It was all systems go when the screech of my alarm clock resounded in my ears at 06h00 waking me up far earlier than my body, mind or eyes were willing to on Sunday morning. I reluctantly got out of bed and dressed and was soon outside in the blustery wind of Cape Town driving my cousin and his friend to the starting point of the Argus Cycle Tour for their 08h00 start time.
After I dropped them off I rushed home to try to catch a glimpse of them starting – of course I couldn’t spot them, with over 35000 cyclists and me still half asleep – however, it was the thought that counts. I spent the morning catching up on the pile of washing that needed to be done and trying to revive my tired plants.
Around lunchtime I got the call that the athletes were triumphant and tired and ready to be collected at the finish point (the new Cape Town Stadium), a 4hr 15min time was indeed something to be proud of especially considering the crazy wind that had been blowing all morning.
Off I went to collect these tired lads and I was surprised by the ease in which this could be done, I was expecting loads of traffic and road blocks which meant I would need to park kilometres away and walk to the stadium. I was surprised to find I was able to make my way straight to the stadium and park basically on site. Congratulations to the event organisers I was very impressed with your efficiency.
The boys decided to have a long, well deserved rest and we decided we’re go out to dinner that evening. What should be on the menu, but steak, definitely something one can reward oneself with after such a race.
We decided to head into the V&A Waterfront and were going to chance our luck without making a reservation, but I thought that we were early enough that we might just be lucky enough to find a table. And lucky we were, although I think it may have been due to the fact the wind was pumping so fiercely outside patrons were weary of sitting in it’s path.
We were seated at Belthazar Restaurant and Wine Bar at a table that was slightly sheltered from the wind, I only had to grab onto my napkin and glass twice during out meal. Belthazar is renowned for their steak and have a large “by the glass” wine section.
The menu looked fantastic, with some great seafood options and I was toying with the idea of going for some seafood, however I was swayed and decided to try this steak for myself. It was definitely a great idea.
The menu is a little bit pricey and if you’re living on a strict budget this isn’t your eat there once a week kind of place, it should be something special. To start us off we were served a breadboard with brioche and a bowl of pork and beef sausage in a neapolitan sauce to whet our appetite.
I ordered the sirloin with chips (you have a choice of chips, rice or baked potato) and a Madagascan Green Peppercorn sauce. Dawie ordered the sirloin as well and John ordered the rib-eye with a Monkey Gland sauce.
The service was efficient and before I could look again there was a plate in front of me with a pretty intimidating piece of meat and I was thinking I would have to share. However, when my knife glided through the first slice I knew that there would not be a crumb left on my plate.
My steak was cooked to absolute perfection, medium-rare but more rare than medium, and it is not, in my experience, often that restaurants get this right. I was more than pleasantly surprised by the chips too, they were golden and crispy on the outside and soft and fluffy on the inside and absolutely more-ish!
The sauce I had chosen was delectable and the bowl was scrapped clean with every last morsel on my plate. I always think it’s a sign of really good food when no one talks until their food is completely devoured and not a word was whispered while we were enjoying this meal!
Completely satisfied we asked for the bill as we had decided to head over to Häagen-Dazs® for some ice cream and chocolate sauce. I was too full to cram anything else into my tummy, however the athletes decided on some ice cream. I must say that although the ice cream was delicious and tasty it is extremely overpriced.
The price list is strategically hidden in the corner and the variety of flavours sucks you in before you have a chance to realise what you’re going to pay. We ordered 1 scoop + 1 topping and 2 scoops and the bill was R73! Yikes, that is very steep if you ask me! I would have to say that you really need an ice cream fix if you’re willing to pay those prices, stick with a Choc 99 soft serve from the St. Elmo’s round the corner – that’s where you’ll find me.
If nothing else I left the evening feeling satisfied and happy yet feeling slightly ripped off by the ice cream parlour, but it was an experience I wouldn’t trade for anything. The memory of that steak will stick with me for a long time, it’s going to be hard for anyone to top that!
Cape Town Links
- V&A Waterfront Accommodation
- Cape Town Tourist Attractions
- Cape Town Lodges and Hotels
- Cape Town Holiday Accommodation
Contact
Belthazar Restaurant & Wine Bar: +27 (0)21 421-3753/56 (Booking is recommended).
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