Continuing from my series of posts on our Bahamas Cruise, we opted one night to dine at Chops Grille, an alternative fine dining option onboard the Enchantment of the Seas cruise-liner. It is small and intimate, the service is friendly and professional and the food is of the highest standard.
Upon arrival our attention was drawn toward the breathtaking sunset, framed by the beautiful large window panes. I hope one or two images inspires you to pin them to Pinterest.
We had no difficulty to select a wine from the large collection of quality wines, since we immediately noticed the only South African wine on the menu, Stark-Condé (www.stark-conde.co.za). This picturesque winery is situated in the Jonkershoek Valley, Stellenbosch. Winemaker, José Condé sticks to "traditional winemaking methods: open tank fermentation, meticulous sorting of grapes, hand-punchdowns, basket pressing, and maturation in small French oak barrels". His wife Marie manages one of my favourite restaurants in the Western Cape, Postcard Café, on the same farm.
As many others have claimed, it was arguably one of the best steaks I can recall having at any restaurant. In Cape Town we are spoiled with some of the best coffee roasters, like Espressolab Micro Roasters. This means I have developed into a coffee snob and the ship's baristas did not satisfy our expectations. When Vintz ordered his flatwhite, he had enough, he will only take a flatwhite if I make it. The waiter checked with his manager, who said, "Please! We would love to learn." Yolandé took the photos and honestly, it was one of my better performances! Even though the beans did not have much to offer.
This little restaurant is a gem. If you have the opportunity to travel onboard the "Enchantment of the Seas," do make the effort to dine at this fine restaurant.
“The only time to eat diet food is while you're waiting for the steak to cook.”
---Julia Child