Come to The Manor at Nederburg and be enticed by fragrances of cinnamon, star anise, cardamom, fresh ginger, rooibos, buchu and roasted nuts. Or wafts of real classics like home-baked bread just out of the oven, toasted coriander seed, ripe tomato, basil, caramelised onion, pickled vegetables, and chips on the fry. In other words, an inviting amalgam of Eastern, Mediterranean, and local aromas to suit a whole lot of palates.
“What about us?”, is the constant refrain from vegetarians, no-alcohol imbibers, and the kids. Especially the kids. But not at The Manor at Nederburg in Paarl, assures manager, Jerry Kennedy.
“This summer, we’re offering a sensational selection of eats and drinks. Breakfasts, brunches, picnics, and platters, we’re laying them on for carnivores, pescatarians, omnivores and vegetarians, whether adult or child. Our breakfast, à la carte, picnic and platter menus offer classic, inventive, and altogether delicious choices to enjoy indoors or outdoors on the lawns and under the trees. We cater to all appetites.
“Menus are focused and supplemented by daily specials. They are very versatile and address a range of dietary preferences with fresh, seasonal, locally sourced ingredients grown in an eco-friendly way, that can be matched with Nederburg wines and wine cocktails. We also offer a selection of spirits as well as vibrant, refreshing, no-alcohol drinks and a host of child-friendly beverages.”
When it comes to picnics, comfy cushions and blankets are provided, along with sumptuous spreads.
Many à la carte menu items are imaginative updates on long-time favourites (think chicken burger but served with crunchy pickled cabbage, chocolate fondant with pumpkin as its secret ingredient, or parfait made with amasi and infused with buchu). There are also dishes appealing to more contemporary tastes, like ramen noodles, poké bowls and exciting salad combos.
“Our accent is on mindful dining, whatever your choice: local ‘n lekker or more exotic. Say quinoa and kale or micro-greens and specialty lettuces to some and they’ll run a mile. But there’s no need. We have Nederburg-farmed trout as well as burgers, steak, bitterballen, ribs, pork belly, biltong and poultry too, not to mention the most lip-smacking desserts you can think of!”
He explains that Nederburg’s trout is farmed on-site in a climate-smart, multi-crop aquaponics project. Established to build skills, empower local entrepreneurs and grow rural employment in the greater Drakenstein area, the enterprise also cultivates pesticide-free herbs, exotic lettuces and other vegetables all year round. “Nederburg gets first option on all of these but there’s enough for other local outlets too.
“We’re proud that the aquaponics venture is a closed-loop project – the same body of water is used to farm both the fish and plants.”
Kids need more than drinks and eats (mac ‘n cheese, vegetarian/fish/chicken strips ‘n chips, and much, much more) though. “We have party packs, milkshake and cookie matches, cookie decorating sessions, giant Jenga, a jumping castle and staff on side to ensure everything goes safely and smoothly.”
Booking is essential, Kennedy stresses. To find out more about seasonal and daily offerings, trading times and to make reservations, go to www.nederburg.com or contact the team on info@nederburg.com or 021 877 5155.
