Wild mushroom tart
Little Chelsea Village in Wynberg is a pretty spot. Protected historical buildings jostle shoulder to shoulder around a small square dominated by an old oak tree. Galleries and handmade furniture shops, interior design businesses and restaurants vie for the attention of the well heeled of the Southern Suburbs.
Stefan Van de Ven has chosen Waterloo Road as the location for his latest culinary venture, called Dutch, (so called, he says without a hint of irony, because he is a Dutchman).
It can be found at the rear of a period building which he shares with Alison’s Flowers and Kiids Boutique. Dutch gets the lovely garden terrace, while Alison’s (I’m sure) provide plenty of inspiration for the well thought out garden design front and rear.
You’d be forgiven for thinking that this is solely a hangout for ladies who lunch, or yummy mummies between school runs, and you might be a little right. However Stephan’s menu would keep a big dad happy too as it varies between the light and tasty ( Roast Pepper and Goats Cheese Tart, Smoked Franschhoek Trout on Warm Potatoes with a Saffron Veloute) and the more substantial (Veal Sausage on Mashed Potatoes with Onion Marmalade). Prices range from R50 to R75.
Our Chilled Sweetcorn with Basil Soup demonstrated clean flavours. This is an unusual menu choice for Cape Town. My taste buddy chose the Mushroom Tartlet on Rocket, which he described as mmmm….
Dutch also serve a tasty range of breakfast dishes like Pancakes with Maple Syrup (I’m sure Stephan might even fry some crispy bacon to go with that if you ask him nicely), Ciabatta and Scrambled Eggs with Merano Speck & Spicy Baked Beans and an old Dutch speciality of the house called Wentelteefjes – translated literally as ‘Turn the Bitch’. Don’t ask.
Ok then, if you must know, it’s an old Amsterdam recipe similar to French Toast……
Service is snappy and attentive, as you’d expect from a Restaurateur who has come to Wynberg via Pont de la Tour and Harvey Nicks in London and a similarly named Dutch restaurant of 7 years standing in the Waterkant.
A great place for a light lunch and one of the best breakfasts in town.
Hours are 8-4:30 Monday to Friday and 9-2 on a Saturday. Closed Sundays and Public Holidays.
Dutch – 51 Waterloo Road – Chelsea Village – Wynberg – Cape Town – 021 797 5838.
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