I find it incredible that we only found out about lovely Cargills Restaurant at 20 Station Road, Rondebosch, Western Cape, on Saturday 26th January 2013! A foodie chef friend took over the restaurant and treated his friends to an evening of superb food, finest wines and great conviviality. We were captivated. As soon as we could, we returned to Cargills, this time for lunch.
The restaurant, situated opposite Rondebosch station, is part of a row of shops with windows fronting directly onto the street. There is an air of genteel tranquillity, no hustle and bustle and lots of trees and shade. The Rondebosch library is there. As a young girl I used to take the bus to Rondebosch station to visit the library. And now, all the years on, it seems that time has stood still. Nothing has changed. All quaint and English villagey.
We were warmly welcomed by the chef/patron Joszka (pronounced Yoshka) Nagy. South African, but of Hungarian heritage, he is the gentle spirit behind the lovely food. His pretty, young Irish wife, Vicki Tully, is his helpmate and partner. She assists at night and on the weekends. The restaurant draws one in with a charming vision of crisp white linen-covered tables and chairs all dressed up in their best with white linen wedding covers. Cool pale apricot and olive green walls are covered with paintings and mirrors and sconces that reflect the light upwards. The front door is framed by heavily draped curtains after the style of fine dining restaurants in Europe. Intimate and lovely!
We perused the small, well chosen wine list which contains delightful descriptions of all its offerings. We would make our choices after we had decided on our meal. The menu changes according to availability of ingredients. I love it when a chef shares that information with me. It means lovely fresh ingredients and a chef’s versatility in being creative in dealing with the vagaries of the produce markets. Joszka tells me that 90% of his client base are locals. Well, no wonder I had never heard of Cargills! The locals have jealously guarded their little gem tucked away in a quiet village street. Over the years they have become friends with Joszka and Vicki. He emphasises that this is actually his social life. In fact, while we were there, a gentleman arrived and before he had sat down he told Joszka what he wanted to eat that day. He apologised that his wife was unwell and could not keep the appointment. No matter! On his departure, our patron presented him with a plate covered in foil. His wife would still enjoy a Cargills offering. Joszka insists that he does not do take-aways, but of course there are special circumstances!
It is a compact menu with about 5 starters, more or less 6 main courses and about 5 desserts. On the day we were there for lunch, I chose 'Baked Fresh Figs with Gorgonzola, served with greens on a berry coulis' as a starter. Eugene was tempted by a ’Prawn & Avocado Salad with a sweet honey mustard dressing' but decided to skip a starter. You may want to try the 'Grilled Open Brown Mushrooms, topped with creamed spinach laced with whiskey & Norwegian Salmon', or 'Baked Camembert in Phyllo Pastry on greens with a berry coulis'. My mouth waters just writing about it.
Oh and by the way, there are also daily specials. That day, chef had taken delivery of wonderfully fresh East Coast soles. That did it for me. I had loved them at the party and ordered them again as a main course. Eugene had raved about the Confit of Duck with an Orange and Honey sauce that he had devoured at the party. On our lunch visit, he ordered Confit of Duck again, but this time presented with a plum and honey sauce. Can you imagine the luscious deep purple plums at the market that day? Other main courses to choose would be a 'Fillet of Beef with a bordelaise sauce', or a 'Crisp Pork Belly with a pear and sage sauce'. If the wonderful soles had not arrived, I would have ordered Pan Fried Tiger Prawns in a light chilli and garlic cream. To stave off starvation, a ramekin of delicate, delicious chicken liver paté was served accompanied by homemade ciabbata. I had to control an overwhelming urge to finish the lot. Eugene was making a meal of it!

The dessert menu has 5 delectable offerings. You should try the excellent Crème Brulèe or you might order the 'Warm Pot au Chocolat' or 'Fresh Summer Berries in a Fine Chocolate Basket with chantilly cream and a berry coulis'. There is further temptation in the divine form of a 'Sparkling Champagne Berry Jelly with crème fraiche' or the 'White Chocolate Parfait' described as homemade ice-cream with a white chocolate sauce. Gorgeous homemade truffle chocolates are served at the end of the meal. All lovely, all delicious!

Cargills is open for Lunch from Tuesday to Friday from 12.30 - 15.00
Dinner from Tuesday to Saturday from 18.30
It is advisable to book for dinner.
Tel: (021) 689 2666
Email: vtully@xsinet.co.za
Address: 20 Station Road, Rondebosch, Cape Town.
Eugene and I love eating out and we pay for ourselves whenever and wherever we go.
'Back Chat Eats Out' are the dining experiences that Eugene and I have enjoyed and wish to share with you.
They are written purely for pleasure and Back Chat is in no way affiliated to or remunerated by any establishment.
2 comments:
You capture the essence of a place so beautifully and make the food so much more than a whisper! Luv Michael
Dear Michael,
It is always a delight to receive a comment from you. Thank you for your lovely words and generous spirit.
Love,
Leslie
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