After a brief winter rest, Steenberg Vineyards re-opens its doors to welcome its new season with a host of exciting events, sensational culinary experiences, and unforgettable moments for the whole family, curated by celebrated executive chef, Kerry Kilpin.
Situated among the rolling green hills and the breath-taking mountains of the Cape Winelands, Steenberg is home to Cape Town’s finest lifestyle and culinary experiences, including a luxurious 5-star hotel, a tranquil spa, the country’s finest wines, and two award-winning restaurants, headed by executive chef Kerry Kilpin and her team. As Steenberg welcomes guests back to its magnificent estate for a new season, chef Kerry shares the inspiration behind her menus and the events that she has brought to life to celebrate the splendour of winter.
After working at some of the top restaurants in the country, chef Kerry started her journey at Steenberg in 2014 as head chef of Bistro 1682. Later, in 2018, she was appointed executive chef at Steenberg, overseeing both Bistro 1682 and Catharina's Restaurant (now Tryn). Inspired by her life growing up on a farm and her travels around the world, her culinary creations are inspired by nature, fresh and vibrant ingredients, and the story that’s hidden in each flavour.
“Working on a wine estate, I have become closely connected to the rhythms of the seasons,” she says.“ This enhances awareness of seasonal ingredients and inspires us to incorporate the freshest locally-sourced produce into each of our dishes.
Steenberg is synonymous for hosting special events, which allow us to create menus and dishes specifically for these occasions. This inspires me to develop exclusive dishes that enhance both the food and wine-tasting experience and showcase the estate's offerings.” Among these events at Steenberg, one celebrates the very essence of winter’s magic in the Cape Winelands.
Christmas in July at Tryn
Chef Kerry has unveiled the long-anticipated Christmas in July dining experience at Tryn. The curated menu comes to life with dazzling ingredients and sumptuous, hearty flavours. Expertly crafted, the experience is curated to awaken the senses through every dish. “The menu is designed with two options for each course,” explains chef Kerry; "the first option is my take on festive dishes based on my family's Christmas must-haves, while the second option explores a different take on Winter dining."
The menu features a refreshing amuse bouche, followed by either the tantalising pear and chevin tart or the rich confit duck. These starters are well rounded by the mains, with a choice of either the cherry and treacle glazed gammon or the ethically sourced fish. It also features decadent dessert options; creamy banoffee trifle or Tryn’s signature ivoire cheesecake which satisfies every sweet craving! Finally, end off with a selection of friandise, including mince pies and chocolate truffles, along with perfectly brewed Origin coffee or Ronnefeldt tea.
“With ingredients like goat cheese and cranberries, glazed gammon, chocolate trifle, and mince pies, we pay homage to all the classic Christmas flavours, but with an undeniably tantalising Tryn twist,” says Chef Kerry.
Wonderful winter recipes
To recreate the magical experience of Steenberg at home, chef Kerry has shared two sensational recipes that are perfect for any occasion surrounded by friends and family. “I cook what I love to eat, so my menu is always based around what I would enjoy seeing served. This is of course guided by the change in seasons, and if you change with the seasons, your menu will constantly evolve,” she says.
“There are such wonderful winter ingredients, and they make for great, hearty comfort food during those chilly days. Try the lamb neck and roast pork belly and see why winter really is the best season of the year!” Her advice to make the most of these dishes is simple: enjoy the experience in the kitchen. Take the time to enjoy what you're cooking. Your family and friends will feel the love in your food,” she explains. “Taste, taste, and taste again. Always taste your food throughout the cooking process and especially at the end. Balancing flavour is key to a great dish.”
In these last glorious moments of winter, there is every reason to slow down and enjoy the finer things in life at Steenberg. With limited space, be sure to make a reservation for one of these experiences today and if you miss those opportunities be sure to try Bistro 1682 Tapas for 2 or Tryn’s winter menu. Make life-long memories by booking at steenbergfarm.com