travels |

While Andrew and I were in Cape Town, we had dinner at 5 Rooms in Constantia. Situated in the historic Alphen Boutique Hotel, this place oozes style, class and high living. Living in the Midlands, we are super spoilt with fine dining options – from Hartford House and Granny Mouse to the decadent Cleopatra Mountain Farmhouse, Andrew and I have been treated to some of the best dining in the country and we have the expanding waistlines to prove it. We know that there is some great fine dining to be had in Cape Town, BUT let’s be honest, fine dining in the mother city usually means some fine spending too. Which made visiting 5 Rooms a pleasant surprise for us. Despite the opulent setting and excellent service, as well as the equally delicious food, we did not leave feeling like we had been given the raw end of a shady deal. Which is rare in Cape Town. But anyway, enough about the money, money, money. Just trust me, it is good fine dining value.

5 Rooms is an elegant restaurant consisting of FIVE ROOMS (I swear). We were seated in the Portrait Room which involves a whole lot of eyes staring down at you while you eat. Some may find this creepy – I absolutely loved it. I don’t know if you know this about me, but I studied History at University and I am a qualified History teacher, which made the rich heritage of 5 Rooms and The Alphen even more appealing to me – one of the portraits was of Dr Barry, an eccentric guest in the 1800s who masqueraded as a male her entire life. It was only on her death bed that it was discovered that she was, in fact, a female. I know, right? Surely there is a film script in this? I said it first.

As for the food… Well. Andrew and I, being fond of fine dining and little packed-with-flavour portions served on big plates, chose our starters and mains from the the fine dining menu (don’t stress – if you’re into massive portions there is a more traditional menu to suit your tastes too). We were blown away – firstly, by not only the glorious taste explosions in our mouths but by the portion sizes too – nothing was skimped on at all. Talk about fine dining on steroids. We LOVED. Andrew had the foie gras parfait for starters and I treated myself to an asparagus and duck breast salad. I just adore asparagus and the slivers of duck were delicately exquisite – just enough to whet the appetite for mains. The mains came promptly after our wonderful waitress, Lizhane had topped up our cocktails: a rosemary martini (otherwise known as the Rosemarini) for me, and a Fynbos Mojito for the man. Andrew had the Truffle Dauphinoise for his mains (pickled wild mushrooms, carrot gel, asparagus, tofu puree and sage beurre noisette – I KNOW) and I had the Duo of Springbok which was springbok done in a bobotie shank pie as well as a loin smoked with Rooibos, served with root vegetables, barley risotto, butter bean puree and juniper jus. I was FULL. And it really was amazing. I tasted Andy’s too – because sharing is caring in our marriage (at least it is when it comes to food) and besides all the fancy names, it’s taste totally backed up its pomp. Truly, a wonderful culinary experience. There was no space for dessert. But when I’m next in Cape Town, I will sure to be back to try the legendary cherry and dark chocolate torte! Thank you to 5 Rooms and The Alphen Hotel for a beautiful dining experience with my husband – the perfect end to our magical time in Cape Town.

Duo of Springbok