Sundowner anyone?
Suzi Holtzhausen has opened her second restaurant in Paternoster, called Gaaitjie. This is an impressive addition to eating out in this part of the world.
Starting with the location – it’s right on the beach. When the weather is right it’s paradise, with the deep blue seas and endless skies providing an idyllic setting. Even when it’s a bit windy, you are provided with blankets to snuggle up in, and indoors there are wood burning stoves.
Inside the renovated fishermans cottage you find yourself in a series of rooms with plain wooden furniture.
After a windy sundowner on the rear terrace we sat at a cosy table beside the stove to read a menu which featured lamb, fish, pork and poultry dishes, sourced locally where possible. Many are done with a unique South African twist. No fancy nouvelle stuff in sight, hallelujah!
I had Vine Baked Harder on a Butterbean Curry. Harder is a local fish, a bit like a large sardine crossed with yellowtail, a new taste for me. The curry and the fish worked beautifully.
We also tried the Tomato and Tamarind Gazpacho, which came in a large whiskey tumbler style glass. Perched cheekily on top was a slice of toasted crostini with handmade suasage garnished with chives and salsa. It disappeared in record time, interrupted only by the occasional quiet mumble of appreciation. This was brilliant.
Sour fig and lamb stew with sour cream and crunchy onions.
Seared Mustard Beef and Beetroot Salad arrived. It was packed with unctious thick slices of tender beef, pink in the middle, and coated in a grain mustard sauce. Next came the Sour Fig and Lamb Stew – Suurrvytjie Bredie, with buttered cornmeal, sour cream and crunchy onion. My taste buddy thought he’d died and gone to heaven. It was the most satisfiying delicious dish he had eaten for a long time.
I ordered the Crisp Pork Belly on Butternut Humous with an Apple, Sage and Onion Chutney. This was a great dish to order because it was an opportunity to see if the kitchen could get it really crispy ( a skill in itself ) and what the quality of the pork was like. I need not have worried. The skin was as crispy and moreish as a salt cracker, and the belly meat was not the wobbling layers of fat that I have experienced in other restaurants. Very tasty.
Gaaitjie is on the money, and when you saw Suzi’s capable smiling face beaming from behind the counter you understood how everything ran so smoothly.
For dessert we chose a Mango and Ginger Praline Cheesecake and the cheese plate which is described as Grilled Pears, Local Soft
Grilled pears with soft cheese and muscatel.
Cheese, Homemade Crackers and a Glass of Muscatel. The mango infused with ginger on the cheesecake was genius. What a taste combination! The cheese plate looked too perfect to eat, and when I did try it the soft balls of goats cheese were complimented perfectly by the muscatel.
Is this the best meal I’ve eaten in the last year in the Western Cape? Yes you’d better believe it.
I’d rate Gaaitjie ahead of most of what Cape Town has to offer. You have to book ahead to get a table. I can’t wait to go back.
Bookings necessary.
022 752 2242
saltcoast@tiscaly.co.za
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I agree this is a delightful restaurant. I recently enjoyed a leisurely lunch – wonderful situation with gorgeous beach views and terrific food which was stunningly fresh and inspirationally prepared and presented.
Hi Michael, great that our views are similar on this restaurant. Where is your favourite place to eat in Cape Town?
I had the extreme pleasure of lunching at Gaaitjie in January with my family who were visiting from the USA. What a delight. My family both rated Gaaitjie as one of the very best restaurants they have ever eaten in , including the USA. Suzi is a gem!!
I am going to Paternoster later in the year (November) as part of my western cape tour! Last time I was there, I had cakes at Suzis and they were sublime. Now can’t wait to try the new restaurant. Do you know what days she opens?
Gaaiitjie is open every day of the week except Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Hours are 12:30 – 2pm for lunch and 6:30pm for dinner, with last orders at 8pm.
Have a great trip, and book ahead as the word is out.
Suzi is just amazing – then add in the setting right on the rocks literally on the beach – there is no better place to enjoy the best food in a sublime setting. Suzi has always set standards and here she sets even higher standards for herself. Do yourself a favour and go there soon…
WHAT A PHENOMONAL RESTAURANT! WE ENJOYED THE MOST SPECTACULAR MEAL WITH A MAGICAL VIEW – THANK YOU
We had read about it in a local home magazine, but had not thought to go when visiting Paternoster from JHB as we have a toddler. The best thing we could have done was to pop in “to see” what it had to offer…needless to say we stayed for lunch, superb food and down to earth hospitality . An experience we will talk about for years to come.
Gaiitjie is the best, I am so glad you had a nice experience there.
It’s all you could ever wish for from a beach restaurant and more. The setting is unparalled and the food simply mouthwatering. You often see on the food channel programmes how chefs talk about respecting food and there being sincerity in the preparation. Well Suzi @ Gaatjie delivers this and throws in an abundance of SOUL into her food as well.
Catergorical statement: Suzie Holtzhausen is undoubtedly the best chef in South Africa.Point.
The most satisfying meal me and my family have ever had.
Paternoster has a selection of venues, some old some new, Gaaitjie is very special as is Suzi Holtzhausen – some get it, some don’t, but money well spent for interesting food in a unique setting.
LOVED the sound of this restaurant and was dying to try it but when i called to book and they informed me about a set menu, i was immediately disappointed as i generally find that very limiting, especially with 3 children between the age of 9-12. The childrens set menu is absurdly priced and it makes this a special occasion restaurant as opposed to a night out when you looking at over R1000 for us as a family with wine. Boo hoo for us.
Sorry Jo but I think you have the wrong restaurant. Gaaitjie does not do a set menu – you’ve a choice of starters and mains, and they don’t do a kids menu……….
Thank you for all the much valued comment and support over the year’s. We would just like to clarify our menu at Gaaitjie offers choices of starters, mains and desserts at a set price for a 2 or 3 course meal. There is something for everyone , the emphasis is however on seafood . Customers are encouraged to chat to the chef should they require small changes to dishes, kiddie friendly options or have special dietary needs.We welcome persons of all ages but as we are a small restaurant with limited seating, at busy times all occupied chairs must work towards sustaining our business. Look forward to wining and dining you soon. All @Gaaitjie
Thanks for that Suzi.
Getting homesick for your delicious food, sitting on the veranda overlooking the sea.
Must visit soon!!!
Happy New Year and have a great 2013!!