Adriaan's thoughts for August

August means the winter will soon be over but the cold days
still remain which is why we still enjoy warm dishes on the
roots menu.

I have looked into some interesting ways this
month to serve plain ingredients with a twist like the salt
baked root vegetables, the cauliflower three ways and the
delicious wax honeycomb. I am also excited about my new
local duck supplier. Now fresh duck from the farm
is only a call away.

I try to keep my food not over complicated
and hopefully it will delight your palate. Hope to see you in
the restaurant and look forward to discuss the flavours and
combinations after your next meal.

Adriaan Maree
Executive Chef

August dinner menu *

Roots Bouillabaisse
Salt baked root vegetables, Fruit de Mer and Rouille

Sous Vide Sole
Potato truffle croucette, baby aubergines, kohlrabi and lime pure and verjus gel

Rooibos smoked Ballontine and Foie gras
Quince pure, celeriac, baby leeks Beluga lentils, wax honey and almond curd

Pork loin and Braised Belly
Pomme Farcies, cabbage, king oyster mushroom, apple, coffee, truffle emulsion and onion rings

Pre Dessert
Pistachio Parfait, lemon curd and cocoa soil

* A sample rotating menu for August.
View more menus for August and September

Jordan "The real McCoy" Weisser Riesling 2010
(winemaker: Gary & Kathy Jordan)

For our very first wine of the month I chose the Weisser Riesling. I feel the Riesling has been getting the short end of the stick in the last decade mainly due to the early mix up between the Weisser Riesling and the lesser quality "Cape Riesling" or Crouchen Blanc. The wines made from Crouchen Blanc, which originates from France, are generally not of a high quality. It was wrongly regarded for many years as the genuine Rieslings known as the Rhine Riesling or Weisser Riesling. These grapes originate from the Rhine in Germany and are considered to be one of the top white wine varieties, along with the big two, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay. Weisser Riesling is a popular vine which has adapted to the soil and climate of South Africa.

Jordan Estate is situated in Stellenbosch and is a family run farm. "The real McCoy" is made from 100% Wiesser Riesling. The vines are 24 years old and not irrigated, situated on decomposed granite soils and 300m above sea level. Intense lemon-lime flavours come through with a crisp fruitiness which makes it a superb partner with seafood and curry dishes. Hints of spiciness add to its charm. At roots this month we paired it up with the Pan fried Kabeljou. Hope you enjoy this pairing. I look forward to the next perfect match
sensation……

Leon Coetzee
roots sommelier