Something very special is going on in the foothills of those glorious mountains of Stellenbosch. At the magnificent Waterford estate you will find a unique restaurant called SALT, the brainchild of salt guru Craig Cormack and his business partner Beau du Toit, both talented chefs and both salt inspired. Their head chef, Brent Williams is always there making sure everything that leaves the kitchen is superb.
Beau, Brent and Craig in the courtyard
Bearing in mind these foods are paired with the magnificent wines at Waterford makes the whole endeavor even more fascinating.
The famous salt taster on a slab of real salt
At the table you will find a tester of three superb salts (Craig has a personal collection of more than 200) resting on a slab of solid salt –yes, it’s really salt– I licked it so I know what I’m talking about. The food is superbly presented and changes all the time as the seasons rise and fall.
Think brilliant
Think sirloin steak served with cafe de Paris butter and rich jus drizzled with honey mustard, or tempura soft shell crab, and hake brandade. (Salt Note: In the South of France, around Nîmes, poor salt workers who traded sacks of their produce for dried cod developed brandade. It is an emulsion of dried and salted fish, olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic.
You will not go away hungry
Then there is 8-hour confit and smoked lamb belly, chimichurri with a white bean and vanilla purée. (Salt Note: The word “confit” is derived from the French word “confire,” which means to preserve. The lamb is brined overnight, smoked for two hours, and then cooked very slowly (confit) for 8 hours.
Yummy sweetcorn risotto
My favourite is the Sweetcorn risotto, charred broccoli, pickled red onion and homemade lemon ricotta.(Salt Note: Ricotta is an Italian whey cheese made from sheep, cow, goat, or Italian water buffalo milk whey left over from the production of other cheeses.
Don’t take my word for it–fire up the Benz and get there yourself for a great experience.
SALT RESTAURANT AT WATERFORD ESTATE BLAAUWKLIPPEN RD STELLENBOSCH PHONE 021 880 5316