The scene was set , 30th of May at 12:30, Constantia finest would battle Marlborough’s best and before we knew it, we embarked on a Odyssey into Fine Dining and Fabulous Pairings. Catherina’s Restaurant played host to this epic battle and just as the feisty lady it was named after,Catharina Ras,the food and wine pairings were not only fabulous but feisty too,thanks to Catherina’s Team,Chef Garth Almazan and Sommelier Higgo Jacobs.
After Canapés on arrival of Catherina’s Caprese & Tempura Prawns we were whisked into the main dining area,warmed by the roaring fires and we were on our way.
Our 1st course was Grilled Crayfish Tail with Lime Beurre Blanc,Crispy Leeks and Garlic Flowers paired with Steenberg Sauvignon Blanc 2014 & Nautilus Sauvignon Blanc 2014 in this case I found the former to be the better pairing.
Staying at the seaside the second course was Braised Abalone in Shell, Lemon, Soya, garlic, sesame oil, Bok Choi, fried sea lettuce, oyster, lime wedge complimented by Steenberg The Black Swan Sauvignon Blanc 2013 & Clos Henri Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2012. For me, though I love The Black Swan,there was no clear favourite,so it remains 1-0.
What would a day at the seaside be without some Chowder,so comforting,it really made you feel all warm and fuzzy inside, despite the cold. Third course consisted of West Coast Mussel Chowder Smoked snoek, creamed corn, parsley paired with Steenberg Rattlesnake Sauvignon Blanc 2014 & Greywacke Sauvignon Blanc 2013,the Rattlesnake clear winner in this case,score 2-0
Catherina’s were really spoiling us with the Quail Ballotine-Confit legs, smoked tomato & aubergine chutney, sweetbreads, asparagus, foie gras foam with Sauvignon Steenberg Blanc 2008 & Dog Point Section 94 Sauvignon Blanc 2010,I found Dog Point too robust for the little quail,so Steenberg was still in the lead.
Last but not least my favourite course of every meal DESSERT, was Baked Meringue,Kiwi Coulis and Gooseberry Sorbet perfectly paired with Steenberg Sparkling Sauvignon Blanc 2014,it really catered for both sweet and also the not so sweet tooth.
Thank you again to a winning team for yet another fabulous event,needless to say Constantia or rather Steenberg Wines came out tops and no,I wasn’t being bias 🙂
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