MIDDELVLEI BOERE BRAAI (Farmer BBQ) PAIRED WITH PINOTAGE
A great addition to the Stellenbosch winelands is the opportunity for you to experience a traditional South African Braai at Middelvlei Wine Estate. Braaing (BBQing) is a national pass time in South Africa during summer. On any summer’s night this is our standard way of entertaining with friends.
In South Africa the most standard Braai always includes red meat – in fact it can include steak, chops, Boerewors (Farmer sausage), chicken (often served as a sosatie – like a kebab), fish, Butternut wrapped in foil in the coals, potato done the same way. It all depends on what everyone brings – most braai’s are what we call “Bring and Braai” – so everyone brings some meat along and it is all combined. As such you usually end up with a mountain of meat and the host is left with enough left overs to last days! A couple of rules apply to the South African Braai – firstly red wine is usually consumed – and the first choice is our favourite varietal pinotage (this is a varietal that was developed in our territory, and is still largely only found in South Africa). Secondly – it is the men’s job to make the braai and to braai the meat. This is a bonding opportunity for the boys who catch up on sport stories, business etc and is usually done over a few beers – with the wine reserved for the meal! The women are generally in the kitchen preparing the salads to accompany the meat, as well as items such as garlic bread and whatever else is planned. It is a great opportunity for the girls to catch up too as a result!
As this is part of home entertainment, it is hard for foreigners to access our favourite pass time – and that is why I am so excited about the fact that Middelvlei are now offering a traditional braai every Saturday and Sunday lunch (regardless of the weather as the braai is covered and they have a lovely indoor seating area). You would think that this would have appealed mainly to those visiting the country – but obviously word has not spread among the foreigners yet. Instead they are getting the likes of me who lives in an apartment and feels chronically deprived by not being able to have my weekly “Braai” fix. In addition they are appealing to local families – the farm is the perfect spot to allow the kids to just run wild – which is great as the adults can relax and chat. The Mombergs have a troop of kids and as such the farm is set up for great fun for the kids – as well as endless space, they have an assortment of fun animals for the kids to watch – pot belly pigs, geese, huge tortoises, chickens and I believe they even have some Wallabies!
The location is simple and lovely – they have added tables outside their little wine tasting room – you are free to move your table or ask for a blanket to lie on the grass – the main thing is to just relax. Start with a wine tasting when you arrive or book in advance to check out their cellar. This is a family owned estate and if you book to visit the cellar you are quite likely to meet of the Momberg clan! They are hands on with running the estate!
The meal served is a wonderful reflection of a traditional South African Braai. I loved my meals there both times that I went and would strongly recommend that you book to experience a proper South African braai!
MIDDELVLEI BOEREBRAAI MENU (Every Saturday & Sunday)
Cost: Approx R200 – dessert charged separately!
+27 21 883-2565 | |
+27 21 883-9546 | |
info@middelvlei.co.za | |
www.middelvlei.co.za |