A little bit of home from far away
Namibia is a country of burning sands, oases buried beneath each dune. Windhoek, it’s capital, is much of the same - lousy with refreshing finds.
I could swear the climate was apologizing for the spiteful heat I’d arrived to, because it cooled with a gracious breeze when my dining partner and I pulled up to the Stellenbosch Wine Bar one evening.
A softly lit courtyard is our introduction to the curiously named bistro. Families, friends, and local farmers have buttoned-up and tied themselves to tables that encircle the fountain in this whimsical patio. Dusk’s fleeting caress calls my attention to the explosive sunset coming to a close at the horizon. As it does, a waitron comes out to greet and seat us. Though our reservation is for a table inside, I’m captivated by the sights and sounds.
I am indulged. With no hesitation, the wait staff move a closer table to the exact spot of our choosing.
Daniel, our waiter for the evening, hands us the menus. We begin with the wine list. While my dining partner has the page turned to her favourite varietal, ooooh-ing and aaaaah-ing with glee, I’m in search of something I’ve never tasted before. To sniff, spin, sip and swirl a new grape is an indulgence I reserve for my trips.
When I’m home I like what I like, but when in Rome I must do as the Romans do.
Fanning through the extensive list, I’m seeing, as the name suggests, wines I am used to. “Let’s go with the Ernie Els Cabernet Sauvignon,” my companion recommends before I begin my second inspection of the menu. The temperate is cool enough to warrant a red wine, but not too cold that a full-bodied Merlot is necessary. I decide a dry red will go well with the tender cut of beef too, so I oblige.
Vee gets it spot on. The 2015 bottle is drier than we’d expected but it suits us just fine.
To start, we order a classic Cape Town bar snack to share: jalapeno poppers.The bite-sized starters are served crunchy and piping hot. Though I prefer the gooey ooze of having mozzarella, cheddar and cream cheese in the filling, the chilli dipping sauce brings beads of sweat to my brow, which something no place at home has been able to do yet.
It takes me no time to decide a blue Namibian rump with monkey gland sauce will cool the jalapeno burn on my tongue. The lamb peanut butter curry is enticing my date.
I run my knife through the seared flesh of the rump, catching my breath when the tender pink flesh is resting inside. Each mouthful tells the story of the skilled kitchen hands that seasoned and grilled the steak. Though that talent can only do so much, the farm that reared the cow can be proud of producing Grade A organic beef. While I work through my meal, Vee is enjoying a spicy peanut curry across the table.
After a taster, it’s clear that her’s is a well executed dish. A perfectly-portioned hearty curry, with the faint flavour of peanut-butter complementing the nutty texture of the slow cooked lamb. The vegetables feel part of the dish in taste, but haven’t been cooked to death either which is appreciated attention to detail. Both the poppadom and the rice are made well, adding to the textural diversity of the plate.
Our dinner has been excellent. We substitute dessert for a final glass of wine. But before we sit for that, we want to walk off the meal, so we decide to explore the restaurant’s interior. Like two separate words, we leave the romance of the candlelit quad behind when we cross the threshold, and enter the rustic sophistication of a classy steakhouse.
I follow the wine on display, stacked from the floor all the way up 'til the ceiling. Though I hear no background music, a rhythmic melody is created from peoples’ conversations coupled with the calls coming from the kitchen.
Impressed with the harmony, we decide we prefer the courtyard. At least there, we only have the natural calls of nocturnal animals gathering around the villa-inspired water feature to contend with. And we prefer listening to what they have to say anyway.
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Windhoek is a city full of surprises, it takes new visitors in like a challenge. If you haven't been before, and want to have a experience it like me, you'll want to read my Live Like a Local: Windhoek piece.
If you're passing through, be sure to stop by Krisjans and Joe's Beerhouse for a meal.
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