REPORT: THE SINGING COOK

28th February 2019

Our day started with mixed emotions – we took the coastal road from Gordon’s Bay to Kleinmond which in SO many ways must be rivalled as one of the most scenic drives along our coast!  This beauty coupled with the devastation of the recent fires had us all feeling somewhat deflated!  However, nature is still kind and to see the new growth coming out of the fire damage, is encouraging – although some of the foliage might never recover.

A quick stop for a coffee at Bistro No 14 on 14 Harbour Road in Kleinmond and some collecting (something that women never battle with!) and we were headed to Rivendell Estate and The Singing Cook, for lunch.

We were greeted by Antonio welcoming us in song – what a pleasant surprise.  From then on, the tone was set, and my goodness the Time Outer’s were treated to a wonderful day by the Singing Cook and his awesome staff!  Nothing seemed too much trouble for them – quickly moving tables so that friends could sit together.  Very shortly everyone was served a glass of their favourite wine and we sat waiting for our lunch!

We can very quickly understand why Antonio is getting great reviews since he has recently opened this new restaurant on the Rivendell Wine Estate.  “Antonio what a gem you are – we had a fabulous afternoon, and the food was delicious” – a comment recently on Trip Advisor.

We were served Lasagne with a side salad which was to die for!  Tasting just like a well-prepared Lasagne should taste, complete with being serenaded by Antonio!

Most of the ladies were instantly transported into that happy place with music!  Joining in took NO effort on their part – “oh dear life is good when you have this sort of experience!”

Dessert was a Tiramisu (also to-die-for) – the real McCoy! Oh, my goodness what a taste sensation and such a huge portion – Quite a few ladies took ½ of their portion home!

The cherry on the top was at the end of our dessert we were told we were in for a surprise – Antonio and his head chef who has worked with him for many, many years serenaded us with their final number.  Not many of the group were ready to get in the coach and head back into the bedlam of late afternoon traffic – but as we all know in life – ALL GOOD THINGS HAVE TO COME TO AN END – and it is moments like this of ‘togetherness’ that we all know and understand so very well!

The traffic was already backing up through Somerset West but after a stop at Peregrines and only leaving there by 16h15 it was pretty good going to reach Constantia by just after 17h00!  The trip to Tableview was somewhat lengthier but at the end of the day this is a major irritation compared to the joy that the group gets after a fabulous day out.

BUON CIBO (means Good Food) and we were treated royally at the Singing Cook

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