This August Autumn, the Mother City had the pleasure of hosting none other than Jamie Oliver, the renowned British chef and restaurateur. Cape Town’s vibrant culinary scene, coupled with its stunning landscapes and rich history, made it the perfect destination for Jamie to explore and enjoy.
Jamie Oliver’s home away from home during his visit to Cape Town was the iconic Mount Nelson Hotel. Nestled at the foot of Table Mountain, this grand hotel is a beacon of elegance and history in Cape Town. Its lush gardens, colonial architecture, and world-class service have made it a favourite among discerning travellers for over a century.
“Thank you to all the team at @belmondmountnelsonhotel a wonderful stay…xx.”
Jamie shared his gratitude on Instagram, posting a beautiful shot of the Mount Nelson
A Culinary Delight at Pier Restaurant
One of the highlights of Jamie Oliver’s trip to Cape Town was his dinner at Pier Restaurant, a contemporary fine-dining restaurant located at the V&A Waterfront. The restaurant offers breathtaking views of the harbour and Table Mountain, providing a stunning backdrop to its innovative cuisine.
Jamie was thoroughly impressed with the culinary artistry at Pier. He praised the restaurant on Instagram, saying, “It’s worth a visit just for this Buffalo oyster, a clever play with chef John Norris Rogers travels around the world stunning.”
From the moment he stepped into the restaurant, Jamie was captivated by its chic yet welcoming atmosphere. Highlights of his meal included the octopus with salsa matcha, which he described as stunning.
“Every wine we had was spectacular @pier_capetown great sommelier.”
His meal was perfectly complemented by a selection of wines, with Jamie noting,
Another standout dish was the curried hake butter with sourdough bread, which Jamie enjoyed so much he recommended mopping up every bit of the sauce.
Jamie also shared his delight in the Karoo lamb, praising its exquisite presentation and flavours.
The dessert, featuring guava, coconut, and lime, rounded off his meal perfectly, leaving a lasting impression.
Jamie Oliver’s Wine Experience at Pier Restaurant
- Jordan Nine Yards Chardonnay 2018: Jamie praised this wine on Instagram, highlighting its rich and complex flavours. The Jordan Nine Yards Chardonnay is known for its elegance and balance, with notes of citrus, nuts, and a touch of oak.
- Idiom Viognier 2020: Described by Jamie as a “classy viognier with restraint,” this wine showcases the unique terroir of South Africa. It offers a bouquet of floral and stone fruit aromas, with a well-rounded palate.
- Sijnn White 2015: Jamie enjoyed this wine’s complexity and depth, making it a standout choice during his meal. The Sijnn White is a blend of Chenin Blanc and Viognier, known for its vibrant acidity and layered flavours.
- Dirty Little Secret Three: This intriguing wine caught Jamie’s attention with its unique name and flavour profile. It’s a blend that offers a rich and textured palate, perfect for pairing with a variety of dishes.
- Rijk’s 888 Pinotage 2015: Jamie highlighted this wine as an excellent example of South Africa’s signature grape, Pinotage. The Rijk’s 888 is celebrated for its dark fruit flavours, smooth tannins, and long finish.
- Sango Agave Spirit: Rounding off the meal, Jamie enjoyed a taste of this unique South African tequila. The Sango Agave Spirit is noted for its smoothness and distinct character, making it a memorable end to his dining experience.
