We arrived into Cape Town on a quiet Saturday night. After a restful night sleep in our new home, we awoke to the sounds of the ocean and prepared for a fabulous day. My sister and two best friends were going to be celebrating my birthday in South Africa. To kick off an amazing week ahead, we held a birthday dinner at the house.

Local chef, Jess Bunn, set an unbelievable menu based on what was just in from the ocean and farmland surrounding us. The flavors and variation of each dish were complimented with each glass of wine shared.

A potato and lentil starter with a bean puree got our taste buds going and our mouths watering. We then dined on local oysters with fresh horseradish and lemon. Afterwards we moved on to the main event, the steamed mussels. This beautiful display, surrounded by aromatic pines, was almost as tantalizing as the food itself. Cooked off with juniper berries, white wine, and garlic we sipped, slurped, and dipped (our bread) into a wonderfully prepared meal.

To finish it off we had a beautiful dessert of rosewater granita with fresh berries and chunks of crispy honeycomb that created a fresh yet satisfying end to a nourishing meal. I felt so beyond grateful to have such a ceremonious meal shared with my favorite people in the world so many miles from home.

I had never known South Africa to be a complete gastronomic metropolis. I had understood and tasted the many varietals and vivacious wines of the various regions within the country. Yet was completely shocked to find the food in and around Cape Town to be some of the freshest, healthiest, and completely eco-conscientious grub around.

With more vegan bakeries and gluten-free options than you can shake a stick at, you may just confuse this incredible city for the likes of Laguna Beach... and then you go to Beau Constantia. A winery and chef’s kitchen located a short 20 minute drive from central Cape Town that is as charming as it is sinful.

We opted for the seven course tasting menu for two, which ended up being more than enough for three realistically. The combination of flavor, texture, and depth of each dish, paired so seamlessly with their incredible wine pairings. From the risotto to the lamb shank, there wasn’t an element overlooked.

After a full and hearty lunch, served tapas style, we meandered through the vineyards, sipped vintages, and absorbed the beautiful combination of an innovative menu, modern design, and a quintessential winery. Beau Constantia is an absolute must do when visiting South Africa. It has all the charm of the Winelands, right in Cape Town’s backyard.