Page 84 - WINE DINE AND TRAVEL FALL 2020 South Africa

On Valentine’s Day, a special three-course din-
ner menu awaited celebrants like us lucky enough
to have Tryn reservations. Dressed for the occa-
sion (lots of romantic red!), couples old and new
toasted with the Steenberg bubbles served with
the amuse bouche - a ruby-red beetroot tataki. A
delicious pawn starter spiced with wasabi and gin-
ger and cooled with cucumber ribbons came next,
matched with the winery’s aromatic Rattlesnake
Sauvignon Blanc.
Palate cleansing berry “popsicles” allowed a re-
laxing pause before the main course - an expertly
cooked beef fillet plated with cauliflower puree, a
mushroom arancini and luxe port and truffle jus.
We toasted the kitchen on this exceptional dish,
with Steenberg’s fine 2016 syrah. Of course
sweets followed - deep caramel-chocolate mousse
circled with raspberries, cake and citrusy creams
and paired with glasses of golden noble late har-
vest zin.
We never could have guessed all those decades
ago that we would celebrate 31 years together in
South Africa. In the Winelands. In this historic ho-
tel. At this exceptional restaurant. Back in our
room, one last surprise awaited. The dimmed
chandelier shown down on the bed strewn with
red rose petals. More petals formed a heart that
framed a plate of truffles with a message in choco-
late - “Congratulations.” We were touched.
Same time next year? We wish we could make
our Winelands adventure an annual affair. But the
distance from our California home is formidable
and travel is tricky in times of pandemics. So hold-
ing on to wonderful memories, we can make one
heart-felt promise: See you soon.

84 WINE DINE & TRAVEL MAGAZINE 2020