Waterkloof elevates Winelands charm with new signature restaurant

Tuesday, 8 December, 2009
GC Communications
Modern yet unadorned with spectacular vistas, Waterkloof Wine Estate's new signature restaurant, perched high on the slopes of the Schapenberg on the outskirts of the Helderberg, is literally taking the quality and popularity of Winelands dining to new heights.
Appointed in a 10 metre high glass promontory flowing from the slick new wine tasting lounge and state-of-the-art gravitational cellar, the restaurant is set against the backdrop of Waterkloof's amphitheatre of vineyards and the full expanse of False Bay in the distance.

Dining with Burgundian chef Grégory Czarnecki - fuelled with a decade's wealth of experience from working in some of the finest Michelin star restaurants in France - calls for an unhurried indulgence of contemporary classics complemented by the estate's European style wines.

Sharing his culinary flair with onlookers, his open-plan kitchen matches the industrial deep, red hardwood, cement and glass interior, with a sophisticated menu of 'honest', classical cuisine with a modern French twist - all served up with an eagle's view.

"Our restaurant's exposed kitchen emphasises the Waterkloof winemaking philosophy of openness and transparency. Although stylistically diverse, each of the estate's European style wines carries a strong core of elegance and integrity and that is exactly what my food is all about," shares Grégory whose cooking style remains loyal to the lessons learnt from his French mentor, 3-star Michelin Chef Alain Senderens.

His international culinary career saw him working exclusively in the Parisian kitchens of Michelin rated restaurants, including the 2-star Restaurant Senderens; the 3-star Relais & Châteaux Restaurant Lucas Carton and the Michelin star Pergolèse.

"I draw inspiration from people who not only love good food and wine but also appreciate wine and food pairings. Guests who seek the best local seasonal produce to complement wine with a naturalist approach," adds Grégory who shares his passion with his staff to achieve the ultimate combination of textures, taste and flavour with each meal they serve.

Juxtaposed against the traditional, functional working cellar, the new Waterkloof restaurant spills onto a modish new wine tasting lounge. Respecting the natural beauty of the fynbos and vine exterior, the interior of this chic milieu was kept stylistically understated with an earthy palette of brown and black tones adding a sense of calm to the more masculine yet refined, designer furnishings.

The Waterkloof restaurant can seat a total of 120 guests inside and outside on the elevated balcony and serves lunch and dinner from Mondays to Saturdays and lunch only on Sundays.

To reserve your table contact Waterkloof Estate at (021) 858-1491 or send an email to restaurant@waterkloofwines.co.za.

Click here to view the Grégory Czarnecki's profile.