Article By: Thamar Houliston
Fri, 08 Feb 2008 14:29
The town of Somerset West, set between Stellenbosch and Gordon's Bay is neither here nor there on the map of tourist attractions — not really a part of the winelands route and just short of the coast. But there are two things that Somerset West is renowned for: its incredible hospitality and 'tranquillity'.
Looking for Die Ou Pastorie last Saturday afternoon we trawled the streets of Somerset West, wondering where on earth they could have a guesthouse in this somewhat industrial area.
My partner, who unlike me has navigation skills, managed to set us straight, and, as we drove along hot and tired, we could see Die Ou Pastorie — an oasis of cool at the end of the street.
Originally built as the local parsonage in 1819, the building still carries a simple, yet welcoming persona. The addition of eight classic and seven deluxe en-suite rooms, all in a quaint garden setting, completes the 'country house'.
Unlike some of the commercial bed and breakfasts in the city, co-owner Chretien Ploum made the time to come and greet us, something that guests really value, but which often fails to happen.
Set in a rose garden
Our room, decorated in a Victorian style, complemented the boutique country-house feel. The room opened onto a patio which overlooks the rose garden, and allows you to access the pool and the dining area promptly — as we found after a bottle of cherished Krone bubbly.
By this time the garden had taken on a more romantic character, with candlelight from the restaurant creating that fairy effect, although honestly it could have been the bubbly...
Relating to taste
Die Ou Pastorie Restaurant which locals in the area had classified as 'fine dining', rendering it unaffordable except for 'those special occasions' has been transformed into a modern bistro and wine bar.
Under the helm of Executive Chef Glen Ferus, the same staff remain (thankfully as the service would not be the same without old Rosie, who's been there for almost 20 years) but the style of the restaurant as well as the menu has changed to include a more 'modern take on old classics' — at a price that people feel comfortable paying.
New owners Chretien Ploum and Shybon George, who took over recently (October 2007), have renamed it — 'XO modern bistro and wine bar' — with the addition of the trendy wine bar still to come, which will no doubt be a hit with locals looking for good wine by the glass.
Says Chretien about the new menu: "The concept stems from France, where top chefs and owners of Michelin star restaurants decided to go back to the classics and put them in a modern jacket, rather than continuing to serve the fusion-style foods to which less and less people can relate."
Dinner for two
We ordered the Waterford Pecan Stream to start off our meal at XO. It was heavenly — light and refreshing yet flavoursome, not something you usually find in a Chenin Blanc. Our waiter handled the wine with appreciation which was refreshing.
For starters we opted for the Franschhoek salmon trout terrine with spinach, Cape gooseberries and herb salad (R42); and the Shredded lamb shoulder flour tortilla with cranberry and mint sauce (R34) — the latter a definite must-try.
To go with mains we chose the Asara Cape Fusion, which was also a wise choice, especially since it came in a 375ml bottle.
We tried the Linefish of the day — Kabeljou — served with creamy wild mushroom risotto, Chardonnay butter sauce and seasonal vegetables to boot; as well as the more standard Grilled beef tenderloin fillet with potato wedges. Both came with some artistic veggies served in little frying pans on the side. The fish was priced at R79 and the tenderloin at R85 for the 200 gram choice, while the 300 gram fillet was a little more pricey at R105. The food was "excellent" — my partner agreed, a smile of merriment on his face.
We were forced to skip the cheese platters 'of your choice' due to lack of available space, but we had to try the Galliano Créme Bruléé (R35). It did not disappoint. The classic version infused with Italian liqueur, it brought a homely feeling to our tastebuds and that sleeping feeling to our eyelids...
A wine bar and more...
Ready for bed we made our way to our room only to bump into Chretien and Shybon who were on the patio where they were enjoying the warm evening while thanking customers who were on their way home.
Chretien hails from a small town, Kerkrade, on the Dutch-German border in the southern part of the Netherlands and was literally born into hospitality — his father being a chef.
Whilst on a holiday in South Africa in 1996 he joined the opening-team at The Table Bay Hotel and after that did a five-year stint on the ship — 'The World'. After retiring from ship life he started a hospitality consulting firm, before he, and his soon to be wife Shybon, decided they needed a new challenge and found Die Ou Pastorie.
And they have big plans for Die Ou Pastorie. "Shybon and my vision for Die Ou Pastorie is to turn it into an establishment that people seek out for its tranquility, whilst being offered all the luxuries that one would expect from a boutique luxury hotel. A five-year plan has been put together to enhance the existing facilities in both public areas in the main house, as well as the rooms. Thus, Die Ou Pastorie will become a destination in its own right," says Chretien.
We look forward to heading back to Die Ou Pastorie soon to see what progress has been made, or simply just to try more of their wonderful menu and enjoy a glass of wine on the patio under the tranquil night sky...
Die Ou Pastorie, is situated at 41 Lourens Street, Somerset West. To make a booking call them on +27 12 207 1027.
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