Situated in the historical Boland town of Paarl, the Grande Roche Hotel and Restaurant stands proudly as an icon in the Winelands region. Known for its stylish accommodation and sophisticated country dining, Chef Kevin has now launched Grande Afternoon Tea just in time for the few Cape winter months ahead.
As is widely known, the tradition of taking Afternoon Tea was introduced to English royalty and aristocracy by Anna Maria Russell, the seventh Duchess of Bedford, in the year 1840. By the 1880s, Afternoon Tea was all the rage throughout England with fashionable ladies bedecked in long dresses, gloves and hats meeting at the most elegant of homes for clever conversation over tasty treats.
Chef Kevin now continues this tradition giving it a firm contemporary whisk with a generous dollop of South African hospitality. Guests commence the occasion with a flute of chilled sparkling wine or sparkling grape juice before being presented with the Grande Afternoon Tea selection that includes Cold Cut Bruschetta, Seed Loaf Toasty with Tomato Cream Cheese and Marinated Tomatoes with Basil Pesto, Smoked Salmon and Sticky Rice with Cucumber Rolls and Pickled Red Onion. For something a bit more filling there are also Grilled Onion Cups with Braised Beef Brisket and Mustard Seeds as well as Glazed Pork belly, Pickled Cucumber. The sweet treats include Lemon Meringue, Vanilla Custard Slice, Assorted Macaroons, Chocolate Cake and Peanut Cremeux as well as scones served with home-made jam, cheese and whipped cream. A selection of quality teas ranging from Black Tea & Blends (French Earl Grey or Royal Darjeeling) to Green Tea & Blends (Emperor Sencha or Silver Moon Tea) as well as Ceylon, Rooibos and Camomile complement the menu. And coffee is served too!
The Grande Afternoon Tea is available daily but with a 48-hour advance reservation notice and served from 10am to 5pm. The Grande Afternoon Tea experience is also ideal for persons seeking to celebrate a special occasion including bridal and baby showers as well as product launch events and corporate presentations.
“Afternoon Tea is all about celebration and taking life a little slower, if only for just a couple of hours in our modern era. At Grande Roche we’d like to believe that we’ve now reintroduced this culinary culture to the Cape Winelands and in true Grande style!” says Kevin.
For guests just wanting to pop in during the day to enjoy something lighter, Grande Roche Restaurant also offers freshly baked scones or homemade muffins served with delicious jams, cheese or whipped cream alongside a selection of quality teas and coffees at R150 per portion.
