‘The Alphen' in Constantia, Western Cape, has always been there,
much like a benevolent maiden aunt at every family occasion. Now a fresh
breeze has swept through the lovely old place and given it new life. A
new owner, Paul Kovensky, whose innovative refurbishment allowed the spirit and ethos
of the old Alphen to remain and voila, the Alphen once again stands tall and proud.
And nestling in amongst all this loveliness is La Belle Café and Bakery, the
brainchild and province of Simone, Paul Kovensky's wife.
It was a rainy, grey day when Eugene and I first visited La Belle. The
gracious old Cape Dutch building beckoned its welcome and we happily left the
inclement weather behind as we entered the warm heart of the restaurant.
The welcome was smiling and friendly. I always find this so
important. It sets the tone and standard for the entire experience.
There is nothing I hate more than snooty, uncaring front of the house staff.
Our table was cosily situated next to a wall with shelves displaying all
sorts of interesting things available for purchase. We would explore those
possibilities later. Drinks orders were taken and we sat back to peruse
the menu and gaze about us. What a lovely room! A high
pitched roof reveals wonderful old beams. We are told that the old
ceiling was removed and the cathedral-like height revealed. Two huge gold
mirrors adorn one end of the room and reflect all the goings on. At the other end of the room, a beautiful old open fireplace has a
wood fire burning merrily in its grate. The fireplace is part of the
original building which dates back to the early 1700's.
The history fascinates me. La Belle, newest and youngest of the Alphen
progeny, is housed in one of the oldest buildings on the estate. Originally
built as a 'jonkershuis' or 'young man’s house', to accommodate the son and
heir of the family and his wife, it was very much a feature of life in the Cape
in those grand far-off times. The 'jonkershuis' has undergone many
incarnations. In latter years it was a much frequented neighbourhood pub,
'The Boer and Brit'. But, now there is a new local, La Belle Café
& Bakery.

The menu is large, legible and ladylike. Printed on newsprint,
sheltering in a green paper cover, the choices are presented in
various sections. The breakfast section is full of options ranging from a
'Health' offering all the way through to 'The Five Star Breakfast with a Glass
of Champagne.' En route one can enjoy 'Eggs Benedict', all sorts of
omelettes, an English breakfast, a rather huge Alphen Breakfast and much much
more.

The Sandwich section offers a choice of artisanal breads; baguette,
ciabatta, sourdough or rye. I love the sound of 'chicken and brie served with a
cranberry dressing, oregano and thyme' or 'pastrami served with dijon mustard
and pickles'. There is a vegetarian choice of 'marinated mozzarella,
tomato, capers and basil' and for the pescatarians (described by the Merriam
Webster dictionary as "one whose diet includes fish but no meat) there is
a luscious combination of smoked salmon, cream cheese, avocado, rocket and
onion sprouts. Carnivores can feast on 'Smokey Sirloin' served with tomato and
spicy mayo or 'Proscuitto with emmental and mustard vinaigrette'.
But now onto the Mains. The popular 'La Belle Beef Burger' with avo,
tomato, red onion, rocket and porcini sauce is much ordered and enjoyed.
A 'Chickpea Burger' and a 'Spring Vegetable Penne' with a gluten-free option once
again caters for vegetarians and 'Sirloin Forester' or 'Fillet Steak' served
with chips and Béarnaise are hearty red meat offerings. The 'Beer
Battered Kingklip' with chips and cottage cheese sauce is on Eugene's wish
list. He loves fish and chips. He is also eyeing the
'Meatballs and Tagliatelle' with considerable anticipation. The menu is
well thought out and mindful of different food preferences. Simone has
worked closely with chef, Charl Coetzee and sous chef Dennis Luke. I
watched her taste various dishes that emerged from the kitchen and giving the
go-ahead only to those that she considered up to her very exacting standards.
There is a short and well-considered wine list which covers everything from
French champagne to local bubbles, a special Constantia Valley selection and
several white wines and well-chosen reds. Some wines can be ordered by
the glass, even a glass of French champagne if you wish! A fulsome list
of beverages offers all sorts of treats; raw juices and smoothies,
milkshakes and hot chocolate variations and a whole bunch of speciality leaf
teas. Interesting 'Virgin Cocktails' (without alcohol) follow and then
some really posh 'Cocktails' for those that enjoy a shot or two of the harder
stuff.
We were drowning in choices and if that wasn't bad enough, there were two lovely specials that day. Eugene ordered one of those specials, a Chunky Vegetable Soup. The other special was Special Spicy Butter Chicken served with Ciapaty, a homemade flatbread. I dithered about as usual and eventually chose the Fish Cakes. Our waiter was a master of diplomacy and patience, knowledgeable, helpful and friendly. All the staff from the General Manager, Mariechin Pienaar who has been there since inception through to the waiting staff, displays the same service ethic of friendly helpfulness even under the most trying circumstances.
The fruit tart was a sight to behold! Kiwi fruit, apple, pineapple
and glistening red strawberries lay snugly on a bed of patisserie crème in a
case of melt-in-the mouth pastry. We loved it. I particularly
enjoyed the way my Rooibos tea, all leaf of course, was served. A
glass teapot with a removable infuser is accompanied by a glass cup and saucer
and a tea-timer that indicates when your tea is sufficiently
drawn. A little ceremony at the end of the meal!
We spent a while looking at the tempting wares on the shelves. Beautiful huge tins of olive oil that would look
wonderful in a large kitchen, teas of every variety, spices, preserves, jars of
honey, interesting bottles of Balsamic and coffee machines in bright cheeky
orange. We chose a ceramic jar of olive oil as a hostess gift for a
famous foodie friend and a big box of Maldon salt for ourselves.
There is such charm at La Belle Café & Bakery. Tables are
adorned with fresh Cape flowers and the colours of the room soothing and
pleasing. The restaurant has a happy buzz and on sunny days one may choose to
sit outside and enjoy the aspect of an elegant rustic terrace surrounded
by beautiful trees that have been there for hundreds of years. La
Belle is very family friendly and on fine days one can bring one's favourite
canine on a lead to further adorn the terrace. I have a special doggie friend who
is really very sophisticated and has graced several restaurants with his presence. So Rory, just a few months till summer!

Breakfast is served until 11.45am and no sandwiches are served after 6pm.
Tel: +27 (0) 795 6336
Email: labellegm@alphen.co.za
Website: www.alphen.co.za
Address: The Alphen Estate, Alphen Drive, Constantia.
It is advisable to book.
Eugene and I love eating out and we always pay for ourselves whenever and
wherever we go.
"Back Chat Eats Out" describes the dining experiences that Eugene
and I have enjoyed and wish to share with you.
These articles are written purely for pleasure. Back Chat is in no way
affiliated to or remunerated by any establishment.
4 comments:
Must head that way one day to sample their vegetarian fare!
Dear BP,
Thank you for your kind comment.
I look forward to some feedback from you after you have visited La Belle.
Kind Regards
Leslie Back
Thanks Leslie for a wonderful read, my tastebuds are dancing and tummy is rumbling! Will definitely give it a try soon.
Dear Catherine,
Thank you for your lovely comment.
I am sure that you will enjoy the La Belle experience.
With warmest wishes,
Leslie
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