When we booked at Summer Hill Estate I thought of a peri-urban golf or equine development in Johannesburg, nothing could be father from that. We had a tasting menu two days ago.. From the first course to the 8th each part was a new experience. I got tired of the pseudo local produce scam. Merely because a tomato is within a radius of X kilometres doesn’t make it better, because then by that definition a heirloom potato by would be South American. This chef did something a step higher he cooked intuitively and with intelligent use of regional ingredients. Sourdough bread with sardine butter is a clever way to add a South African twist on the classic anchovy butter by paying to the annual South African sardine migration. When you taste a carrot soup and you cannot put your point on why this dish is better than another as its flavours cannot be divined, is the mark of a truly gifted chef. I can could continue with the venison, the duck and the chicken. When a simple sirloin steak hits your plate I felt somewhat disappointed. A fillet of a ribeye I had become the standard at many of restraints. Fortunately I had to mentally retract it. Perfectly cooked, maybe somewhere between medium rare and a tad more on the medium (shock and horror) I can imagine the purists exclaim. To them I say steak tartare and 8 hour braised brisket is merely a different in preparing the protein. The way to cook shouldn’t ever be prescribed the meat it must highlight the best quality of the cut . This often overlooked sirloin is now something Will be trying. To The desert for me, can be a disappoint. Another panna cotta or overwhelming cardamom/spiced ice-cream and I leave defeated. Here his unique use of a madumba (taro) ice-cream topped popped sorghum and sous sous not only stops you in your tracks it blows your mind. What a joy. More amazing is the level of hospitality. We felt we were visiting family the level of care and attention cannot be manufactured. I hope you will feel the same when you eat there.…
I cannot speak too highly of this venue. Accommodation, Setting, Service and Staffing all excellent, but most of all the food. The five or seven course tasting menu is genuine world class, and clearly demonstrates the professional culinary expertise of the owners. Wine pairings are optional, alternatively the wine list is as extensive and expertly put together as any I have come across in South Africa. Just for good measure, an excellent breakfast the following morning, inclusive in the very reasonable accommodation rates.
I decided to book overnight accommodation, as I was attending a birthday supper at their restaurant. The accommodation was spotlessly clean, with lovely fluffy comfortable pillows, crisp white linen and towels. I didn’t spend much time in the room but I did find it more than adequate for an overnight stay. The staff and owners made me feel welcome and at “home.” The food was out of this world, it was something that is so unique and totally different than anything I’ve ever experienced. The staff are well trained, every course was explained in detail so that we knew exactly what we were eating. I will be taking guests to experience this unique restaurant soon. It’s something one just can’t help raving about and returning to, over and over again. I appreciated the beautiful antique champagne glasses so much, they tell of the level of attention to detail I experienced. The next day the Breakfast too, was so special and unique, the tastes were fresh and true, one could taste that everything was served with care and attention to detail. Stunning doesn’t begin to describe the whole experience.…
Our first time visiting this beautiful and unique place. We had the 7-course dinner and wine paring. It was unbelievable!!! Every course was so delicious with stunning presentations. The staff and owners were kind and thoughtful. We will go back on our next trip, and we will plan to stay longer.
The grounds of the guesthouse are lovely and I saw several interesting bird species including Purple Crested Turaco and White-eared Barbet. The room was lovely, clean, well maintained and comfortable. Food at the restaurant was delicious and the wine list is comprehensive and has an interesting selection of quality but less well known SA wines.
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