Just back from an incredible trip to Madagascar, still with sand between my toes, I joined Manley Communications and a wonderful group of media and foodie enthusiasts at Majeka House to try their award-winning Makaron Restaurant‘s compelling new ‘small plates’ menu by Head Chef Lucas Carstens.
Hosted by Karine Dequeker, Ian and Lise Manley, we arrived for some time at leisure before bubbly in the lounge and moved across to indulge in six courses of delicately prepared dishes. Each holding the title of favourite, until the next arrived. The baby marrow risotto and ‘leipoldt se melktert’ ice cream sandwich were my best. Here are some pics to entice you to experience this for yourself.
Globally, there’s definitely a trend towards small plate tapas-style dining, with people sharing flavours and textures around the table” explained Chef Carstens as we indulged in his masterpieces. Having taken the helm of the Makaron kitchen in 2015, his idea is flexibility and he wants Majeka’s guests to decide for themselves how they discover the menu. I love it. Some of the dishes on our 7-course menu are below.
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Then to be cocooned in my gorgeous room with its giant comfy bed and plush cushions, floral wallpaper and wood panelling, stunning designer chairs, spacious bathroom and every amenity, was heaven.
Already a recipient of a string of awards and accolades over the years, Majeka House & Spa has clinched Best Design Hotel in Africa & the Middle East at the Condé Nast Johansens Awards for Excellence 2017. Praised as a ‘wining, dining and super styling destination’, the award comes at the end of a successful and exciting year; owners Lloyd van der Merwe and Karine Dequeker-van der Merwe have been working on various upgrades and tweaks since last year, calling in the expertise of designer Etienne Hanekom to work on the hotel’s rooms, Makaron Restaurant as well as the photogenic MLounge.
Always a hard place to leave I recommend that you book a meal, or much better still, a night or two. It’s the most special place, and you’ll feel the team’s passion seep through you, leaving you smitten.
Read my previous post – Majeka House. Stellenbosch. Where everything is considered.
Here are the essential details:
Makaron Restaurant is open daily for dinner (closed on Wednesdays during winter between May and September) from 18h30 – 20h30. Diners can choose four/five/six courses from the ’small plates menu for R450/R565/R675 respectively. An optional wine pairing is also available, at a cost of R770/R940/R1100 for both food and wine. These rates are current and subject to confirmation when booking.
Majeka House & Spa and Makaron restaurant are situated at 26-32 Houtkapper Street, Paradyskloof, Stellenbosch. For bookings call 021 880 1549 or email reservations@majekahouse.co.za. For more information visit www.majekahouse.co.za
