Review of Moyo at Spier Winery (Stellenbosch, South Africa)

Moyo, for lack of better description is a African Disneyland type place in the Winelands. It's one stop shopping if you want to sample a variety of South African dishes, though I have to warn you that they are quite mediocre-ly done.

Tents and people dressed in costumes. Epcot center?


The environment is charming though artificial. There are little tents for couples and a single large one for everyone else. The food here is served buffet style with different stands for different types of meats. You can sample all kinds of game ranging from ostrich to springbok. There's also a variety of salads (think international buffet) and dishes such as bobotie and potjie.

The Buffet Line (L) My Plate (R)



Chomp Meter: Ok if you're short on time and want to sample the various types of local food. I found the dishes rather salty and I don't think they're truly authentic. Probably fun for kids.

Moyo - Stellenbosch
R310 Lynedoch Road
Stellenbosch
South Africa

Reuben's Review (South Africa)

I called Le Quartier Fracais, some say the best restaurant in South Africa, to make reservations about 2 weeks in advance but was unable to get a table. My indecisiveness to blame again.

In any case all was not lost. We ended up going to Reuben's which is right across the street and had no regrets! The environment here is more casual and so are the prices. The story behind the chef is an interesting one since he had essentially no formal training. This shows in the dishes he whips up because they are very unique and unlike what we've tried elsewhere.



The menu had heavy Asian influence. We started with a peking duck salad and a calamari. For mains, P got the lamb (why does lamb outside the U.S. taste better?)and I got a chicken curry. The curry was really spicy, I liked it! Curries are quite popular in South Africa since they have a relatively large Indian population. I just wish I remembered the complete descriptions but it's been a while since the trip.

The portions were so large that we skipped dessert. I never skip dessert! Booo

Peking duck salad:


Lamb (L) My Chicken Curry (R)




Chomp Meter: Reuben's serves good food that's creative. The portions are hearty and the prices are reasonable. What's not to like? This is a great option too if you aren't in the mood for a tasting menu meal at Le Quartier Francais.

Reuben's Restaurant
19 Huguenot Street
Franschhoek, South Africa
Phone: 021 876 3772
(Reuben's is in the middle of town, and quite easy to find.)

Le Petite Ferme - Winelands, South Africa

We were lucky to get a table for lunch on a Saturday at Le Petite Ferme by just walking in. We had to sit at the bar area, but that was certainly not a bad thing. While there isn't much of a view, the ambience is much cozier than in the regular dining room.

Le Petite Ferme has gorgeous views of the valley. I was quite smitten. Since we were early, we got to sit outside for a bit and enjoy some sparkling wine.



This is quite the life isn't it?



Lunch was absolutely fabulous. I had an aubergine in filo for mains while P had kudu. The aubergine was good but the kudu stole the show. Kudu usually has a gamey taste, but the Le Petite Ferme version was nicely seasoned and flavored so you could barely taste it.

Appetizer (L) Kudu (R)


My eggplant dish:


Chomp Meter: I highly recommend this restaurant! Writing this post brings back fond memories of our trip in February 2008.

Le Petite Ferme
Franschhoek Pass Road
PO Box 55, Franschhoek, 7690, South Africa
Tel: +27 (0)21 876 3016/8
Fax: +27 (0)21 876 3624