist for the top-10 restaurants in the country at last year's Eat Out Awards.
But for those who prefer a more relaxed setting, the Cape Town hotel's Oasis Bistro is an ideal choice for a Mediterranean-inspired meal. The terrace setting is also ideal for the last few lazy summer days and includes a view of one of the bluest pools I've ever seen.
Free bottle of wine
The latest promotion includes a free bottle of wine for every two full buffet lunches purchased (R325 per person): either a De Bos Sur Lie Chenin Blanc (2014) or De Bos Walker Bay 47-Varietal Rosé (2014). Both are from De Bos Handpicked Wines, the premium fair-trade range from Wellington-based Bosman Family Vineyards' renowned Walker Bay region property.
"Wine chooses people," hotel sommelier Pearl Oliver said when I asked about her choice of career. With almost 15 years of experience in her field, she's more than qualified to help you find a wine that chooses you.
Summer of Sculpture III exhibit
If you've got some energy after your meal (or want to feel less guilty about all you can eat), take a walk through the landscaped gardens to view the Summer of Sculpture III exhibit. Open to the public until the end of April (which coincides with the lunchtime special), it features 17 sculptures. You can either discover them on your own (with an information booklet and map) or through a complimentary guided tour (arranged through the Everard Read Gallery).
It was a bit too hot on the day I went for me to see more than one or two sculptures, but it's good to know that a visit to the Belmond Mount Nelson hotel offers food for the body and food for the mind.
Eugene Yiga attended a media lunch at Belmond Mount Nelson's Oasis Bistro (76, Orange Street, Gardens, Cape Town). Call +27 (0)21 483 1948, email moc.dnomleb@hnm.snoitavresertnaruatser or go to www.belmond.com/mount-nelson-hotel-cape-town.
About Eugene Yiga
Eugene graduated from the University of Cape Town with distinctions in financial accounting and classical piano. He then spent over two-and-half years working in branding and communications at two of South Africa's top market research companies. Eugene also spent over three-and-a-half years at an eLearning start-up, all while building his business as an award-winning writer. Visit www.eugeneyiga.com, follow @eugeneyiga on Twitter, or email moc.agiyenegue@olleh to say, um, hello.
