A few weeks ago I was invited to Bistro Sixteen82 at Steenberg. I have only heard amazing things about Chef Kerry Kilpin’s inspiring seasonal creations and couldn’t wait to reserve our spot. Bistro Sixteen82 is Steenberg’s beloved cellar door restaurant in the Constantia Wine Valley.
What is in the name?
Named after the year in which Steenberg was established, Bistro Sixteen82 first opened its doors in 2009, and has been the tapas and bistro-style darling of the dining world ever since. Originally we wanted to try the Winter Lunch menu, but had to reschedule for a breakfast date instead.
What’s on offer?
Hearty & Homely Menu to keep you fuelled from Monday to Friday, from 3 May all the way till the end of September, excluding public holidays. From R275 for two courses, R315 for three or R350 for a four course lunch, this is winter value at its best. Chef Kerry’s lip-smacking choice of starters, mains and desserts, give you ample to choose from. The parsnip & spinach soup, pulled pork pot stickers and smoked fish tacos all come with her signature exotic twists. The mains of chicken livers in puff pastry, ethically sourced fish in a tarragon bisque, pulled beef & bacon crumble, and a risotto of the day are enriched with great depth of flavour. The dessert line-up is a choice between a dreamy blueberry mousse, a mouth-watering treacle gâteaux, or the almond & chocolate streusel with salted caramel ice cream. Now can you tell how much I wanted to try this menu. Hopefully we will be able to jet back before the end of August.
What we tasted
The Vintner’s Breakfast is another fabulous Bistro Sixteen82 winter offering. This special breakfast for wine lovers includes a glass of Steenberg bubbly with your choice of signature classics on the breakfast menu including Chef Kerry’s famous eggs benedict served with tea or coffee. The Vintner’s Breakfast at R215 per person is available Monday to Sunday until the end of November and ends with a vintner’s tasting of four Steenberg wines. This is the one we had, but without the wine tasting (only because I was driving). I started off with a glass of Bubbly and Oysters. Every breakfast meal has to start off like this.
We were also treated to a delectable tray of yumminess. I need to know how to make this caramel sauce, that has just the right amount of sweet and saltiness balance.
Chef Kerry recommended that we try their famous Eggs Benedict. What makes it so famous, is that they do not just serve it with a few pieces of bacon, but with a piece of pork deliciousness. I would have this every day of the week if I could.
This was my very first time at Bistro Sixteen82 and I can not wait to go back again. Firstly, all COVID protocols were in place. We were greeted at the door, temperature and names were taken and hands were sanitised. The ambience was set with beautiful decor and it honestly felt like I was stepping into a picture from a magazine. Chef Kerry came to introduce herself, and I have to say it is always amazing to meet people in person that you have heard about before. The waiters and front of staff were attentive, friendly and very professional.
Now if you want to live a little bit dangerously you have to try The Chef’s special Tapas Menu Selection of five tapas dishes for R355 for two people sharing. This would be ideal as a date night as it can be enjoyed as an early supper every day of the week between 17h00 and 20h00 until the end of September with your choice of a selection of Steenberg bubblies and wines.
What you need to know
Bistro Sixteen82 is open seven days a week. The Vintners Breakfast and Hearty & Homely lunch menu is available for tables of up to 10 people. To book, call 021-713 2211 or email reservations@bistro1682.co.za. Bistro Sixteen82 also offers a full à la carte menu as well as dedicated vegetarian, vegan and children’s menus. For more information visit www.steenbergfarm.com/bistro1682 and follow @bistro1682 on Twitter, or Steenberg Farm on Instagram and Facebook. The restaurant is currently closed due to our current lockdown level. Once our President gives the all clear for restaurants to open up again, I am booking my next date at Bistro Sixteen82.
