Carne Constantia has Closed and become 95 at Parks

[UPDATED 09.08.2017- See Below for 95 on Parks]

CARNE CONSTANTIA Posted 30 May 2016

I wouldn’t say I was a “steak person” when heading out to a restaurant. Chicken, burgers, pizza, steaks and dessert all fly past when I skim read to see what’s what on a menu when eating out. That being said if I was going to eat a steak it’s definitely got to be at place branded with a bull and that worships “meat”.

Greeted by a revamped Victorian home on the corner of 114 Main road Constantia with a welcoming outside area which I could imagine is beautiful in the evening with no wind staring at the Tokai mountains. There’s a garden with herbs, chillies and few veggies here and there. All used in the kitchen I’m sure.

As is typical of me, I had three entrees- all light salad type because i wanted to have a BIG steak on the bone and just slightly grilled and moo-ing (no other way i feel) and naturally I ordered my wine per glass per course. The wine lists hosts and incredible selection of local and Italian varietals along with a varied amount of reds and white wines by the glass. Something I really appreciate, especially if you’re looking to change from Chardonnay to Syrah between courses or try the Sangiovese (you know, when in Rome)

The menu is quite large with various Italia styled dishes and of course the bulls eye being the Carne “DALLA GRIGLIA” selection.

Before going to lunch I read a few reviews, stalked the menu like a lioness ready to pounce on her prey and found out what the local favorites were. (Their website is not very in depth as there are many branches of the Carne Collection but you can at least read the menu online or visit Eat Out, as I did for more info)

Interestingly enough, not all the popular dishes were just steak and trimmings.

The Lamb ravioli, Homemade Ravioli of slow baked lamb shoulder with sage butter and Parmesan cheese, was a must have and as typical of us gays, I chose butternut with sage butter- always have to be different you know. It was delicious, along with a simple, honest capresse with a mound of milky buffalo mozzarella and the avocado salad, served with blue veined cheese, granny smith apples and toasted walnuts (a Waldof of sorts)

Choosing your steak is quite theatrical, a waiter with his meat in hand, comes to your table and asks you to size up his hunky offerings. A varied selection of sirloin, fillet, rump, lamb cutlets,hanger steak and my favorite Rib eye on the bone. Everyone loves good piece meat and a bone!

Along with this you are then able to select the custom grammage to ensure your steak is prepared perfectly to your liking and budget, you can add sauces and sides should you wish-I’m not one for these items either, as I prefer just simply cracked black pepper and Maldon salt when I do indulge in these marbled meat delights- fuss pot!

After ravishingly eating every morsel of my beef bone the kitchen sent another signature favorite, the chocolate fondant. Perfectly gooey and made with good quality cocoa- chocolate lovers delight, guaranteed!

Carne serve Italian coffee sourced by Rialto foods, also the supplier behind Locanda at Villa47 a double espresso was exactly what I needed as I headed into the 15h00 mommy traffic of Constantia. Give me strength!

If you’re looking for a great lunch spot in Constantia, the perfect steak for that boys business brunch or even a romantic terrace for date night Carne Constantia should definitely be on your list!

CARNE Constantia | 114 Constantia Main Rd, Cape Town | Tel: 021 761 0247 | Carne Collection

Giorgio Nava opens 95 at Parks in Constantia

Giorgio Nava, prominent chef-proprietor of Cape Town’s most respected Italian restaurants, has spread his uncompromising winning recipe and Milanese flair beyond the Central Business District with the opening of 95 at Parks in Constantia.

If you are looking for authentic Italian food made from the best quality produce for an intimate dinner, a light lunch with friends, or a lazy Sunday family luncheon, 95 at Parks has it all.

The third restaurant in his 95 Collection, 95 at Parks offers the same classically prepared, northern Italian fare as the original 95 Keerom which opened in 2003, with a few additional pastas, salads and meat options ideal for light lunches and more substantial dinners.

“We believe 95 at Parks fills a need for authentic Italian cuisine in Constantia and that our extended menu appeals both to our lunch time clientele, as well as meat lovers with our wide choice of prime cuts,” says Chef Giorgio who has transformed this period homestead with his unbridled passion and signature eclectic style.

Botanical elements from the garden frame the relaxed country house feel with fresh greens and soft, light hews. Sleek Milanese accents of uncluttered furnishings and giant 1930’s murals inspired by futurist Fortunato Depero set a modish tone.

The bar and sun filled conservatory is the place to be for pre-dinner Prosecco or Aperol spritz; or for a change of scenery, to end your meal with espresso and dessert. 95 at Parks also caters for small, intimate functions in the 10-seater private dining room, perfect for celebrating special occasions.

Dining al fresco under the pergola overlooking the beautiful baroque-style potager cottage garden is another 95 at Parks highlight on sunny, wind free days.

Stand out salads unique to 95 at Parks include ultra-crispy baby calamari, quinoa with pomegranate, avocado and kale from the garden, steamed lentils with fresh greens, and a deconstructed caprese with creamy burrata mozzarella.

Other must try dishes are the delicious steamed mussels in tomato and white wine, home-made pasta with rich, hand cut ragout, and Asian inspired grilled tuna coated in toasted sesame seeds.

Carnivores will have a field day choosing from the array of meat dishes from classic Fiorentina T-Bone, fillet, sirloin, Karoo lamb, liver with caramalised onions and pork cutlets on the bone, to the more hearty slow cooked beef short rib and traditional Osso Buco.

The stars on the dessert menu are without doubt Chef Giorgio’s signature chocolate fondant with its molten lava of decadent dark chocolate, and delicate meringue wrapped in luscious Marsala Zabaglione crème.

In addition to the à la carte menu, 95 at Parks offers a 6-course Italian Experience tasting menu of showstopper dishes at R330 per person, as well as a daily chef’s choice of seasonal gems. Constantia wines take pride of place amongst the fine selection of South African wines, with well-known Italian wine growing regions also well represented on the carefully curated wine list.

All meals are served with home baked breads, olives and seasonal vegetable tempura with the chef’s compliments.

The wonderful selection of breads – all freshly baked in the kitchen – boasts a gorgeous focaccia, crunchy bread sticks, seeded flat bread and a crusty ciabatta.

The starter or “mother” dough for the ciabatta originates from a famous bakery in Milan dating back 150 years.